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Seattle Municipal Archives Finding Aids

Zoning Commission Minutes

 Series
Identifier: 1651-01

Scope and Contents note

The Zoning Commission minutes consist of proceedings of regular and special meetings. Minutes contain information on members present, petitions and letters from Seattle citizens or citizens' groups, resolutions of the Commission, and reports of special committees. Classification of properties or districts (into such categories as Business, Residence, or Manufacturing), as well as building height limits and suggested amendments to zoning code, are discussed in the minutes.

The early minutes include reports from other cities regarding zoning used by Seattle as the city began the process of establishing zoning districts. Harland Bartholomew, City Plan Engineer of St. Louis, visited Seattle to assist the Zoning Commission; many of his reports and communications are discussed in the minutes. Also of interest are the minutes relating to controversy regarding packing houses in the Beacon Hill neighborhood; the late 1920 and early 1921 minutes discuss the issue at length.

Dates

  • Creation: 1920-1925

Creator

Conditions Governing Access note

Records are open to the public.

Historical Note

The Zoning Commission was established in 1920 to survey the City, divide it into districts or zones, and recommend land use in those areas. The City Engineer, Superintendent of Buildings, one Parks Trustee, and six individuals appointed by the Mayor comprised the Commission membership. In 1923, the Commission presented a draft ordinance to City Council which became the City's first Zoning Code. Commission activities were superceded by creation of the City Planning Commission in 1924. Although inactive, the Commission was not abolished until 1936.

Full Extent

0.2 Cubic Feet (1 box)

Language of Materials

English

Abstract

Proceedings of meetings of the Zoning Commission, 1920-1925. Minutes discuss zoning and classification of districts and properties.

Arrangement note

Minutes are arranged chronologically.

Title
Guide to the Zoning Commission Minutes 1920-1925
Author
Finding aid prepared by Shannon B. Lynch and Scott Cline
Date
Š 2004
Description rules
Describing Archives: A Content Standard
Language of description note
Finding aid written in English.
Sponsor
Funding for encoding this finding aid was provided through a grant awarded by the National Endowment for the Humanities.
EAD Location
http://archiveswest.orbiscascade.org/ark:/80444/xv24973

Repository Details

Part of the Seattle Municipal Archives Repository

Contact:
PO Box 94728
600 Fourth Avenue, Floor 3
Seattle 98124-4728 USA US