SEPA ENVIRONMENTAL CHECKLIST
Purpose of checklist:
Governmental agencies use this checklist to help determine whether the environmental impacts of your
proposal are significant. This information is also helpful to determine if available avoidance, minimization
or compensatory mitigation measures will address the probable significant impacts or if an
environmental impact statement will be prepared to further analyze the proposal.
Instructions for applicants:
This environmental checklist asks you to describe some basic information about your proposal. Please
answer each question accurately and carefully, to the best of your knowledge. You may need to consult
with an agency specialist or private consultant for some questions. You may use “not applicable” or
"does not apply" only when you can explain why it does not apply and not when the answer is unknown.
You may also attach or incorporate by reference additional studies reports. Complete and accurate
answers to these questions often avoid delays with the SEPA process as well as later in the decisionmaking process.
The checklist questions apply to all parts of your proposal, even if you plan to do them over a period of
time or on different parcels of land. Attach any additional information that will help describe your
proposal or its environmental effects. The agency to which you submit this checklist may ask you to
explain your answers or provide additional information reasonably related to determining if there may
be significant adverse impact.
Instructions for Lead Agencies:
Please adjust the format of this template as needed. Additional information may be necessary to
evaluate the existing environment, all interrelated aspects of the proposal and an analysis of adverse
impacts. The checklist is considered the first but not necessarily the only source of information needed
to make an adequate threshold determination. Once a threshold determination is made, the lead agency
is responsible for the completeness and accuracy of the checklist and other supporting documents.
Use of checklist for nonproject proposals:
For nonproject proposals (such as ordinances, regulations, plans and programs), complete the applicable
parts of sections A and B plus the Please completely answer all questions that apply and note that the
words "project," "applicant," and "property or site" should be read as "proposal," "proponent," and
"affected geographic area," respectively. The lead agency may exclude (for non-projects) questions in
Part B - Environmental Elements –that do not contribute meaningfully to the analysis of the proposal.

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 A. Background
1. Name of proposed project, if applicable:
The proposal is to amend applicable sections of the Seattle Land Use (1) to provide that
transitional encampments for homeless individuals are allowed on any property owned or
controlled by a religious organization without approval of a permit under the Seattle Land
Use Code; (2) to permit transitional encampments for homeless individuals as an interim use
on all public or private property within the City of Seattle; (3) to increase to 40 the maximum
number of authorized interim use transitional encampments that are not associated with a
religious organization; and (4) to provide for renewal of temporary use permits for
transitional encampments as a Type I decision of the Director of the Seattle Department of
Construction and Inspections.
2. Name of applicant:
Seattle City Council
3. Address and phone number of applicant and contact person:
City of Seattle
City Council
600 Fourth Avenue 2nd floor
PO Box 34025
Seattle, WA 98104
(206) 684-8888
4. Date checklist prepared:
August 6, 2019
5. Agency requesting checklist:
Seattle City Council
6. Proposed timing or schedule (including phasing, if applicable):
City Council consideration is expected to begin in the third quarter of 2019.
7. Do you have any plans for future additions, expansion, or further activity related to or
connected with this proposal? If yes, explain.
No.
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 8. List any environmental information you know about that has been prepared, or will be
prepared, directly related to this proposal.
The information provided in this checklist.
9. Do you know whether applications are pending for governmental approvals of other
proposals directly affecting the property covered by your proposal? If yes, explain.
Not applicable. This is a nonproject action. Individual projects developed under this
proposal will be subject to environmental review if they meet or exceed thresholds for
environmental review.
10. List any government approvals or permits that will be needed for your proposal, if known.
Approval by Seattle City Council and Mayor as amendments to Seattle’s Land Use Code.
11. Give brief, complete description of your proposal, including the proposed uses and the size
of the project and site. There are several questions later in this checklist that ask you to
describe certain aspects of your proposal. You do not need to repeat those answers on this
page. (Lead agencies may modify this form to include additional specific information on project
description.)
On March 30, 2015, the City Council adopted Seattle City Ordinance No. 124747, which
added Section 23.42.056 to the Land Use Code to permit transitional encampments for
homeless individuals to locate as an interim use on sites owned or operated by the City of
Seattle or private owners for a period of up to one year, and within the following zones:
Industrial zones, Downtown zones, except for Downtown zones defined as residential,
Seattle Mixed zones, Commercial 2 (C2), Commercial 1 (C1), Neighborhood Commercial 3
(NC3) and Neighborhood Commercial 2 (NC2) zones. Section 23.42.056 as adopted
included the following requirements:
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Creates a “Type 1” Master Use Permit (non-appealable and not subject to public notice)
that would have a one-year term (compared with the existing 4-week limit on Type 1);
Requires encampment operators to have prior experience managing or operating
shelters, low income housing, or homeless encampments;
Provides that no more than three encampments would be permitted and operating at
any one time;
Requires a minimum of 12 months after a transitional encampment interim use permit
has expired before a new transitional encampment could be established at the same
site;
Allows a maximum of 100 occupants and requires 100 square feet of land per occupant

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(already established in the Code for encampments on sites owned or controlled by
religious organizations);
Requires a plan to address site management, maintenance and security;
Requires compliance with the same health, safety, and inspection requirements that
have been established for encampments on sites owned or controlled by religious
organizations;
Establishes parking requirements for encampments if they are not located on sites
owned or controlled by religious organizations (1 space for each 2 staff members on-site
at peak staffing times); various exceptions to parking requirements in the existing Code
would apply;
Requires that encampment use must be located at least 25 feet from any residentially
zoned lot – sites may be closer than 25 feet to residentially zoned lots if encampment
boundary is set back at least 25 feet and landscaping, fencing or similar buffer is added;
Provides that sites must be 5,000 square feet or larger;
Site must be located within one-half mile of a transit stop;
Provides that encampment sites are required to locate at least one mile from any other
legally established transitional encampment interim use;
Provides that encampment use must be located outside of wetland, wetland buffer,
steep slope, steep slope buffer, and fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
regulated by the City’s regulations for Environmentally Critical Areas or Chapter 23.60A,
the Seattle Shoreline Master Program Regulations;
States that encampment use cannot displace or occupy an area that is used to meet
required code provisions for an existing permitted use, such as area for required parking
or setbacks;
Establishes community outreach requirements to give neighbors advance notice of
encampments, together with specific operations standards to be implemented by
operators of each encampment, would be added by Director’s Rule; authority to make
specific rules would be added to the Code; and
Requires that the operator allow service providers such as social workers to access the
site when a City-owned property.

In Section 11 of Ordinance 124747, the City Council specifically asked that DPD complete an
environmental review and threshold determination on a proposal to modify the new Section
23.42.056 to allow transitional encampments without restriction by zone or property
ownership. DPD completed the environmental review and made a SEPA determination of
non-significance that was published on August 27, 2015. No appeal was filed.
The current proposal would retain many of the requirements in Ordinance 124747 while making the
following changes:
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Exempts encampments on property owned or controlled by a religious organization from land
use permitting requirements.

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Removes the current requirement that encampments on property owned or controlled by a
religious organization be accessory to an existing principal use on that property.
Permits transitional encampments on sites owned or controlled by the City of Seattle, including
sites owned by other public entities such as King County or the State of Washington if the site is
controlled by the City such as through a lease.
Removes the requirement that transitional encampments be located at least one mile from any
other legally-established transitional encampment use;
Continues to permit transitional encampments on sites owned by private owners.
Continues the time limit for an interim use permit for a period of up to one year, but within all
zones, including residential zones.
Allows unlimited renewals of the one-year permit for additional one-year terms, subject to
compliance with all applicable regulations, particularly in Sections 23.42.054 and 23.42.056, and
remove the requirement that encampments move to a new site after a maximum of two years
at any one location.
Removes the requirement that encampments must be located at least 25 feet from any
residentially zoned lot or, if a site is closer than 25 feet to residentially zoned lots, that the
encampment boundary be set back at least 25 feet, since the proposal would allow transitional
encampments to locate in residential zones.
Requires screening (fence or wall) for all lot boundaries.
Changes the limit of three encampments City-wide to a maximum of forty encampments.
Removes the sunset date of March 31, 2020 for interim use encampment regulations.
For encampments established by the 6-month temporary use process, which is an appealable
“Type II” Master Use Permit, allows conversion of the 6-month permit to an interim use as a nonappealable Type I permit.

12. Location of the proposal. Give sufficient information for a person to understand the precise
location of your proposed project, including a street address, if any, and section, township, and
range, if known. If a proposal would occur over a range of area, provide the range or
boundaries of the site(s). Provide a legal description, site plan, vicinity map, and topographic
map, if reasonably available. While you should submit any plans required by the agency, you
are not required to duplicate maps or detailed plans submitted with any permit applications
related to this checklist.
The proposed amendments apply to areas throughout the city of Seattle.
B. Environmental Elements
1. Earth
a. General description of the site:
(circle one): Flat, rolling, hilly, steep slopes, mountainous, other _____________

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 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. Encampments may locate on sites in all zones that may have a
variety of topographic features.
b. What is the steepest slope on the site (approximate percent slope)?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. Transitional encampments may not locate on steep slope erosion
hazard areas mapped as Environmentally Critical Areas.
c. What general types of soils are found on the site (for example, clay, sand, gravel, peat,
muck)? If you know the classification of agricultural soils, specify them and note any
agricultural land of long-term commercial significance and whether the proposal results in
removing any of these soils.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
d. Are there surface indications or history of unstable soils in the immediate vicinity? If so,
describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
e. Describe the purpose, type, total area, and approximate quantities and total affected area of
any filling, excavation, and grading proposed. Indicate source of fill.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
f. Could erosion occur as a result of clearing, construction, or use? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
g. About what percent of the site will be covered with impervious surfaces after project
construction (for example, asphalt or buildings)?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
h.

Proposed measures to reduce or control erosion, or other impacts to the earth, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.

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 2. Air
a. What types of emissions to the air would result from the proposal during construction,
operation, and maintenance when the project is completed? If any, generally describe and
give approximate quantities if known.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
b. Are there any off-site sources of emissions or odor that may affect your proposal? If so,
generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control emissions or other impacts to air, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
3. Water
a. Surface Water:
1) Is there any surface water body on or in the immediate vicinity of the site (including
year-round and seasonal streams, saltwater, lakes, ponds, wetlands)? If yes, describe
type and provide names. If appropriate, state what stream or river it flows into.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are not allowed in mapped
wetland or riparian environmentally critical areas or within the Shoreline District.
2) Will the project require any work over, in, or adjacent to (within 200 feet) the described
waters? If yes, please describe and attach available plans.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
3) Estimate the amount of fill and dredge material that would be placed in or removed
from surface water or wetlands and indicate the area of the site that would be affected.
Indicate the source of fill material.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

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 4) Will the proposal require surface water withdrawals or diversions? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
5) Does the proposal lie within a 100-year floodplain? If so, note location on the site plan.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
6) Does the proposal involve any discharges of waste materials to surface waters? If so,
describe the type of waste and anticipated volume of discharge.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
b. Ground Water:
1) Will groundwater be withdrawn from a well for drinking water or other purposes? If so,
give a general description of the well, proposed uses and approximate quantities
withdrawn from the well. Will water be discharged to groundwater? Give general
description, purpose, and approximate quantities if known.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
2) Describe waste material that will be discharged into the ground from septic tanks or
other sources, if any (for example: Domestic sewage; industrial, containing the
following chemicals. . . ; agricultural; etc.). Describe the general size of the system, the
number of such systems, the number of houses to be served (if applicable), or the
number of animals or humans the system(s) are expected to serve.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are required to meet
regulations for disposal of waste material.
c. Water runoff (including stormwater):
1) Describe the source of runoff (including storm water) and method of collection
and disposal, if any (include quantities, if known). Where will this water flow?
Will this water flow into other waters? If so, describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

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 2) Could waste materials enter ground or surface waters? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
3) Does the proposal alter or otherwise affect drainage patterns in the vicinity of the site? If
so, describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control surface, ground, and runoff water, and drainage
pattern impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
4. Plants
a. Check the types of vegetation found on the site:

__X__deciduous tree: alder, maple, aspen, other
__X__evergreen tree: fir, cedar, pine, other
__X__shrubs
__X__grass
____pasture
____crop or grain
____ Orchards, vineyards or other permanent crops.
__X__ wet soil plants: cattail, buttercup, bullrush, skunk cabbage, other
__X__water plants: water lily, eelgrass, milfoil, other
__X__other types of vegetation
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. The range of sites that could be affected by the proposal
could include those plants checked on the lines above.
b. What kind and amount of vegetation will be removed or altered?
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
c. List threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.

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 This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
d. Proposed landscaping, use of native plants, or other measures to preserve or enhance
vegetation on the site, if any:
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
e. List all noxious weeds and invasive species known to be on or near the site.
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
5. Animals
a. List any birds and other animals which have been observed on or near the site or are known
to be on or near the site.
Examples include:
birds: hawk, heron, eagle, songbirds, other:
mammals: deer, bear, elk, beaver, other:
fish: bass, salmon, trout, herring, shellfish, other ________
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
b. List any threatened and endangered species known to be on or near the site.
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
c. Is the site part of a migration route? If so, explain.
This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No construction is
proposed.
d. Proposed measures to preserve or enhance wildlife, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
e. List any invasive animal species known to be on or near the site.

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 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
6. Energy and Natural Resources
a. What kinds of energy (electric, natural gas, oil, wood stove, solar) will be used to meet
the completed project's energy needs? Describe whether it will be used for heating,
manufacturing, etc.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampments use small amounts of energy.
b. Would your project affect the potential use of solar energy by adjacent properties?
If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
c. What kinds of energy conservation features are included in the plans of this proposal?
List other proposed measures to reduce or control energy impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
7. Environmental Health
a. Are there any environmental health hazards, including exposure to toxic chemicals, risk
of fire and explosion, spill, or hazardous waste, that could occur as a result of this proposal?
If so, describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
1) Describe any known or possible contamination at the site from present or past uses.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
2) Describe existing hazardous chemicals/conditions that might affect project development

and design. This includes underground hazardous liquid and gas transmission pipelines
located within the project area and in the vicinity.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.

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 3) Describe any toxic or hazardous chemicals that might be stored, used, or produced

during the project's development or construction, or at any time during the operating
life of the project.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
4) Describe special emergency services that might be required.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
5) Proposed measures to reduce or control environmental health hazards, if any:

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
b. Noise
1) What types of noise exist in the area which may affect your project (for example:
traffic, equipment, operation, other)?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
2) What types and levels of noise would be created by or associated with the project on a
short-term or a long-term basis (for example: traffic, construction, operation, other)? Indicate what hours noise would come from the site.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
3) Proposed measures to reduce or control noise impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project
location. No construction is proposed.
8. Land and Shoreline Use
a. What is the current use of the site and adjacent properties? Will the proposal affect current
land uses on nearby or adjacent properties? If so, describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. Transitional encampments have screening requirements to
mitigate impacts to adjacent residentially zoned lots developed with residential uses.

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 b. Has the project site been used as working farmlands or working forest lands? If so, describe.
How much agricultural or forest land of long-term commercial significance will be converted
to other uses as a result of the proposal, if any? If resource lands have not been designated,
how many acres in farmland or forest land tax status will be converted to nonfarm or
nonforest use?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
1) Will the proposal affect or be affected by surrounding working farm or forest land normal
business operations, such as oversize equipment access, the application of pesticides,
tilling, and harvesting? If so, how:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
c. Describe any structures on the site.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
d. Will any structures be demolished? If so, what?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
e. What is the current zoning classification of the site?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. The proposal would allow transitional encampments on property
in all zones.
f. What is the current comprehensive plan designation of the site?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. The proposal would allow transitional encampments on
property in all zones and with a variety of comprehensive plan designations.
g. If applicable, what is the current shoreline master program designation of the site?

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 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are not allowed in the Shoreline
District.
h. Has any part of the site been classified as a critical area by the city or county? If so, specify.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are not allowed in any wetland,
wetland buffer, known and potential landslide designations, steep slope, steep slope
buffer, or fish and wildlife habitat conservation area defined and regulated by Chapter
25.09, Regulations for Environmentally Critical Areas or by Chapter 23.60A, the Seattle
Shoreline Master Program.
i. Approximately how many people would reside or work in the completed project?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed. No more than 100 occupants are allowed for each transitional
encampment site.
j. Approximately how many people would the completed project displace?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
k. Proposed measures to avoid or reduce displacement impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.
l. Proposed measures to ensure the proposal is compatible with existing and projected land
uses and plans, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.

m. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts to agricultural and forest lands of longterm commercial significance, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location. No
construction is proposed.

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 9. Housing
a. Approximately how many units would be provided, if any? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are not a residential use and do
not provide housing units.

b. Approximately how many units, if any, would be eliminated? Indicate whether high,
middle, or low-income housing.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control housing impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

10. Aesthetics
a. What is the tallest height of any proposed structure(s), not including antennas; what is
the principal exterior building material(s) proposed?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. No permanent structures are allowed as part of a
transitional encampment.
b. What views in the immediate vicinity would be altered or obstructed?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
b. Proposed measures to reduce or control aesthetic impacts, if any:

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
11. Light and Glare
a. What type of light or glare will the proposal produce? What time of day would it mainly
occur?

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 Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
b. Could light or glare from the finished project be a safety hazard or interfere with views?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

c. What existing off-site sources of light or glare may affect your proposal?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
d. Proposed measures to reduce or control light and glare impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
12. Recreation
a. What designated and informal recreational opportunities are in the immediate vicinity?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
b. Would the proposed project displace any existing recreational uses? If so, describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
c. Proposed measures to reduce or control impacts on recreation, including recreation
opportunities to be provided by the project or applicant, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
13. Historic and cultural preservation
a. Are there any buildings, structures, or sites, located on or near the site that are over 45 years
old listed in or eligible for listing in national, state, or local preservation registers? If so,
specifically describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
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 b. Are there any landmarks, features, or other evidence of Indian or historic use or occupation?
This may include human burials or old cemeteries. Are there any material evidence, artifacts,
or areas of cultural importance on or near the site? Please list any professional studies
conducted at the site to identify such resources.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
c. Describe the methods used to assess the potential impacts to cultural and historic resources
on or near the project site. Examples include consultation with tribes and the department of
archeology and historic preservation, archaeological surveys, historic maps, GIS data, etc.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
d. Proposed measures to avoid, minimize, or compensate for loss, changes to, and disturbance
to resources. Please include plans for the above and any permits that may be required.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

14. Transportation
a. Identify public streets and highways serving the site or affected geographic area and describe
proposed access to the existing street system. Show on site plans, if any.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are required to locate within 1/2
mile of a transit stop.
b. Is the site or affected geographic area currently served by public transit? If so, generally
describe. If not, what is the approximate distance to the nearest transit stop?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampments are required to locate within 1/2
mile of a transit stop.
c. How many additional parking spaces would the completed project or non-project proposal
have? How many would the project or proposal eliminate?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. Transitional encampment sites may not displace required

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)

July 2016

Page 17 of 23

 parking for other uses, except for sites established on property owned or controlled by a
religious organization.
d. Will the proposal require any new or improvements to existing roads, streets, pedestrian,
bicycle or state transportation facilities, not including driveways? If so, generally describe
(indicate whether public or private).
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
e. Will the project or proposal use (or occur in the immediate vicinity of) water, rail, or air
transportation? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
f. How many vehicular trips per day would be generated by the completed project or proposal?
If known, indicate when peak volumes would occur and what percentage of the volume
would be trucks (such as commercial and nonpassenger vehicles). What data or
transportation models were used to make these estimates?
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
g. Will the proposal interfere with, affect or be affected by the movement of agricultural and
forest products on roads or streets in the area? If so, generally describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
h. Proposed measures to reduce or control transportation impacts, if any:
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.
15. Public Services
a. Would the project result in an increased need for public services (for example: fire
protection, police protection, public transit, health care, schools, other)? If so, generally
describe.
Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed. The proposed amendments would slightly increase potential

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)

July 2016

Page 18 of 23

 demand for public services on a site where a proposed encampment would be located,
but the increase is not expected to be significant.

b. Proposed measures to reduce or control direct impacts on public services, if any.

Not applicable. This is a non?project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

16. Utilities

a. Circle utilities currently available at the site:
electricity, natural gas, water, refuse service, telephone, sanitary sewer, septic system,
other

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

b. Describe the utilities that are proposed for the project, the utility providing the service,
and the general construction activities on the site or in the immediate vicinity which might
be needed.

Not applicable. This is a non-project action. There is no specific site or project location.
No construction is proposed.

C. Signature

The above answers are true and complete to the best of my knowledge. I understand that the

lead agency is relying on them to make its 
Signature: 

Name of signee: Eric McConaghy 

Position and Agency/Organization: Legislative Analyst, Seattle City Council Central Staff

 

Date Submitted: August 6, 2019

 

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960) July 2016 Page 19 of 23

D. Supplemental sheet for nonproject actions
(IT IS NOT NECESSARY to use this sheet for project actions)
Because these questions are very general, it may be helpful to read them in conjunction
with the list of the elements of the environment.
When answering these questions, be aware of the extent the proposal, or the types of
activities likely to result from the proposal, would affect the item at a greater intensity
or
at a faster rate than if the proposal were not implemented. Respond briefly and in
general terms.
1. How would the proposal be likely to increase discharge to water; emissions to air; production, storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances; or production of noise?
The proposed amendments are a nonproject action that would amend the Land Use
Code to permit transitional encampments for homeless individuals as an interim use
for a one-year term on public or privately-owned property in all zones. It is expected
that there is no potential for increased impacts to water, air, or noise or additional
release of hazardous substances. No permanent development is proposed.
Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions have also been considered, and no changes to GHG
emissions are expected as a result of this non-project action. Individual projects that
may use the land use and zoning provisions of the proposal will occur over time and
cannot be evaluated in terms of discharge to water, emissions to air, production,
storage, or release of toxic or hazardous substances, or noise, at this stage. Such
projects will be subject to environmental review (if they meet or exceed thresholds for
environmental review) as they move forward.

Proposed measures to avoid or reduce such increases are:
No proposed measures are proposed beyond existing regulations at this time because
the proposal does not involve any construction or development activity. A SEPA GHG
Emissions Worksheet is required for all individual projects that may use the provisions
of this proposal. Any potential impacts from GHG emissions will be addressed during
review of development proposals on a project-specific basis.
2. How would the proposal be likely to affect plants, animals, fish, or marine life?
The potential for increased environmental impacts to plants, animals, fish or marine
life is low, as no permanent development is proposed. On a site-by-site basis, future
development projects could potentially result in plant and animal impacts as a result
of clearing vegetation or habitat that may be present on these sites, but any impacts
SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)

July 2016

Page 20 of 23

 are expected to be minimal. The proposal does not alter existing protections to plants,
animals, fish or marine life.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve plants, animals, fish, or marine life are:
No measures are proposed beyond existing regulations at this time because the
proposal does not involve any construction or development activity. The City and
other regulatory agencies have existing regulations to protect these resources.

3. How would the proposal be likely to deplete energy or natural resources?
The proposed amendments to the Land Use Code would be unlikely to result in any
major changes to the rate of development or patterns of development in the City. As
a result, the potential for increased depletion of energy and natural resources is low.
Proposed measures to protect or conserve energy and natural resources are:
No measures to protect or conserve energy are proposed beyond existing regulations
at this time because the proposal does not involve any construction or development
activity. The existing regulatory framework, the Land Use Code, The Shoreline Master
Program, Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance, and the City’s SEPA ordinance will
address impacts during review of development proposals on a project-specific basis.
4. How would the proposal be likely to use or affect environmentally sensitive areas or
areas designated (or eligible or under study) for governmental protection; such as parks,
wilderness, wild and scenic rivers, threatened or endangered species habitat, historic or
cultural sites, wetlands, floodplains, or prime farmlands?
The proposed amendments are a nonproject action that would amend applicable
sections of the Seattle Land Use (1) to provide that transitional encampments for
homeless individuals are allowed on any property owned or controlled by a religious
organization without approval of a permit under the Seattle Land Use Code; (2) to
permit transitional encampments for homeless individuals as an interim use on all
public or private property within the City of Seattle; (3) to increase to 40 the maximum
number of authorized interim use transitional encampments that are not associated
with a religious organization; and (4) to provide for renewal of temporary use permits
for transitional encampments as a Type I decision of the Director of the Seattle
Department of Construction and Inspections. The existing regulatory framework, the
Land Use Code, the Shoreline Master Program, Environmentally Critical Areas
Ordinance, and the City’s SEPA ordinance will address impacts during review of
development proposals on a project-specific basis. The existing encampment
regulations in the Land Use Code do not allow location of encampments within
specific Environmentally Critical Areas.

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)

July 2016

Page 21 of 23

 Proposed measures to protect such resources or to avoid or reduce impacts are:
No resource protection measures are proposed beyond existing regulations at this
time because the proposal does not involve any construction or development activity.
5. How would the proposal be likely to affect land and shoreline use, including whether it
would allow or encourage land or shoreline uses incompatible with existing plans?
No permanent structures or other permanent development would be allowed under
the proposal. It is unlikely to result in any major changes to the rate of development
or patterns of development in shoreline areas of the City or that are incompatible with
existing plans. Encampments would be permitted subject to specific requirements of
the existing Land Use Code in Section 23.42.056, including a maximum limit of forty
encampments City-wide at any one time. Further, on sites within all Single-Family
residential zones, all other residential zones outside of Urban Centers and Urban
Center Villages, and all NC1 zones outside of Urban Centers and Urban Center Villages,
environmental review of project-specific encampment proposals is required if the
total area of use exceeds 4,000 square feet. Since the minimum property area
required by existing regulations will continue to be 5,000 square feet under the
proposed amendments, establishing encampments on residentially zoned and NC1zoned properties is expected to generally require environmental review. The existing
regulatory framework, the Land Use Code, the Shoreline Master Program,
Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance, and the City’s SEPA ordinance will address
impacts during review of development proposals on a project-specific basis.
Analysis of the total number of sites that may be added City-wide by the proposal was
conducted using data from the City’s Geographic Information System (GIS). The GIS
analysis shows that there are about 389 parcels that may qualify under the standards
of the existing regulations in Section 23.42.056 that apply to non-residential zones.
These sites do not include 493 sites currently used as religious institutions. These sites
are not within critical areas and have an area of at least 5,000 square feet. They are
also mapped as vacant properties. An additional 723 sites would become eligible to
host encampments under the proposed amendments. See attached map, Exhibit 1.
While the total number of eligible sites will be increased to 1,112 sites by the
proposal, the limit on total number of interim encampments to no more than forty at
any one time and other controls in the existing Code are expected to help ensure that
impacts will remain minimal.
Proposed measures to avoid or reduce shoreline and land use impacts are:

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)

July 2016

Page 22 of 23

 The proposed amendments to Section 23.42.056 would require screening (fence or
wall) for all lot boundaries of the encampment site. Projects developed under the
proposal are subject to review under the existing regulatory framework, the Land Use
Code, the Shoreline Master Program, Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance, and
the City’s SEPA ordinance. Impacts will be addressed through the review of specific
projects for compliance under the provisions of these regulations.
6. How would the proposal be likely to increase demands on transportation or public
services and utilities?
The proposal will not result in significant adverse impacts to traffic or parking or public
services and utilities. The existing regulatory framework, the Land Use Code, The
Shoreline Master Program, Environmentally Critical Areas Ordinance, and the City’s
SEPA ordinance will address impacts during review of development proposals on a
project-specific basis. The proposal is not anticipated to have a substantial effect on
public services or utilities.
Proposed measures to reduce or respond to such demand(s) are:
Projects developed under the proposal would be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and
mitigation would be required where permitted and appropriate.
7. Identify, if possible, whether the proposal may conflict with local, state, or federal laws or
requirements for the protection of the environment.
No conflicts are anticipated.

SEPA Environmental checklist (WAC 197-11-960)

July 2016

Page 23 of 23

 Exhibit 1

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42ND AVE E

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15TH AVE S

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No warranties of any sort, including accuracy,
fitness, or merchantability accompany this
product. Copyright 2019. All Rights Reserved.
City of Seattle, City Council August 2019
AV City of Seattle
data source:

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