New ordinance proposed by Mayor Durkan's administration will add flexibility for storefront uses allowing permit applications for new businesses with a wider range of activities and services (e.g. medical offices, fitness centers, art installations, etc.).

Businesses that received a permit and invested in a new storefront under this temporary ordinance could remain indefinitely, but they would not be able to expand their footprint in future years.

This ordinance intends to provide the aforementioned flexibility to the main retail streets in the Commercial Core, Belltown, and Pioneer Square neighborhoods. According to Recovery Project Manager Lucia Schmit, "new options for permitted businesses would also include food processing, horticultural operations, and crafts manufacturing.

Chinatown-International District businesses already have this kind of permitting flexibility through the International Special Review District."

Mayor to sign downtown empty storefront legislation into law (MyNorthwest — August 17)