International Special Review District

The International Special Review District (ISRD) is one of Seattle's eight historic districts. It is a collection of early 20th-century commercial and hotel buildings that serves as the center of Seattle's diverse Asian American community.

The District was established by the City of Seattle through an ordinance in 1973 to preserve the District's unique Asian American character and to encourage rehabilitation of areas for housing and pedestrian-oriented businesses. The Seattle Chinatown National Register Historic District is located within the International Special Review District. Its listing on the National Register testifies to the important contributions of the Chinatown/International District area on a national level.

Translation and Interpretation for Meetings

The ISRD Board recently expanded their language access at International Special Review District Board Meetings. For more information read the news release.  
English  | Chinese/繁體中文  |  Vietnamese/Tiếng Việt

Hybrid Meetings Offer In-person and Remote Participation

The International Special Review District (ISRD) Board will begin offering in-person public meetings to be in compliance with House Bill 1329. These meetings will also accommodate remote public attendance via the WebEx videoconferencing platform. Although public meetings must be held and staffed at a physical location, members of the ISRD Board, community members, and Certificate of Approval applicants will have the option to remotely attend meetings if they wish to do so. This new hybrid meeting format will provide increased accessibility, making it easier for community members in the Chinatown International District to participate and engage in the work of the ISRD Board.

Simultaneous interpretation is still available in response to language access needs within the Chinatown International District. Instructions for accessing a meeting will be included on each agenda. For more information contact Rebecca Frestedt, coordinator for the International Special Review District.

 

History of the International District
(From the "Walking Tour of the International District in Seattle" written by the Wing Luke Asian Museum, with added text by the City of Seattle.)

Seattle's International District, a neighborhood nestled south of downtown, is the cultural hub of the Asian American community and home of the city's Chinatown. It rose not far from the waterfront, on reclaimed tide flats.

During a gigantic city re-grading project, completed in 1910, this muddy wasteland was filled in with earth, buildings were erected and the International District was born.

It is the only area in the continental United States where Chinese, Japanese, Filipinos, African Americans and Vietnamese settled together and built one neighborhood.

In the beginning, sojourners from Asia -- mostly single men -- came by steamship and rail into the new port city, seeking refuge from poverty and war. They crowded into hotels, storefronts and employment halls which emerged near the railroad station and waterfront.

These men came when the city was young, and worked in the gambling places, laundries, hotels, restaurants, shops and canneries. They lived frugally, finding comfort in familiar surroundings, shrouded from the harsh discrimination outside. Later, when the laws permitted, they brought wives and relatives to make permanent their stake here.

First, the Chinese built Chinatown, anchored along King Street. a gathering point, marketplace and home for laborers from the villages. An earlier Chinatown located near Second Avenue and South Washington Street, had been pushed aside by a major street extension in the 1920s.

The Japanese developed a Nihonmachi or Japantown near Main Street, just north of the new Chinatown. The Japanese businesses -- restaurants, bathhouses, laundries, dry goods stores and markets -- vanished when their owners were herded off to internment camps during World War II. The Filipinos, the third Asian group to arrive, found their way into area hotels, seeking connections for work in the canneries. Some operated cafes, pool halls, barbershops and other small businesses. African Americans also settled in the area, establishing diners, groceries, taverns, tailor shops and nightclubs. For many years, Seattle's after-hours jazz scene thrived on Jackson Street.

After immigration quotas opened up in 1965, new Chinese arrivals, including families, began to repopulate area hotels. But the decision to build the Kingdome on the western edge of the District, coupled with the construction of the Interstate 5 freeway, created a threat to the area's survival. By the early 1970s, over half of the area's deteriorating hotels had shut down, and many longtime businesses had moved out of the area. During this time, young Chinese, Japanese and Filipino student activists, rallying under the banner of Asian American unity, led a fight to reclaim the area. They lobbied for low-income housing, set up bilingual social service programs, and formed a public corporation to preserve and renovate historic buildings.

In 1973 the International Special Review District and Board were established by Ordinance (SMC 23.66.302) to promote, preserve and perpetuate the cultural, economic, historical, and otherwise beneficial qualities of the area, particularly the features derived from its Asian heritage.

College-educated Asian American professionals --lawyers, accountants, doctors, dentists and social workers --set up offices in the former haunts of their parents and grandparents.

With public funds, hotels and streets were refurbished, new senior apartments were erected, and community-based service centers were established. In the 1980s, refugees from Vietnam opened restaurants, markets, and clothing and jewelry stores. Many set up shop in old buildings and newly constructed malls near 12th Avenue and South Jackson Street, forming a Little Saigon neighborhood. Others opened in storefronts in the core of the International District. With the expansion of business activity, the eastern boundary of the District moved beyond the freeway.

Continuing waves of immigrants from all over Asia have helped keep the District alive along with the individuals and organizations that have historically been committed to the neighborhood's welfare. Seattle's building boom of the 1990s has not left the District untouched. The decade brought significant change to the physical development of the neighborhood. The Kingdome was demolished to make way for two new stadia. The area near Union Station has been developed for office and commercial uses. Large scale development projects (institutional, housing, retail, and mixed-use) have occurred throughout the District. Several buildings have been rehabilitated and put back into productive use, providing low-income housing.

Even with the new growth and changes, the District remains as one of the few ethnic neighborhoods in Seattle. An old community --bustling with history and culture -continues to survive into the next generation.

Public Comment

Submit Public Comment to the International Special Review District Board

2023 Agendas and Minutes

2023 Schedule

March 28, 2023 Cancelled

March 14, 2023 Agenda in English and  Vietnamese

1265 S. King Street: Presentation  | Plans | Staff Report | Historic Resources Report |

February 28, 2023 Cancelled

February 14, 2023 Agenda  

January 24, 2023 Agenda   |

January 10, 2023 Agenda    |   

2022 Agendas and Minutes

2022 Schedule

January 11, 2022 Cancelled Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of January 11, 2022.

January 25, 2022 Agenda   January 25, 2022 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

February 8, 2022 Agenda   English and Vietnamese  |  February 8, 2022 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda. 

February 22, 2022 Agenda English and Traditional Chinese  | February 22, 2022 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda. 

March 8, 2022 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of March 8, 2022.

March 22, 2022 Agenda in English and Vietnamese   | March 22, 2022 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda. 

April 12, 2022 Agenda  | April 12, 2022 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5.  Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

April 26, 2022 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of April 26, 2022.

May 10, 2022 Agenda In English and Traditional Chinese   In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5.  Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

May 24, 2022 Agenda | May 24, 2022 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5.  Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

June 14, 2022 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese  | Minutes

June 28, 2022 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese  | Minutes

July 12, 2022 Agenda in English and Vietnamese   | Minutes

July 26, 2022 Agenda in English and Vietnamese | July 26, 2022 Minutes

August 9, 2022 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese | August 9, 2022 Minutes

August 23, 2022 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese / Minutes (in English)

September 13, 2022 Cancelled

September 27, 2022 Agenda  / Minutes

October 11, 2022 Agenda - English  |  October 11, 2022 Agenda - Vietnamese  |  October 11, 2022 Agenda - Traditional Chinese / Minutes (in English)

October 25, 2022 Cancelled

November 8, 2022 Cancelled

November 22, 2022 Agenda -  EnglishVietnamese  |  Chinese / Minutes (in English)

December 13, 2022 AgendaTraditional Chinese  / Minutes (in English)

2021 Agendas and Minutes

2021 Schedule

January 12, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of January 12, 2021.

January 26, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of January 26, 2021.

February 9, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of February 23, 2021.

February 23, 2021 Agenda  | February 23, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda. 

March 9, 2021 Agenda | March 9, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.  | 

March 23, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of March 23, 2021.

April 13, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of April 13, 2021.

April 27, 2021  | April 27, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

May 12, 2021 Meeting Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of May 12, 2021.

May 25, 2021 Meeting Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of May 25, 2021.

June 8, 2021 Meeting Cancelled   Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of June 8, 2021.

June 22, 2021 English  | June 22, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

June 22, 2021 Vietnamese  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

July 13, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of July 13, 2021.

July 27, 2021 Agenda English  | July 27, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

July 27, 2021 Agenda Vietnamese  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

August 10, 2021 Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of August 10, 2021. 

August 24, 2021 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese  | August 24, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

September 14, 2021 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese  | September 14, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

September 28, 2021 Agenda in English and Traditional Chinese   | September 28, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in provided on agenda.

October 12, 2021 Agenda - English and Vietnamese  | October 12, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

October 26, 2021 Meeting Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of October 26, 2021. 

November 9, 2021 Meeting Cancelled  Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of November 9, 2021. 

November 23, 2021 Agenda  | November 23, 2021 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

December 14, 2021 Agenda in English and Chinese | December 14, 2021 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

2020 Agendas and Minutes

2020 Schedule

January 14, 2020 Cancellation Notice

January 28, 2020 Agenda | January 28, 2020 Minutes

February 11, 2020 Agenda | February 11, 2020 Minutes

February 25, 2020 Agenda | February 25, 2020 Minutes

March 10, 2020 Cancellation Notice

March 24, 2020 Cancelled 

April 14, 2020 Cancelled 

April 28, 2020 Cancelled

May 12, 2020 Cancelled

May 26, 2020 Cancelled

June 9, 2020 Cancelled

June 23, 2020 Cancelled

July 14, 2020 Cancelled

July 28, 2020 Cancelled

August 11, 2020 Cancellation: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of August 11, 2020.

August 25, 2020 Agenda | August 25, 2020 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

September 8, 2020 Cancellation: Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of September 8, 2020.

September 22, 2020 Agenda| September 22, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

October 13, 2020 CancellationDue to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of October 13, 2020.

October 27, 2020 Agenda:   | October 27, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

November 10, 2020 Agenda - Vietnamese  | November 10, 2020 Minutes  In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

November 10, 2020 Agenda - English In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda.

November 24, 2020 Cancellation Notice Due to guidance from public health officials and in the interest of protecting the high-risk populations we serve, we are canceling the International Special Review District board meeting of November 24, 2020.

 December 8, 2020  | December 8, 2020 Minutes In-person attendance is currently prohibited per Washington State Governor's Proclamation No. 20-28.5. Meeting participation is limited to access by the WebEx meeting link or the telephone call-in line provided on agenda. .

2019 Agendas and Minutes

2019 Schedule

January 8, 2019 Agenda | January 8, 2019 Minutes

January 22, 2019 Agenda | January 22, 2019 Minutes

February 12, 2019 Cancellation Notice

February 26, 2019 Agenda | February 26, 2019 Minutes

March 12, 2019 Agenda | March 12, 2019 Minutes

March 26, 2019 Agenda | March 26, 2019 Minutes

April 9, 2019 Cancellation Notice

April 23, 2019 Agenda | April 23, 2019 Minutes

May 14, 2019 Agenda | May 14, 2019 Minutes

May 28, 2019 Agenda | May 28, 2019 Minutes

June 11, 2019 Agenda | June 11, 2019 Minutes

June 25, 2019 Agenda | June 25, 2019 Minutes

July 9, 2019 Agenda | July 9, 2019 Minutes

July 23, 2019 Agenda | July 23, 2019 Minutes

July 31, 2019 Agenda - Special Meeting

August 13, 2019 Agenda | August 13, 2019 Minutes

August 27, 2019 Agenda | August 27, 2019 Minutes

September 10, 2019 Agenda | September 10, 2019 Minutes

September 24, 2019 Agenda | September 24, 2019 Minutes

October 8, 2019 Agenda | October 8, 2019 Minutes

October 22, 2019 Agenda | October 22, 2019 Minutes

November 12, 2019 Agenda | November 12, 2019 Minutes

November 26, 2019 Agenda | November 26, 2019 Minutes

December 10, 2019 Agenda | December 10, 2019 Minutes

2018 Agendas and Minutes

2018 Schedule


February 15, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session

January 9, 2018 Agenda | January 9, 2018 Minutes

January 23, 2018 Cancellation Notice

February 13, 2018 Agenda | February 13, 2018 Minutes

February 27, 2018 Agenda | February 27, 2018 Minutes

March 13, 2018 Agenda | March 13, 2018 Minutes

March 27, 2018 Agenda | March 27, 2018 Minutes

March 29, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session

April 10, 2018 Agenda | April 10, 2018 Minutes

April 24, 2018 AgendaApril 24, 2018 Minutes

April 25, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session

May 8, 2018 AgendaMay 8, 2018 Minutes

May 22, 2018 Agenda | May 22, 2018 Minutes

May 24, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session

June 12, 2018 Agenda | June 12, 2018 Minutes

June 26, 2018 Agenda | June 26, 2018 Minutes

June 28, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session |

July 10, 2018 Agenda | July 10, 2018 Minutes

July 24, 2018 Agenda | July 24, 2018 Minutes

August 1, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session

August 14, 2018 Agenda | August 14, 2018 Minutes

August 20, 2018 Public Notice for Special Work Session

August 28, 2018 Agenda | August 28, 2018 Minutes

September 11, 2018 AgendaSeptember 11, 2018 Minutes

September 25, 2018 Agenda | September 25, 2018 Minutes

October 9, 2018 Agenda | October 9, 2018 Minutes

October 23, 2018 Agenda | October 23, 2018 Minutes

November 13, 2018 Agenda | November 13, 2018 Minutes

November 27, 2018 Agenda | November 27, 2018 Minutes

December 11, 2018 Agenda | December 11, 2018 Minutes

2017 Agendas and Minutes

2017 Meeting Schedule

January 10, 2017 Agenda | January 10, 2017 Minutes

January 24, 2017 Agenda | January 24, 2017 Minutes

February 14, 2017 Agenda | February 14, 2017 Minutes

February 28, 2017 Agenda | February 28, 2017 Minutes

March 14, 2017 Agenda | March 14, 2017 Minutes

March 28, 2017 Agenda | March 28, 2017 Minutes

April 11, 2017 Agenda | April 11, 2017 Minutes

April 25, 2017 AgendaApril 25, 2017 Minutes

May 9, 2017 Agenda | May 9, 2017 Minutes

May 23, 2017 Agenda | May 23, 2017 Minutes

June 13, 2017 Agenda | June 13, 2017 Minutes

June 27, 2017 Agenda | June 27, 2017 Minutes

July 11, 2017 Agenda | July 11, 2017 Minutes

July 25, 2017 Cancellation Notice

August 8 2017 Agenda | August 8, 2017 Minutes

August 22, 2017 Agenda | August 22, 2017 Minutes

September 12, 2017 Agenda | September 12, 2017 Minutes

September 26, 2017 Agenda | September 26, 2017 MInutes

October 10, 2017 Agenda | October 10, 2017 Minutes

October 24, 2017 Agenda | October 24, 2017 Minutes

November 14, 2017 Agenda | November 14, 2017 Minutes

November 28, 2017 Agenda | November 28, 2017 Minutes

December 13, 2017 Cancellation Notice

2016 Agendas and Minutes

January 12, 2016 Agenda | January 12, 2016 Minutes

January 26, 2016 Agenda | January 26, 2016 Minutes

February 9, 2016 Agenda | February 9, 2016 Minutes

February 23, 2016 Agenda | February 23, 2016 Minutes

March 8, 2016 Agenda | March 8, 2016 Minutes

March 22, 2016 Agenda | March 22, 2016 Minutes

April 12, 2016 Agenda | April 12, 2016 Minutes

April 26, 2016 Agenda | April 26, 2016 Minutes

May 10, 2016 Agenda | May 10, 2016 Minutes

May 24, 2016 Agenda | May 24, 2016 Minutes

June 14, 2016 Agenda | June 14, 2016 Minutes

June 21, 2016 Agenda - Special Work Session

June 28, 2016 Agenda | June 28, 2016 Minutes

July 12, 2016 Agenda | June 12, 2016 Minutes

July 26, 2016 Agenda | July 26, 2016 Minutes

August 9, 2016 Agenda | August 9, 2016 Minutes

August 23, 2016 Agenda | August 23, 2016 Minutes

September 13, 2016 Agenda | September 13, 2016 Minutes

September 27, 2016 Agenda | September 27, 2016 Minutes

October 11, 2016 Cancellation Notice

October 25, 2016 Agenda | October 25, 2016 Minutes

November 8, 2016 Agenda | November 8, 2016 Minutes

November 22, 2016 Agenda | November 22, 2016 Minutes

December 13, 2016 Agenda | December 13, 2016 Minutes

2015 Agendas and Minutes

January 13, 2015 Agenda | January 13, 2015 Minutes

January 27, 2015 Agenda | January 27, 2015 Minutes

February 10, 2015 Cancellation Notice

February 24, 2015 AgendaFebruary 24, 2015 Minutes

March 10, 2015 Agenda | March 10, 2015 Minutes

March 24, 2015 Agenda | March 24, 2015 Minutes

April 14, 2015 Agenda | April 14, 2015 Minutes

April 28, 2015 Cancellation Notice

May 12, 2015 Agenda | May 12, 2015 Minutes

May 26, 2015 Agenda | May 26, 2015 Minutes

June 9, 2015 Agenda | June 9, 2015 Minutes

June 23, 2015 Cancellation Notice

July 14, 2015 Cancellation Notice

July 28, 2015 Agenda | July 28, 2015 Minutes

August 11, 2015 Agenda | August 11, 2015 Minutes

August 25, 2015 Agenda | August 25, 2015 Minutes

September 8, 2015 Agenda | September 8, 2015 Minutes

September 22, 2015 Agenda | September 22, 2015 Minutes

October 13, 2015 Agenda | October 13, 2015 Minutes

October 27, 2015 Agenda | October 27, 2015 Minutes

November 10, 2015 Agenda | November 10, 2015 Minutes

November 24, 2015 Agenda | November 24, 2015 Minutes

December 8, 2015 Agenda | December 8, 2015 Minutes

International Special Review District Agendas and Minutes prior to 2015

Certificate of Approval must be issued before changes can be made to individually designated City Landmarks or to properties within the City's eight historic districts

Refer to the District Guidelines and other relevant resources for information regarding design standards and other considerations.

Please consult the Guide to Acing the Certificate of Approval Process before starting the online application process. For help with the online submittal, watch this How-To video.

The following changes require a Certificate of Approval to be issued by the Board and the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods before the City will issue any permits:

  • Any change to the outside of any building or structure.
  • Installation of any new sign or change to any existing sign.
  • Installation of a new awning or canopy.
  • Any change to an interior that affects the exterior.
  • New addition, construction, and/or remodel.
  • A proposed new business or service (change of use).
  • Any change in a public right-of-way or other public spaces, including parks and sidewalks.
  • Demolition of any building or structure.
  • Exterior painting

Making changes to International District

    News Release 1/5/2023: Mayor Harrell seeks new member for International Special Review District Board

    2022 ISRD Board Election

    Election Results from November 15, 2022 

    • Position #3: Michael Le

    • Position #5: Nella Kwan

    Total Ballots Cast: 183

    English | Chinese | Vietnamese

    Current Election Procedures

    Voter Registration Form: English // Chinese(繁體中文) //  Vietnamese(Tiếng Việt)  

    Employee Verification Form: English // Chinese(繁體中文)  // Vietnamese(Tiếng Việt)  

    Design Guidelines

    International Special Review District Design Guidelines Draft | Tips on review of the DRAFT: This is a protected Word document. The blue text has been added or modified from the earlier draft.  To add a comment, please highlight the section you wish to comment on and click on "New Comment" under the Review tab.  You can also manually add comments and scan them in or arrange to meet with Rebecca Frestedt to relay the comments.  If you prefer to comment in Track Changes, please contact Rebecca Frestedt at rebecca.frestedt@seattle.gov to request an unprotected version.

    1. What is the International Special Review District Board?

    The Board consists of seven members, five that are elected by the community in annual elections and two that are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by City Council. Two of the five elected Board members own property or a business in the District or who are employed in the District, two of the elected members reside in the District or have demonstrated an interest in the District, and one member is elected at large. The Board reviews applications for Certificates of Approval for any change to the use, exterior appearance of buildings or structures, streets, sidewalks, and other public spaces in the District.

    2. What Must Be Reviewed and Approved By the Board?

    The following changes require a Certificate of Approval to be issued by the Board and the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods before the City will issue any permits:

    • Any change to the outside of any building or structure
    • Installation of any new sign or changes to existing sign
    • Installation of a new awning or canopy
    • Any change to an interior that affects the exterior
    • New addition, construction and/or remodel
    • A proposed new business or service (change of use)
    • Any change in the public right-of-way or other public spaces, including parks and sidewalks
    • Demolition of any building or structure
    • Exterior painting

    3. When are the Board Meetings?

    Meetings are held on the second and fourth Tuesday of each month at 4:30 p.m. at the Hirabayashi Place, 442 S. Main St.; Donnie Chin Community Room. All Board meetings are open to the public.

    4. What is a Certificate of Approval?

    A Certificate of Approval is an official notice of approval issued by the International Special Review District Board. To get your project reviewed and approved, a completed Application for Certificate Approval needs to be submitted to the Landmark District Coordinator.A Certificate of Approval is not a permit. An applicant is still responsible for obtaining relevant permits after receiving approval from the Review Committee and Board. City Departments such as Seattle Transportation and Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) issue permits after an applicant has received a Certificate of Approval.

    5. What is the Approval Process?

    Step 1: Submit a completed application and the appropriate fee to the Historic Preservation Program.

    Step 2: The Board Coordinator will review the application and plans for completeness and compliance with the regulations.

    Step 3: After your application is determined to be complete, it will be placed on the agenda for the next public meeting of the Board.

    Step 4: The Board will recommend to the Director of the Department of Neighborhoods whether to approve, approve with conditions, or deny the application.

    Step 5: The Director of the Department of Neighborhoods makes the final decision whether to approve, approve with conditions or deny your application.

    Step 6: A Notice of Decision to approve, approve with conditions or deny the application for Certificate of Approval will be issued.

    Step 7: You or any interested party of record may appeal a decision to the City Hearing Examiner within 14 days of the issuance of the Notice of Decision.

    6. How Do I Schedule for Board Review?

    If you are considering starting a new business or service, changing the location of your business (within the District) or making physical changes to the outside of your property or business, please contact the International Special Review District Board Coordinator, (206) 684-0226, for assistance in reviewing your plans and in scheduling for Board consideration.

    Neighborhoods

    Jenifer Chao, Interim Director
    Address: 600 4th Avenue, 4th Floor, Seattle, WA , 98104
    Mailing Address: PO Box 94649, Seattle, WA, 98124-4649
    Phone: (206) 684-0464
    Fax: (206) 233-5142
    seattleneighborhoods@seattle.gov

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