Home Zone: Olympic Hills

Updated: March 2024

Draft Home Zone

Below is the Draft Home Zone map for Olympic Hills, it is based on the comments received during the community walks as well as input and guidance from the Olympic Hills Steering Committee.

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Background

After some early planning meetings, the Olympic Hills Home Zone officially kicked off in the Summer of 2022. In late August there were four community led walks through the neighborhood. We had a solid turnout of over 30 people per walk including SDOT Director Greg Spotts. Residents shared their thoughts and concerns with SDOT, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) staff and elected officials.

The steering committee identified many more additional improvements for Olympic Hills than there was funding available. These improvements can be seen on this map. These projects will be considered when future funding becomes available.

You can see the presentations given to the Steering Commitee below as well as planning materials.

Seattle Blocks

Over 11,000 blocks citywide currently have no sidewalks. This is nearly 25% of the city’s blocks. Each new sidewalk is a major undertaking, requiring significant time and funds. Completing the pedestrian network with traditional sidewalks will take hundreds of years.

Existing Walkway Section Typical Residential Street Without Sidewalk

What are alternative walkways?

Alternative walkways respond to the high cost of a traditional raised concrete sidewalk. Alternative walkways are about ¼ the cost of a traditional sidewalk. These walkways are typically constructed with asphalt and are separated from vehicles with a planting strip and pre-cast concrete curbs. Parking is generally included on at least one side of the street and this results in a narrower roadway, which slows traffic and increases pedestrian comfort.

Alternative Walkways Section Typical alternative walkway

What are pedestrian lanes?

Pedestrian lanes are another alternative to traditional sidewalks. Pedestrian lanes are about 1/10th the cost of a traditional sidewalk. Pedestrian lanes involve installation of precast concrete curbs on the existing roadway. Parking is restricted to only one side of the street and access to driveways is maintained. Where feasible, planting and trees are included to improve the neighborhood and pedestrian experience. This treatment does not preclude future improvements of an alternative walkway or a traditional sidewalk.

Dedicated Pedestrian Space Section Typical pedestrian lane