Mayor Nickels has proposed regulations that would implement design standards for townhomes and multifamily dwellings in Seattle. These new regulations, set to go into affect in early 2009, would set new standards requiring environmentally sensitive building and landscaping practices. Additionally, the new regulations would set new design standards for such homes, regulating how a multifamily home should look.

Seattle has held its own in a vulnerable housing market. Unlike many major cities throughout the country that have seen home values tank, our urban townhouse values are relatively resilient. And while I would like to see continued improvements that make for a better environment, I am concerned about the cost of these new regulations to developers and consumers. Is this the time to put into legislation these proposed regulations?

Council member Sally Clark has additional concerns regarding design and curb appeal. "The Mayor and I have both heard a lot lately about how growth is affecting our neighborhoods, not all of it is positive." As a designer I share that concern. Miami once faced the same pressures to regulate how buildings looked when an avant-garde style began to take hold. Thank goodness the regulations failed to pass, as South Beach architecture is considered historic and beautiful. Should government regulate design? Should that be done by our Mayor and city council?

Several critics believe that the cost of these new building standards and consequential delays will push many consumers out of the market. Please comment on how you believe proposed legislation will affect the Seattle urban real estate market.

A representative of the mayor's office has agreed to come on KTTH 770's Tami Michaels Inside Out show and answer your questions on this subject Saturday, July 26th at 11:00AM on KTTH AM 770. Until then, I would like to get your feed back on this issue.