How to Submit a Public Comment Opposing the Permit
Step 1: Write Your Comment
Your comment should express opposition to the permit application and explain why preserving this landmark matters. Consider including:
- The property is a designated Seattle Landmark (LPB 526/08)
- The parcel itself is a protected feature under Ordinance 123074
- Subdivision requires a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Board
- Historical significance of Dr. Annie Russell and the architecture
- Why you personally value Seattle's historic landmarks
Step 2: Submit Your Comment
Reference: Permit Record 3043097-LU
Property: 5721 8th Ave NE, Seattle
Option A: Seattle Services Portal (Recommended)
Submit your comment directly through the permit record:
Submit Public Comment on Permit 3043097-LU →
Option B: Mail
Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections
Public Resource Center
700 5th Avenue, Suite 2000
Seattle, WA 98104
Step 3: Contact the Landmarks Board
The Landmarks Preservation Board must approve any changes to designated landmarks. Let them know about this permit application:
Seattle Landmarks Preservation Board
Erin Doherty: erin.doherty@seattle.gov
Sample Comment
Feel free to use or adapt this template:
To whom it may concern,
I am writing to oppose permit application 3043097-LU for the property at 5721 8th Ave NE, Seattle.
This property is a designated Seattle Landmark (LPB 526/08) under Ordinance 123074. The designation specifically protects the parcel of property itself, not just the building. Any subdivision of the property requires a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Preservation Board.
The Dr. Annie Russell House is historically significant as the home of one of Washington State's first female physicians and architecturally significant as a rare example of Rustic-style residential construction in Seattle.
I urge SDCI to require compliance with landmark protections before proceeding with this permit review.
Sincerely,
[Your name]
[Your address - optional but adds weight]
Key Points to Make
Procedural Concern
The permit seeks to subdivide a designated landmark parcel. Ordinance 123074 requires a Certificate of Approval from the Landmarks Board before such changes can be made.
Protected Parcel
Unlike most landmarks that only protect buildings, this designation specifically includes "the parcel of property itself" as a protected feature.
Irreversible Loss
Once demolished, this unique example of Rustic architecture with untrimmed log construction cannot be replaced.
From Historic Seattle (Eugenia Woo, Director of Preservation Services)
"According to the Landmarks Preservation Ordinance, a certificate of approval (C of A) for demolition of a landmark from the Landmarks Preservation Board is required before alterations are made to the landmark. This means that SDCI cannot issue any permits before a C of A is issued by the Board."
"A designating ordinance (Ord #123074) was passed by City Council in 2009 which calls out the exterior, portions of the interior, and the site to be preserved."
"Please do not move forward with issuing approval of the subdivision as proposed. At minimum, we believe this would be a procedural error. At worst, it would enable the destruction of a very significant house in Seattle's history."
Community Response
300+ public comments have already been submitted opposing this project. The community is united in protecting this Seattle Landmark. Add your voice!
Other Ways to Help
- Attend the public meeting - SDCI has indicated a public meeting is likely due to the volume of public comments. When it's announced, show up and make your voice heard
- Share this website with friends, neighbors, and on social media
- Talk to your neighbors - Community members are organizing door-to-door outreach
- Contact Historic Seattle at historicseattle.org
- Contact your City Council member to express concern about landmark protections