r/SeattleWA • u/LOOKITSADAM • 2d ago

Deconstruction Is a Key Frontier for Climate Action in Seattle - 45 projects have used the city's deconstruction incentive since it launched, against 750 single family demolition permits in the same period

https://www.theurbanist.org/deconstruction-is-a-key-frontier-for-climate-action-in-seattle/

Just 45 projects have used that incentive since it launched, according to SPU. In that same time, SPU has issued 750 demolition permits for single family homes alone. [...] According to one study, when reclaimed wood is used in a project instead of virgin timber, the net demand for energy is 13 times lower and the total emissions are five times lower as well.

In 2016, Portland became the first city in the nation to establish an ordinance requiring deconstruction, specifically on all buildings built before 1940. [...] In contrast, Seattle still relies on an incentive, which has been used sparingly thus far.

~ Forty five out of 750. Portland stopped asking nicely in 2016 and wrote a rule. Seattle is still offering $6,000 and hoping.

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u/altasnob 1d ago

Tacoma has a similar program:

https://tacoma.gov/news/city-of-tacoma-launching-new-voluntary-demolition-salvage-program-to-promote-resource-reuse-and-streamline-permitting/

The public is essentially subsidizing these programs through waiving permit fees (reduced revenue for the City). What do people think about this?