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Press Release

For Immediate Release

*Contact Information*
Karissa Braxton
Phone: 206-566-3545
Email: Karissa.Braxton2@seattle.gov 



Mayor Harrell Signs Music Venue Zone Permit Legislation for Live Music Venues to Support Easier Parking, Loading Access 

*Seattle – *Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell was joined by Seattle City Council President Sara Nelson, City of Seattle Music Commissioners, and local music industry leaders for the signing of legislation that provides reliable parking and loading space for touring musicians and their crews at live music venues. The Music Venue Zone Permit legislation authorizes the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) to administer a Music Venue Zone Permit program and establish Music Venue Zones at qualifying music venues. 

“Supporting our arts and culture sectors is key to creating a vibrant Seattle, home to the next generation of thriving musicians, artists, and entertainers. Part of our Downtown Activation Plan [ https://www.downtownisyou.com/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ], these permits are examples of common-sense solutions that will make it easier for our local music venues, musicians and crews to create the world-class music experiences we cherish in Seattle – Downtown and across every Seattle neighborhood,” *said Mayor Bruce Harrell.* “Music venues were some of the first congregant spaces to close and last to reopen due to COVID-19, and ever since have been instrumental in our efforts to revitalize and bring joy to our communities. I am grateful to Council President Nelson, Seattle Department of Transportation, and the Office of Economic Development for partnering with, and being responsive to, ideas and solutions on ways to foster a thriving music industry here in Seattle that were uplifted by our music commission and hundreds of venue operators and local musicians.” 

As local music venues continue to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic, new music venue zones will better support Seattle’s live music industry and ensure Seattle remains a world-class place to create and perform live music. In 2014, SDOT piloted advisory Musician Priority Load Zones to make it easier for musician load-in and load-out at music venues. This new legislation builds on that pilot program and recommendations from the Seattle Music Commission, SDOT and the Office of Economic Development (OED) to better improve venue access for musicians and their crews and address the unique curbside management needs near local music venues.  

Currently, music venues have haphazardly tried to address loading and unloading zone challenges by applying for Temporary No Parking (TNP) permits on a daily basis, a permit system designed and intended for construction contractors needing long-term reservation of the public right-of-way. Last year, SDOT and OED worked with the Seattle Music Commission to survey music venue operators and local musicians to better understand existing parking and loading needs. Survey results uplifted how cumbersome and time intensive applying for TNPs were while insufficiently meeting venue operator and musician needs for daily, reliable access to the curb, causing some venues to create individual processes to block off curb space. Now, music venue will have a consistent and legitimate process to secure permits designed to meet music industry needs.  

A public facing permit application portal is under development and is expected to be available for applications in 2025. SDOT will then process applications, issue permits and install music venue zone signs at eligible venues.  

Music venues that regularly host live music performances and charge for admission at least twice a week will be able to apply for a permit allowing up to three music venue zones. Music venue zones would allow parking and loading with a valid permit 24 hours a day, 7-days a week. 

*What People Are Saying * 

*Sara Nelson, City of Seattle City Council President * 

“I’m very proud of the collaborative work the city has done to create these new Music Venue Zones to support our local musicians and artists and boost our music and nightlife scene. A thriving music scene is critical to maintaining Seattle’s world-class status as a cultural and economic destination.” 

*Greg Spotts, Director, Seattle Department of Transportation* 

*“*I am excited about this new solution to make it easier for musicians to find parking and load their equipment so they can share their art with concert goers. Music has been an important part of my life and career, and as a Gen-Xer I have always related to Seattle’s music scene in the 90s including bands like Nirvana, Alice in Chains, Soundgarden, and Pearl Jam.”  

*Markham McIntyre, Director, Office of Economic Development* 

“Our city’s music scene is a big part of what makes Seattle vibrant, and live music venues are at the heart of it. In partnership with the Seattle Department of Transportation and the Seattle Music Commission, we listened to our city’s music venues and the musicians who play them to improve City policy and eliminate the hassle of finding space near the venue for loading and unloading equipment for a show. This is meaningful for our music industry. Thank you to the Seattle City Council for passing this bill and the mayor for championing economic development.” 

*Jason Clackley, Chair of Seattle Music Commission and Artistic Director at The Vera Project  * 

“This legislation is a big step in supporting independent music venues, artists, and production workers. Today, we invested in people. Offering safe accessible space for artists, hassle free permitting for the venues and production workers. In collaboration with our city stakeholders, I’m excited to see more to come”   

*Shaina Foley, General Manager, The Crocodile Venues* 

“Music Venue Parking Zones will enhance the experience for artists from top to bottom and help keep Seattle on the list as a MUST-PLAY city where live music continues to inspire us, invigorate our community, draw people to our neighborhoods, support local businesses, and attract visitors. This occasion is a great reminder to artists and venues like us of our community's commitment to nurturing creativity. There is a deep well of support for the live music community in Seattle, which truly inspires us. We would like to thank SDOT, OED, & the Music Commission for working on this legislation as well as Mayor Harrell, Council President Sarah Nelson and the other council members for their continued support of live music venues, artists, and Seattle music fans.” 

*Valerie and Veronica Topacio, **La Fonda* 

“We are so excited to see how this bill will support musicians in their ease of access to Seattle venues. It’s a wonderful step in bolstering Seattle of its rich legacy of being a vibrant music community, supportive of the people who are enriching it through their artistic and musical contributions.” 

*Dana Sims, President, Washington Nightlife Music Association (WANMA)* 

“We are so grateful that this legislation has passed!  Washington Nightlife and Music Association (WANMA) supports this legislation and thanks City officials for taking a proactive approach to supporting live music.” 

 

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