Located on the southeast edge of the downtown, the District is immediately adjacent to the east-southeast boundary of Pioneer Square. The District was established by ordinance in 1973 to preserve the community's unique Asian character and to encourage rehabilitation of areas for housing and pedestrian-oriented businesses. The International Special Review District was established by the City of Seattle in 1973 to promote, preserve and perpetuate the cultural, economic, and historical qualities of the neighborhood, especially those derived from its Asian heritage. Design guidelines have been developed to help retain the District's historic flavor. The District has adopted guidelines to make sure signs do not multiply and detract from the appearance of buildings, are compatible with the buildings' architecture, are proportionate to the size of the tenant space, do not damage buildings, and do not obscure visibility into street-level restaurants or retail establishments.
Guidelines also govern awnings, canopies, and sidewalk display racks.
Signs are reviewed according to their size, design, scale, shape, color, materials, location, and style. Approval from the International Special Review District Board is required to erect new signs or alter existing ones, whether the sign is permanent or temporary. To get your project reviewed and approved, you must submit a completed Application for Certificate of Approval. We encourage but do not require attendance at a meeting of the International Special Review District Board to present your application. The process is detailed in the application.