2026-07-09
Where Did the Term “Highline Communities” Come From? Today, the phrase “Highline Communities” is frequently used to describe the cities and neighborhoods surrounding Seattle-Tacoma International Airport. The term appears in airport planning documents, environmental reports, and regional government discussions. But where did it come from? It turns out the name predates Sea-Tac Airport by decades.
1989-04-03
King County Ordinance No. 8996, adopted April 3, 1989, updates comprehensive land use planning and zoning for the Sea-Tac Airport area, incorporating community input and environmental review to guide orderly development near the airport. The ordinance formally adopts the Sea-Tac Area Update and Area Zoning as official county policy, amending several prior ordinances related to the Highline Communities Plan. It also establishes policies for the development of North Sea-Tac Park, with safety designated as the foremost planning consideration.
1981-01-27
Zoning amendment document for Highline area properties regarding Airport Open Use designation. Details proposed changes from existing single-family and multi-family zoning classifications to AOU and RS7200 potential AOU, with specific amendments to Area Zoning pages 55, 57, 81, and 83.
1989-04-03
1981-01-27