The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) staff will be hosting a meeting to discuss changes and clarifications regarding the Draft Side Sewer Code (Seattle Municipal Code 21.16) and Draft Joint DPD/SPU Directors Rule 7 2008/04-08, Requirements for Design and Construction of Side Sewers (Drainage and Wastewater Discharges).

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The City of Seattle wants to remind homeowners of the grace period through June 30 for legalizing existing unauthorized backyard cottages. Under new regulations that went into effect December 4, 2009, backyard cottages became legal throughout Seattle. Previously, backyard cottages, also known as detached accessory dwelling units or DADUs, had been allowed only in southeast Seattle neighborhoods since 2006. Included in the December legislation is a grace period that allows owners of existing, unauthorized backyard cottages the opportunity to legalize their unit without penalty. Owners have until June 30, 2010 to apply for a building permit and until December 31, 2010 to obtain final inspection of the unit.

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Even through the current economic downturn, the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) remains committed to providing quality service to its customers. As you may have heard, DPD has experienced significant layoffs in its Operations Branch. In an effort to continue supporting its core services of plan review, permitting and inspections, DPD will be modifying its services in 2010. This includes the following: DPD business closures — 10 days; reduced land use coaching hours; and making permit/project status available only online.

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