On July 28, 2013 a change to the Washington State SEPA regulations went into effect related to permits for telecommunication devices. Although Seattle’s SEPA Ordinance and SEPA Director’s Rules have not yet been updated, the state regulations apply to relevant permits in Seattle. Generally, the typical telecommunications applications for permit at DPD will no longer require SEPA. Cases where SEPA would still be needed include:
- Work in or near certain on-site ECA’s
- Adding antennas to a structure to a height more than 20 feet above the existing structure
- Construction of a new monopole in a residential zone
- Construction of a new monopole over 60 feet in height in a commercial or industrial zone
Our SEPA Exemptions for SB 1183 Telecom Wireless Structures handout that summarizes the actual change to RCW 43.21C.0384. There has been no change to the Land Use code; in many cases telecom projects still may need an administrative conditional use permit (or a shoreline permit within 200 feet of the shoreline). For questions about how these changes might affect your project, contact our Online Land Use Q&A at http://web1.seattle.gov/dpd/LUQnA/.
Or consult a Land Use planner at the Applicant Services Center at
www.seattle.gov/dpd/aboutus/whoweare/applicantservicescenter/.