After 6 years of collaboration with city departments and the development and design community, SMC 23.54.040 will be updated effective October 5, 2025. The Solid Waste storage, access, and collection code now reflects long-time guidance and best practices for safe and efficient solid waste collection. It is effective across all… [ Keep reading ]
Since Seattle weather is notoriously overcast for much of the year, many building owners and architects want to install structures to provide weather protection on roof decks. Although they may be outside of the building envelope, these structures are considered a part of the building area and need to comply… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle is in the process of updating the Stormwater Code and the Seattle Stormwater Manual. The first draft of the updated Code and Stormwater Manual, that addresses equivalency with the State of Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) rules and permits, is nearing completion. We will share it… [ Keep reading ]
On June 30, 2025, several adopted pieces of legislation became effective in Seattle related to compliance with State laws aimed to boost housing supply and diversify housing options in Seattle’s residential zones. These code changes, put forward by Mayor Harrell and adopted by Council, are known as the HB1337 and… [ Keep reading ]
Current Land Use Code regulations provide for reduced parking within Frequent Transit Service Areas. Legislation related to the new State law recently went into effect. The law reduces parking and allows increased housing density on lots located near a new designation, Major Transit Stops. Layers corresponding to these areas are included… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle is in the process of updating the Stormwater Code and the Seattle Stormwater Manual. The first draft of the updated Code and Stormwater Manual, that addresses equivalency with the State of Washington Department of Ecology (Ecology) rules and permits, is nearing completion. It will be ready… [ Keep reading ]
We’re looking for 3 people to join our Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB). We’re seeking civic-minded individuals with diverse perspectives and experience with building design, development or construction. Deadline to apply is end-of-day April 30, 2025. If you are interested in serving on the CCAB, fill out an application and… [ Keep reading ]
The Seattle City Council recently adopted the 2025 budget, including legislation that implements SDCI fee changes in 2025. On January 1, 2025, SDCI implemented an inflationary increase of 6.5% to most fees. These fee increases changed SDCI’s base hourly rate to $274 per hour, and changed the Land Use hourly… [ Keep reading ]
City Council recently adopted legislation to enact a temporary exemption from Design Review. Until November 2, 2027, as part of the Downtown Activation Plan, projects that include any research and development laboratory uses or that are developing at least half of the project with residential or lodging uses are exempt from… [ Keep reading ]
In preparation for the next Stormwater Code & Manual we are holding a virtual listening session for the development, building and design community. As one of the groups that uses these rules, we want to hear from you how we can improve the Stormwater Code & Manual so that there… [ Keep reading ]
