We’ve seen an uptick in applications for 4-story residential structures that are classified as R-3 (single-family or duplex) because of increased demand for density and additional housing in the city. The Seattle Residential Code (SRC) currently only applies to buildings that are 3 stories or less, so these projects are… [ Keep reading ]
The City of Seattle is in the process of updating Seattle’s Stormwater Code and Stormwater Manual as required by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The second draft of the 2026 Stormwater Code and Manual documents will be available for public review and comment beginning January 7, 2026. The documents… [ Keep reading ]
We maintain a database of more than 1100 unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings that are vulnerable to collapse in an earthquake and pose a significant threat to public safety if left un-retrofitted. If you own a retrofitted building, or are a design professional who completed a URM retrofit that has not… [ Keep reading ]
We’re working with Seattle Public Utilities to update Seattle’s Stormwater Code and Stormwater Manual as required by the Washington State Department of Ecology. The second draft of the updated Code and Manual documents will be available for public review and comment the week of January 5. We’re holding a public… [ Keep reading ]
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 ]
