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Posts categorized under Codes Archives - Building Connections

Updating the City’s Stormwater Regulations

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 ]

ADUs and Middle Housing

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 ]

Frequent Transit Service Area and Major Transit Stops 

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 ]

Updating the City’s Stormwater Regulations

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 ]

Volunteers Needed for Seattle’s Construction Codes Advisory Board

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 ]

2025 Fee Changes

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 ]

Design Review Exemption Legislation

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 ]

Save the Date: Stormwater Code and Manual Update Listening Session

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 ]

Save the Date: Stormwater Code and Manual Update Listening Session

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 ]

Request for Comments on Proposed Ordinance to Update SMC 23.54.040

Seattle Public Utilities Solid Waste and SDCI seek comments from the development community on a proposed ordinance to update SMC Land Use Code 23.54.040 – Solid Waste Storage & Access. SMC 23.54.040 has not had a substantial update in 16 years. Many sections fail to meet the needs of an… [ Keep reading ]