One of the best ways to avoid problems with vacant buildings is to keep them from becoming vacant. At SDCI we’ve seen an increasing number of homes and other structures go vacant while applicants wait for their development permits to be issued. We’ve also seen an increasing number of these structures broken into by trespassers, and frequently squatters occupy the buildings. Boarding up the doors and windows and fencing the site can become a huge expense, and frequently the break-ins continue, which requires you to board the structure again. We see frequent evidence of drug use in these structures, with used syringes and other hazards left behind. It paints a costly picture.
Quicker Permitting Option for Single-Family Substantial Alterations
On October 1, 2017, we will begin issuing some single family substantial alteration projects as a Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) permit. We often issue STFI permits on the same day you apply. To qualify for this new permit type, your project must meet specific criteria.
New Seattle Public Utilities Design Standards & Guidelines
The latest edition of Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU’s) Design Standards and Guidelines (DSG) is now published online. The DSG provides engineering requirements, details, specifications, policies, and procedures for designing SPU infrastructures.
July Permit Turnaround Times
View permit turnaround times for July 2017.
SDCI Releases Recommendations of the URM Policy Committee
On August 3, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI ) released the URM (Unreinforced Masonry) Policy Committee recommendations. First convened by SDCI in 2011, the policy committee brought together URM property owners, geological and seismology experts, structural engineers, architects, housing and real estate development representatives, and historic preservation professionals to develop recommendations on a city-wide URM seismic retrofit policy. After a hiatus to allow SDCI to gather more information, the policy committee reconvened in late 2016 to finalize their recommendations.
New Permitting System Update
SDCI started a soft-launch of the new permitting system over Memorial Day weekend. The Rental Registration and Inspection Ordinance (RRIO) has now been converted to the new system. SDCI staff is working through end-to-end simulations of the permitting functions of the new system. The simulations give the team information to determine what type of projects will be chosen to do a limited pilot. We anticipate inviting a group of customers to use the system for new projects later this summer.
Repairs Over Water? Check With the City First.
SDCI is reminding residents that if they need to make any repair over water they need to check with the City of Seattle first. Two common shoreline violations are unauthorized pier repair and the use of pressure-treated wood for pier surfaces.
New Boiler Code
SDCI is updating Seattle’s Boiler Code, which hasn’t been updated since 2005. The new Boiler Code will be effective July 31, 2017. Any application you submit on or after this date must meet the new requirements.
Comment on Updates to Design Review Program Through July 10
On June 8, 2017, we posted draft legislation to modify the design review program for public review. In order to allow more time for public review of our draft legislation to modify the design review program, we are accepting public comments through Monday, July 10. The deadline to file an appeal of our SEPA decision was June 29.
Council Discussion on Proposed Code Amendments for Vacant Buildings
On July 18th, the City Council’s Planning, Land Use, and Zoning Committee will discuss and potentially vote on proposed legislation that would update provisions for the maintenance and demolition of vacant buildings.
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