Once again, the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is hosting our popular Seattle Home Fair. We’ve moved our Home Fairs up from winter to fall so you can get answer to key questions in time for you to apply for and receive that construction permit for your planned spring/summer renovation project. It’s also an opportunity to learn about Seattle’s new tree regulations and how to reduce your risk of landslides as we head into the rainy season.
Join Us at the Seattle Home Fair
Once again, SDCI is hosting our popular Seattle Home Fair. We’ve moved our Home Fairs from winter to fall! We wanted to be able to answer your questions in time for you to apply for, and receive, that construction permit for your planned spring/summer renovation project.
Grading Season Extension Reminder
The rainy season is rapidly approaching, which means it’s time to think about whether you will be doing any grading between November 1 and March 31. If your project includes Geotechnical Special Inspections AND if your project is in an environmentally critical area or involves a large quantity of earth-moving, check your special inspection permit record for an item called “Monitor Grading Season Restriction.”
Major Milestone in URM Earthquake Retrofits
SDCI is celebrating a major milestone on the pathway to improving Seattle’s earthquake safety. On September 26, 2023, the Public Safety and Human Services Committee voted 5-0 to refer Resolution 32111 to a Council vote. This resolution supports the development of a voluntary seismic retrofit ordinance that will establish a minimum seismic safety standard for the retrofit of unreinforced masonry (URM) buildings. URM buildings are classic red brick buildings, generally constructed before 1945, and are prone to collapse in an earthquake. Seattle has 1,100 URM buildings and an 86% chance of experiencing a damaging earthquake in the next 50 years. Adopting a mandatory URM retrofit ordinance continues to be the City’s long-term goal. However, adding a short-term goal to adopt a voluntary URM retrofit ordinance provides assurance to URM building owners that by retrofitting to the established standard, they will be compliant with future mandatory requirements. Resolution 32111 is scheduled for a vote by full Council on October 10.
SDCI Director Budget Message
Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell is releasing the 2023-2024 Proposed Mid-Biennial Budget Adjustments. This budget reflects Mayor Harrell’s continued commitment to, and investment in, bold actions that address urgent needs of our communities and advance our One Seattle priorities. Mayor Harrell’s proposal continues work initiated in the 2023 Adopted Budget to invest in creating safe, healthy, and thriving communities. This budget continues supporting efforts to deliver effective public safety, build affordable housing and address the homelessness crisis, activate our Downtown, and advance opportunity and equity for all.
Don’t Miss the Seattle Home Fair
Once again, SDCI is hosting our popular Seattle Home Fair. We’ve moved our Home Fairs from winter to fall! We wanted to be able to answer your questions in time for you to apply for, and receive, that construction permit for your planned spring/summer renovation project. We’re holding six virtual lectures on October 14, 2023. There’s also an in-person event at the Filipino Community Center on October 21, 2023, from 9:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
New Tree Protection Code
The City of Seattle is committed to protecting our urban tree canopy. Canopy cover is one important measure of the health of the urban forest. Urban trees provide numerous ecological, economic, and social benefits, including wildlife habitat, neighborhood livability, and improved public health outcomes.
The Seattle City Council recently passed Council Bill 120534 establishing new tree protection requirements on private property in Seattle. The new regulations went into effect on July 30, 2023. It is important for property owners, tenants, developers, and tree service providers to understand the new regulations to know when a tree is protected and when a tree may be removed. We are currently developing public information to help explain the new regulations. Please watch for updates on our Trees & Codes website, including links to any new or revised Tips and Director’s Rules.
New Tree Protection Ordinance Goes into Effect on July 30
Beginning July 30, Seattle’s new tree protection ordinance will take effect for all trees on private property. The new tree code (Ordinance 126821) strikes a balance by protecting and growing a healthy tree canopy citywide and addressing inequities in tree canopy distribution that impact historically underserved communities while supporting housing production needed during a homelessness and housing crisis.
As shown in the Office of Sustainability and Environment’s 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment, most tree loss is occurring outside of development and in areas zoned Neighborhood Residential (formerly Single Family) and Parks and Natural Areas. Losses in these two areas account for 78% of the total canopy loss between 2016 and 2021. The assessment also showed the canopy loss is not happening equitably, with neighborhoods most impacted by racial and economic injustices starting with less canopy coverage and losing more canopy than the citywide average.
Under the new ordinance, the City will add tree protections for over 157,000 more trees by limiting removal of trees on properties not undergoing redevelopment and requiring replacement for any tree removed that is 12” or greater in diameter. Removal of hazardous trees will also require tree replacement, and there are new incentives for property owners and builders to retain trees.
New SEPA Exemption for Housing Proposals
Seattle has made considerable progress in planning for housing growth in both its comprehensive plan and land use codes. In recognition of that progress, the Washington State Legislature has amended (Senate Bill 5412) the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) to help reach those goals by expediting the review of development that includes housing. As of July 23, 2023, most projects proposing additional housing units will be exempt from SEPA review, including several types of residential and mixed-use developments that would have previously undergone SEPA review. This SEPA change does not affect other SDCI discretionary approvals, such as Design Review, that may be required for specific proposals. This SEPA amendment will be in effect until September 30, 2025, when the Seattle Comprehensive Plan Update provides new housing growth targets and updated SEPA thresholds.
New Tree Regulations Coming Soon!
The Seattle City Council recently passed Council Bill 120534 establishing new tree protection requirements on private property in Seattle. The new regulations will become effective on July 30, 2023. It is important for property owners, tenants, developers, and tree service providers to understand the new regulations to know when a tree is protected and when a tree may be removed. We are currently developing public information to help explain the new regulations. Please watch for updates on our Trees & Codes website, including links to any new or revised Tips and Director’s Rules.
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