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Reminder: Changes to Water Availability Certificate and Determination Request Process

Masonry Pool, a water source for Seattle.Starting March 28, 2020, all applications for Water Availability Certificates (WACs) and Determination requests will be processed through the Seattle Services Portal. This update will streamline the Seattle Public Utilities’ (SPU’s) application process with SDCI and make SPU’s requirements and review status clearer and more transparent.

WAC Requests:

A WAC is a document prepared by SPU that confirms SPU water infrastructure exists to supply the parcel(s). The document identifies requirements, system improvements, and conditions necessary to provide water service to the parcel.

  1. If your project is within the City of Seattle, and you require a building permit or a master use permit for a platting action from SDCI, SDCI will request a water availability certificate for you as part of their process.

For this process, nothing is changing except the ability to enter the water service size(s) you anticipate for your project, if known, as part of your initial application.

  1. If your project is in an SPU direct water service area outside of the City of Seattle, or within Seattle, but does not require the above-mentioned permit(s) from SDCI, you may apply directly for a WAC through the Seattle Services Portal.

Customer Benefits:

  • The WAC document will be streamlined to be clearer and more concise.
  • The WAC review and workflow will be directly incorporated into SDCI’s permitting process.
  • WAC document and status will be visible to the applicant or owner in the Portal.

Drainage or Wastewater and WAC Determination Reviews:

If your project requires a utility system improvement that you have grounds to dispute, you can request a Determination Review.

  • All Determination Review requests will go through the Seattle Services Portal.
  • The request will be linked directly to the WAC or Preliminary Assessment Report (PAR) outlining the disputed requirement.

Customer Benefits:

If you have questions or need help, please contact SPUWaterAvailability@seattle.gov.