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Side Sewer Work Transfers to Seattle Public Utilities

By Tim Durkan

After years of planning, October 1 marks the official transfer date of side sewer work from SDCI to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). The SPU team has worked hard on this transition and welcomes 9 employees from SDCI to help ensure a seamless customer service experience.

What will change?

  • SPU Development Services Office will review side sewer plans, issue side sewer permits, and assist with inspections scheduling
  • SPU Source Control & Pollution Prevention Division will inspect all side sewer permits. This includes onsite stormwater best management practices (BMPs)
  • Core tap billing will be included on the side sewer permit invoice and paid up front, rather than after the core tap is completed
  • SPU will reinstate the Registered Side Sewer Contractor Program in 2026

What won’t change?

  • Side sewer permit applications and requests for side sewer inspections will still be submitted through the Seattle Services Portal
  • You can still email Sidesewerinfo@seattle.gov and call (206) 684-5362 with questions about side sewer permitting and review
  • Onsite drainage review will still be completed by SDCI during the construction permit review process

Please visit the new SPU Side Sewer Permit webpage to learn more.