We’re in the process of updating outreach materials related to Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs) to clarify when a separate ECA exemption application is required per Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 25.09.045.
Approval of an ECA exemption allows for certain development activities within ECAs. A separate ECA exemption application in advance of a building permit application is not needed for exempt activities within wetland, riparian corridor, and fish and wildlife habitat ECAs. For these ECAs, compliance with the exemption criteria in SMC 25.09.045 can be reviewed as part of the building permit application.
While a separate ECA exemption application is not required for these ECAs, you may still choose to submit one in advance of a building permit application, and we’ll review it for compliance with the criteria in SMC 25.09.045.