You may have noticed that the Permit & Property Records Search tool looks a bit different. That is because we upgraded the servers where SDCI’s documents are all stored. Part of that effort included rebuilding the Permit & Property Records Search page. We took this opportunity to modernize this site with features we hope you will find useful.
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 is Cancelling Applications Older than 24 Months
SDCI standard process is to cancel permit applications that are more than 24 months old to ensure projects are meeting current standards. When an applicant submits an application, they are locked into (“vested to”) the codes current at that time. If an application is not issued within 24 months, it has the potential of becoming out of date with updated life safety codes, energy requirements, land use regulations, etc. It is important that applications are issued in a timely manner so that the projects are built to modern codes.
SPU Proposes Updated Development-Related Service Charges on November 1
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) plans to update charges for development-related services, including water service installations (“taps”), the water connection charge, water main extensions and improvements, hydrant services, drainage and wastewater core taps, and others.
Architect Sought to Join the Seattle Design Commission
Mayor Bruce A Harrell is recruiting an Architect to join the Seattle Design Commission. The two-year term will start in March 2024. We are looking for a Licensed Architect who is interested in helping to elevate the design of City capital projects (parks, community centers, fire stations, etc.) that will have a long-term effect, and which can produce environmental outcomes that benefit the public.
Engineer Sought to Join the Seattle Design Commission
Mayor Bruce A Harrell is recruiting an Engineer to join the Seattle Design Commission. The two-year term will start in March 2024. We are looking for a Licensed Professional Engineer who is interested in helping to elevate the design of City capital projects (parks, community centers, fire stations, etc.) that will have a long-term effect, and which can produce environmental outcomes that benefit the public.
September Publication Updates
SDCI published two updated Tips, on addressing and Design Review, and two final Director’s Rules, on URMs and Trees.
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.
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