On April 3rd, Mayor Durkan announced emergency legislation making temporary land use permitting process changes that prioritize affordable housing, keep projects moving forward by allowing City staff to complete review processes, and allow for robust community participation during this public health emergency by replacing in-person meetings with virtual and electronic outreach.
SDCI Extends Closure of Customer Service Areas to May 4
On April 6, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan issued an Executive Order to align the City of Seattle’s policies on facility closures and permit suspensions with Governor Inslee’s statewide ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order, which is now extended until at least May 4, 2020. The Governor’s order was first announced on March 23 and bans all gatherings, closes all non-essential businesses unless employees can work from home, and requires all Washingtonians to stay home unless they are engaging in an essential activity.
SDCI Guide to Video Inspections
Some inspections can now be done as a video inspection. Please read Video Inspections for Some Projects to see if your project might have the option to be conducted by video. To be considered for a video inspection, please confirm the following: The site contact is at least 18 years old or is with an […]
Video Inspections Available for Some Projects
In response to COVID 19, SDCI Inspection Services is implementing limited video inspections for some inspection types. At this time, we will only perform inspections on essential projects as outlined by the governor’s order and subsequent clarification memo or letters.
Updating the City’s Stormwater Regulations
The Department of Ecology is requiring Seattle to update our current codes with additional stormwater control regulations as a condition of our NPDES permit. To meet these requirements, we are revising our existing Stormwater Code (SMC 22.800-22.808) and the associated Stormwater Manual (Directors’ Rule 17-2017). These new rules will replace the current drainage control code and Directors’ Rules which are administered jointly by SDCI and Seattle Public Utilities.
2018 Seattle Construction Code Adoption Delayed
SDCI is in the process of updating Seattle’s construction codes to the 2018 versions of the building, residential, existing buildings, mechanical, energy, fuel gas, and plumbing codes. We have been aiming for an effective date of July 1, 2020, to align with the effective date of the Washington State building codes. However, due to many factors, including the impacts of the COVID-19, the effective date of Seattle’s codes will be delayed until November 1, 2020. If the 2018 Washington State construction codes effective date is delayed past November 1, we will align the effective date of our codes with the State.
Online Paid Zoning Coaching Appointments
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, we canceled in-person paid zoning coaching appointments in March and early April. Starting April 14, SDCI will offer online paid zoning coaching meetings through Skype. We will set up your Skype coaching appointment within two weeks of receiving your request.
Public Notice – Land Use Information Bulletin
To make sure you receive notice of Land Use Applications, Decisions, Meetings, Hearings, New codes and Director’s Rules, you can subscribe to our Land Use Information Bulletin (LUIB). The LUIB is a great way to get public notices and stay informed about development projects in your neighborhood and throughout Seattle. It includes projects that have public comment opportunities or upcoming public meetings.
Building Safety Month 2020
SDCI and the City of Seattle are proud to participate in the International Code Council’s annual Building Safety Month campaign this May. The International Code Council’s goal and purpose is to showcase the work and mission of the codes, officials who administer them, and the positive effects the community can receive when they are administered. This is the 40th year of Building Safety Month. There are weekly themes throughout May to educate the public on important issues.
We Want Your Feedback About This Year’s Home Fairs
We want to know what you think about our annual North Seattle and South Seattle Home Fairs. Please take just 4 minutes to fill out this survey about the Home Fairs and the presentations. This is your chance to let us know what you like about the events and what you think we should change about them.
