Building Connections Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections

Building Connections

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections news and events

Time to Apply for a Grading Season Extension

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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.”

Coming Soon: Improved Public Comments Feature

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SDCI will be launching an improved method for our customers to submit public comments for some land use and early design guidance projects. Starting in late October, customers will be able to submit a public comment online and attach supporting photos, documents, etc., using the Seattle Services Portal. 

New DADU Addressing Process

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Beginning October 1, 2021, SDCI will start establishing separate, regular addresses and building IDs for detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs). Even though DADUs are accessory structures by code, they are dwelling units that should have their own address for emergency response, utilities, and mailing. Project descriptions will clearly identify that the structure is accessory to another structure.

Tree Protection Update

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Have you had a subcontractor move tree protection fencing and accidentally damage a tree?  Did it cost you time and money in the form of delays, extra inspections, project revisions or fines? Good news: the required fencing will help keep tree protection in place so that you avoid damage to trees during construction. 

Storm Drain Insert Reminder

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With the onset of the rainy season, SDCI is reminding builders working in Seattle to inspect and maintain any temporary storm drain inserts they have installed as part of construction projects. The inserts, also known as storm drain socks, are used on many construction projects to catch sediment not captured by other required construction-related erosion control measures.

New Inspectors Report for Customers

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As the result of customer requests, SDCI has made a new report available through the Seattle Services Portal. The Inspectors Report for Customers provides details about a permit/record including key inspection issues, related permits, permit fees, and permit inspections. Previously, the report was only generated when a final inspection was scheduled, but it will now be available on-demand. The report is available on construction, phased, demolition, and grading permits.

Mayor Durkan Proposes $1.7 Million in 2022 Budget to Fund Oil-to-Electric Heat Pump Conversions for Low-and-Middle-Income Households

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In her 2022 budget address, Mayor Durkan announced $1.7 million to support residents in converting from dirty and expensive heating oil to clean electric heat pumps, including funds to provide no-cost heat pumps for approximately 125 low-income households. The budget also funds inclusive outreach and engagement with Black, Indigenous, and People of Color communities that have borne the worst impacts of climate change, environmental hazards, and systemic racism.   

New Plumbing and Gas Piping Newsletter

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The Plumbing and Gas Piping Program for Seattle and King County is launching a P&G Newsletter to help inform the industry of code requirements and inspections. The P&G Newsletter will provide information to help industry develop accurate construction schedules. The P&G Newsletter will also provide updates on resources or guidance to industry around code and plan submission processes.

King County Plumbing and Gas Program Collaboration to Create Example Design Plans

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Over the past five and a half years Public Health – Seattle & King County Plumbing and Gas Program has collaborated with multiple plumbing industry organizations to create design guidance and a plan review process. The Plumbing and Gas Program is continuing this collaboration with the plumbing industry. The American Society of Plumbing Engineers (ASPE) Seattle Chapter Board of Directors has taken an unprecedented approach to create and produce example design plans to be housed on the Plumbing & Gas Piping homepage.