Building Connections Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections

Building Connections

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections news and events

Leaf Blower Best Practices

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Autumn is upon us and with that comes falling leaves.  In response to Council direction, SDCI has worked with other departments to prepare a pamphlet and webpage with tips and suggestions for leaf blower usage.  These are based on best practices recommended by City staff and cover topics such as environmental quality, courteous usage, noise reduction and alternative methods. 

Reminder: 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.”  If you see “Monitor Grading Season Restriction” on your record, this means that grading between November 1 and March 31 is prohibited unless you apply for and receive a Grading Season Extension. 

Are YOU Prepared for Landslides?

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Did you know that most landslides occur between the months of November and March? As rainfall continues to increase throughout the fall, the threat of landslides will continue to rise this winter. Landslide season is upon us, so the City of Seattle is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their property from possible landslides.

ADA Curb Ramp Ordinance Effective in Late October

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On September 24, the City Council approved legislation with several changes to the pedestrian access and circulation requirements in the Land Use code, that lists when sidewalks and ADA curbs and curb ramps are required to be constructed or rebuilt. The amendments are intended to increase accessibility on sidewalks and to make other modifications and corrections to the code.  The ordinance will go into effect in late October; 30 days after the Mayor signs the ordinance.

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.” 

Got Codes? Know What You Don’t Know: Residential Codes and Permit Process Hurdles

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SDCI will be presenting at the fourth session of the Got Codes? series hosted by AIA Seattle. This session will discuss land use, building, and energy code issues for residential projects. We’ll also specifically address current design issues for accessory dwelling units (ADUs), detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs), home business or office, substantial alterations, existing non-conforming conditions and site access, and environmentally critical areas.

Get the Most out of Your Pre-Application

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Our new permitting system, the Seattle Services Portal, has streamlined the permitting process for large-scale projects. If your project needs multiple application types – such as a Master Use Permit application for design review, a construction permit application, and a demolition permit application – our new permitting system now only requires you to submit one pre-application.