Many new Seattle residential buildings include private balconies for each unit. Although they may be outside of the building envelope, where these balconies are covered by a roof or by the floor of the balcony above, they are considered floor area, and must comply with fire-resistance and separation requirements in the Seattle Building Code. To help architects and others, SDCI has recently released two Code Interpretations on this topic.
Revised Rat Abatement Forms
We revised the rat abatement forms required for getting demolition permits. Under the new process, applicants will file a declaration with their permit application affirming they understand the rat abatement requirement. There will be no hold on issuance of the demolition permit. At the first ground disturbance inspection, prior to the start of demolition, the applicant or contractor will provide a certification from a pest control company. The certification will confirm the date the rat abatement program started and confirm that the abatement program will continue until demolition actually starts.
Reminder: 2019 Fee Changes
The Seattle City Council recently adopted the 2019-2020 budget, including legislation that implements SDCI fee changes in 2019 to cover wage increases that reflect our current cost of doing business. On January 1, 2019, these service fees go into effect. As in past years, we are making inflationary adjustments to most fees. This year’s inflationary adjustment is 3.0 percent. As an example, our Base Hourly fee will increase from $216 to $222.
City Launching Online Registration System for Short-Term Rentals
The Department of Finance and Administrative Services recently announced the city’s new registration system for short-term rentals will launch on January 2, 2019. The City of Seattle adopted new regulations for short-term rentals, a type of lodging sometimes called vacation rentals, in December 2017.
Proposed Electric Vehicle Readiness Rules Available for Public Review
We’d like your feedback on draft legislation that would require new development in Seattle to provide electric vehicle (“EV”) charging infrastructure. Specifically, the amendments to the Land Use Code (Title 23) would require that a certain amount of off-street parking spaces include the wiring and electrical (power) outlets necessary to be considered “EV ready”, to make it easier for someone to install charging equipment/stations there in the future. The legislation is available for public review and comment through December 20, 2018.
Leaf Blower Best Practices
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.
Publication Updates
We updated a Tip about Design Review application instructions and requirements.
ADA Curb Ramp Ordinance Effective in Late October
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.
Additional Information for Residential Projects Needed on Preliminary Site Plans
On July 1, updates to Design Review went into effect that changed the residential thresholds from being based on number of units to total gross floor area on a site. While we work on updating our electronic submittal process and the information we collect from you, we need your help to make sure we have the most accurate information about your proposed project. For all projects, please include the total gross floor area – including floor area below grade – on the site plan, along with the unit count for residential projects, so we can identify whether Design Review is required for your project during our interdepartmental preliminary assessment of your project. The requirements we identify in your report are based on the information you provide, so the more you give us will help us respond with the best information.
Living Building and 2030 Challenge Pilots Effective August 1
Seattle’s buildings produce about one-third of our greenhouse gases. Reducing these emissions are critical in achieving our goal to become a carbon-neutral community by 2050. To help achieve that goal, SDCI’s updated Living Building Pilot and new 2030 Challenge Pilot go into effect on August 1. The Living Building Pilot can be used for new and existing buildings. The 2030 Challenge Pilot is focused on development that includes existing buildings.
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