Building Connections Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections

Building Connections

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections news and events

New Tree Protection Ordinance Goes into Effect on July 30

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Beginning July 30, Seattle’s new tree protection ordinance will take effect for all trees on private property. The new tree code (Ordinance 126821) strikes a balance by protecting and growing a healthy tree canopy citywide and addressing inequities in tree canopy distribution that impact historically underserved communities while supporting housing production needed during a homelessness and housing crisis. 

As shown in the Office of Sustainability and Environment’s 2021 Tree Canopy Assessment, most tree loss is occurring outside of development and in areas zoned Neighborhood Residential (formerly Single Family) and Parks and Natural Areas. Losses in these two areas account for 78% of the total canopy loss between 2016 and 2021. The assessment also showed the canopy loss is not happening equitably, with neighborhoods most impacted by racial and economic injustices starting with less canopy coverage and losing more canopy than the citywide average. 

Under the new ordinance, the City will add tree protections for over 157,000 more trees by limiting removal of trees on properties not undergoing redevelopment and requiring replacement for any tree removed that is 12” or greater in diameter. Removal of hazardous trees will also require tree replacement, and there are new incentives for property owners and builders to retain trees. 

Members Sought for Seattle’s Design Review Boards

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Passionate about design or architecture? Mayor Bruce Harrell is looking for qualified candidates to fill 22 upcoming openings on the City of Seattle’s Design Review Boards. Board members evaluate the design of new buildings based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review large mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. The volunteer positions will start on April 4, 2023, when retiring board members’ terms expire.

It’s Landslide Season! Are You Prepared?

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Landslide season is here, so the City of Seattle is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their property from possible landslides.

Did you know that most landslides occur between the months of November and March? The threat of landslides will continue to rise as rainfall continues to increase and when snow melts during the winter months.

City Renter Protections Extend Beyond Eviction Moratoria

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After two extensions of the eviction moratoria in 2022, Mayor Harrell in his Executive Order 2022-02 instructed our department to develop clear and accessible information to ensure renters understand the remaining tenant protections in place once the eviction moratoria expire on February 28. While the City of Seattle’s eviction moratoria has been in place for much of the COVID-19 pandemic, renters living in Seattle have other protections that will be in effect after February 28.   

New Resource for Renters and Landlords as Eviction Moratoria Concludes

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As directed by Mayor Harrell in Executive Order 2022-02 on the City’s eviction moratoria, the City has set up an Eviction Assistance web page as part of the broader Renting in Seattle online resource. The Eviction Assistance page offers renters and small landlords key information they should know about the expiration of the moratoria, set to end on February 28, 2022 and post-moratoria tenant protections. It also provides links to resources and more detailed information. 

It’s Landslide Season! Are You Prepared?

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Landslide season is here, so the City of Seattle is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their property from possible landslides.

Did you know that most landslides occur between the months of November and March? As snow melts and rainfall continues to increase throughout the winter, the threat of landslides will continue to rise.

Members Sought for Seattle’s Design Review Boards

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Passionate about design or architecture? Mayor Jenny Durkan is looking for qualified candidates to fill 14 upcoming openings on the City of Seattle’s Design Review Boards. Board members evaluate the design of new buildings based on citywide and neighborhood-specific design guidelines. The boards review large mixed-use developments, multifamily housing, and commercial projects. The volunteer positions will start on April 4, 2022, when retiring board members’ terms expire.

New Shaping Seattle Map for Finding Complaints and Violations

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– View complaints, violations, and action taken by the City SEATTLE – We are pleased to announce the release of our new Shaping Seattle: Property & Building Complaints map. This new map displays active complaints, violations, and the actions taken by our Code Compliance Division to help bring properties into compliance with community standards. This map will […]

Save the Date: Join Us for Our Seattle Home Fairs

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Join the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) for our Seattle Home Fairs on Saturday, January 30, 2021 and Saturday, February 6, 2021. This year we’re going virtual! Our free home fairs will include helpful information about landslide preparation, earthquake retrofits, tree regulations, and rental housing rules. You’ll also have an opportunity to ask our experts about our permitting process, building and electrical inspections, soil erosion prevention, and code violations. This is your chance to get expert advice about your specific project, rental housing, or housing maintenance standards.