We’re in the process of updating outreach materials related to Environmental Critical Areas (ECAs) to clarify when a separate ECA exemption application is required per Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 25.09.045. Approval of an ECA exemption allows for certain development activities within ECAs. A separate ECA exemption application in advance of a… [ Keep reading ]
Building on new Executive Order to preserve mature trees, the nursery will help grow the next generation of Seattle’s urban forest Mayor Bruce Harrell joined Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) General Manager and CEO Andrew Lee and community members to celebrate the opening of a new City-owned tree nursery located in… [ Keep reading ]
PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls) were widely used in construction during the 1950s, 60s, and 70s in transformers and fluorescent lamp ballasts, and as an admixture in caulk, sealants, grout, and paint. Much of this hazardous material remains in buildings today, and can constitute a serious liability for building owners. The state… [ Keep reading ]
Mayor Bruce Harrell is recruiting an Urban Designer to join the Seattle Design Commission. The successful candidate will complete the term of an outgoing commissioner. The initial term will end March 2027, with a two-year term to follow. We are looking for an urban designer passionate about elevating the design… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) plans to update charges for development-related services, including water service installations (“taps”), water main extensions and improvements, and others. Charges are being updated to reflect the actual costs for SPU to provide these services in 2026 and ensure that Seattle ratepayers are not subsidizing these individual… [ Keep reading ]
Seattle – Today, Mayor Bruce Harrell announced the appointment of Brooke Belman as Director of the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), effective October 1, 2025. SDCI’s work touches nearly every neighborhood and development project in Seattle, and includes reviewing building and land use plans, issuing permits, and ensuring construction… [ Keep reading ]
Have a project you’re stuck on? Need some guidance on renting? Want to know what’s going on in your community? Join us at the Seattle Home Fair at the Filipino community center on November 8, 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM., for face-to-face help from City experts who specialize in permits, inspections,… [ Keep reading ]
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… [ Keep reading ]
On September 24, 2025, Mayor Harrell signed Ordinance 127299. This legislation makes permitting requirements easier for small businesses by removing 2021 Seattle Existing Building Code (SEBC) Section 311.1.1 substantial alteration requirements when the building or space has a gross area of 7,000 square feet or less. The legislation also: This… [ Keep reading ]
