In August, SDCI announced that it will implement a new plan review process using the Bluebeam software application. We will stop sending standard letter-based corrections for plan reviews and begin providing marked-up documents created with Bluebeam. This transition will align our plan review process with many of our neighboring jurisdictions’ process.
Time to Apply for a Grading Season Extension
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.”
Stormwater Code and Manual Q&A Sessions and Online Training
The City of Seattle Stormwater Code and Manual became effective July 1, 2021. Please visit our Stormwater Code website as a great deal has changed with this update.
We know there will be a lot of questions about the changes, so we are hosting live question and answer sessions every Wednesday this August. These are small, informal sessions to answer any question that you have.
SDCI has also prepared online training materials that you can view at any time.
As Part of Ongoing Downtown Recovery Effort, Mayor Durkan Proposes More Flexibility to Reopen Empty Storefronts and Support New Businesses Coming to Downtown
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan transmitted legislation to the City Council to allow more flexibility in permitted uses for empty downtown storefronts as Seattle seeks to revitalize the heart of the city with new shops and businesses. If passed by the City Council, the new temporary proposal would provide flexibility for businesses, artists, and other organizations to activate empty storefronts by allowing art installations, museums, and a greater variety of businesses, among other new options.
COVID-19 Site Safety Requirements and Documentation
COVID-19 has significantly changed the way we all work, and construction is no exception. Jobsite safety as we know it has changed significantly over the past year. The state of Washington and the City of Seattle have both published site safety requirements to manage exposure to COVID-19. These requirements should be read and understood by contractors, and necessary site safety should be in place during construction activity onsite.
New Effective Date for 2018 Seattle Construction Codes
The effective date for the 2018 Seattle construction codes is March 15, 2021. This effective date applies to the 2018 Seattle editions of the building, residential, existing building, mechanical, fuel gas, plumbing, electrical, boiler, elevator, and fire codes. Applicants can submit complete permit applications using either the 2015 or the 2018 versions of the Seattle construction codes between the state’s implementation date of February 1, 2021 and Seattle’s implementation date of March 15, 2021. As of March 15, 2021, SDCI will only accept permit applications that use the 2018 codes.
Don’t Miss Our February Seattle Home Fair
Join the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections for our Seattle Home Fair on Saturday, February 6, 2021. This virtual, free home fair is your opportunity to ask our experts about our permitting process, building and electrical inspections, soil erosion prevention, and code violations. Don’t miss your chance to get expert advice about your specific project, rental housing, or neighborhood standards.
Save the Date: Join Us for Our Seattle Home Fairs
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.
2021 Fee Changes
The Seattle City Council recently adopted the 2021 budget, including legislation that implements SDCI fee changes in 2021. This year, SDCI did not implement an across-the-board increase in fees but instead was able to make adjustments decreasing several fees. On January 1, 2021, changes to electrical, refrigeration, and furnace fees will go into effect.
Seattle Floodplain Development Regulations Extension
The City of Seattle proposes to extend the interim Floodplain Development Regulations that took effect in August 2020 extended by Ordinance 126113. If the City Council does not adopt this legislation the interim regulations would expire on February 24, 2021. This legislation will extend the original interim regulations for 12 months so that the City’s floodplain mapping and development regulations will continue to be consistent with federal law. The City needs this additional time to prepare a proposal for permanent regulations that includes conducting necessary studies, consulting with federal and state agencies, and public outreach.
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