The Street Use division of the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) have made the water service application process easier!
Pre-approved Plans for Accessory Dwelling Units
As part of our comprehensive effort to enable more residents to own and rent accessory dwelling units (ADUs), Mayor Jenny Durkan has called for pre-approved plans for detached ADUs that offer homeowners a faster, easier, and more predictable design and permitting process. Our first step in this effort was a public survey about design principles we should consider when selecting plans for pre-approval. Between September 30 and October 21, we received almost 600 responses to the survey.
Director’s Rule 12-2019: Update of ECA Mapping for Known Landslide and Steep Slope Erosion Hazard Areas
On November 15, 2019, the City of Seattle adopted a new Known Landslide map and an updated map for steep slope erosion hazard areas. Known landslide areas and steep slope erosion hazard areas are Environmentally Critical Areas regulated by SMC 25.09.
Shoreline Master Program Vessel Definition Amendment
The Shoreline Master Program amendment regarding the definition of a vessel, Ordinance 125882, became effective on November 12 after final review and approval by the Department of Ecology on October 29. This amendment adds additional language to the definition of vessel to clarify that the intent of the term “designed for navigation” is to transport people or goods over water.
Shoreline Master Program Proposing New Director’s Rule About Height Exceptions
We are proposing a new Director’s Rule regarding height exceptions for floating homes regulated under the Shoreline Master Program. The purpose of this rule is to clarify that a height exception for floating homes that are greater than 18-ft in height also applies for floating homes with a height of 18-ft and less.
Reminder: Are YOU Prepared for Landslides?
Are YOU Prepared for Landslides? Landslide season is approaching, so the City of Seattle is urging residents to take preventive measures to protect themselves and their property from possible landslides.
Reminder: Members Sought for Seattle’s Design Review Boards
Passionate about design or architecture? Mayor Jenny Durkan is looking for qualified candidates to fill 6 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, 2020, when retiring board members’ terms expire.
November Publication Updates
We updated the General Standards for Plans and Drawings Tip. We updated a Director’s Rule with new Landslide maps, and posted a Draft Directors Rule with new SEPA thresholds for comment.
Tenant Services Grants Request for Proposals
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is seeking proposals for Tenant Services Grants for the City of Seattle. These grants are meant to fund organizations to help tenants learn and enforce their rights and learn about the resources available to them. With all the tenant legislation this year at both the state and City levels, it is more important than ever that tenants understand what these new laws mean for them.
Owner Occupancy Covenant No Longer Required for Accessory Dwelling Units
The City’s accessory dwelling units (ADU) regulations were recently updated, by Ordinance 125854, and went into effect on August 8, 2019. The updated regulations removed the owner occupancy requirement for ADUs.
