Mayor Jenny Durkan is recruiting to fill two upcoming vacancies on the Seattle Design Commission – the positions are for an urban planner and an at-large position. The appointments will begin in March 2021 for a two-year term.
2020 King Conservation District Seattle Community Partnership Grant
The King Conservation District and Seattle’s Office of Sustainability and Environment are excited to announce that the 2020 Seattle Community Partnership Grant Program is now accepting applications! Organizations seeking to improve natural resources and advance environmental equity can learn more and apply on the King Conservation District website. Applications are due October 19.
September Publication Updates
we updated two Tips this month, including the Standard Plans Tip that now includes information about using accessory dwelling unit standard plans.
Online Paid Zoning Coaching Appointments
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and based on guidance from our public health partners, we are no longer hosting in-person paid zoning coaching appointments at the Seattle Municipal Tower. In an effort to facilitate teleworking, SDCI offers online paid zoning coaching meetings through Microsoft (MS) Teams online meetings.
Seattle Unveils Pre-Approved Plans for Backyard Cottages Which Lowers Fees and Permitting Time
Mayor Jenny A. Durkan announced today, the launch of a new website called ADUniverse that features backyard cottage designs that have been granted pre-approved City permits. The website includes a step-by-step guide to adding an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) on a property and new data about the implementation of this increasingly popular housing option.
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.”
Reminder: New Boiler & Conveyance Bulletin
The SDCI Boiler and Conveyance periodic inspection programs invite you to sign up for our Boiler & Conveyance Bulletin, our quarterly newsletter. You can sign up on our Boiler & Pressure Vessel Inspections or our Elevator & Escalator Inspections websites. If you are a property manager, building owner/engineer, elevator company or consultant, installation contractor, or HOA member, this newsletter could prove beneficial to you.
Interim Floodplain Development Regulations Public Hearing
On July 24, 2020, the City passed Ordinance 126113, which establishes interim floodplain development regulations. Interim regulations are required for participation in the National Flood Insurance Program and are based on a Federal Emergency Management Agency Flood Insurance Study. Interim regulations will be in place for six months while SDCI develops recommendations for permanent regulations. The ordinance was passed pursuant to RCW 36.70A.390 and, unless renewed, will expire in February 2021.
Code Updates for Child Care Facilities
On August 21, Mayor Durkan signed Ordinance 126131, which updates the Land Use Code for greater flexibility in locating child care facilities in all zones. The City Council estimates that as many as 33,000 children in Seattle under the age of six are in need of child care. They identified a shortage in child care and sought to remove code barriers to more affordable and conveniently located child care.
Reminder: SPU’s Development Services Office Walk-In Center is Permanently Closed
As of August 17, 2020, the Seattle Public Utilities Development Services Office (DSO) walk-in center on the 27th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower is permanently closed to the public. After that date, the DSO will meet with customers by appointment only.
