Building Connections Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections

Building Connections

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections news and events

Need a Permit? Apply Online.

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In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, most City offices, including SDCI’s, are closed to in-person services. However, SDCI is still processing, reviewing, and issuing permits. Almost all permits can be applied for online through our Seattle Services Portal. We are also providing coaching and answering questions electronically.

Maintaining or Restoring Water Quality in Buildings

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The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how water is used in commercial or industrial buildings that have closed or greatly reduced operations. Letting water sit in pipes for long periods of time can create water quality problems in these buildings. Buildings and businesses that have been closed or have significantly reduced water use should flush their internal pipes to replace the stagnant water with fresh water prior to occupants returning.

SDCI Extends Closure of Customer Service Areas to May 31

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SDCI would like to thank our customers for their continued flexibility and patience as we find new ways of providing service while reducing the risk of spreading the COVID-19 virus.

On May 4, Mayor Jenny A. Durkan extended her Executive Order on the City of Seattle’s policies on facility closures and permit suspensions until May 31, to be consistent with Governor Inslee’s May 1 announcement extending the statewide ‘Stay Home, Stay Healthy’ order until at least May 31, 2020.

SDCI Restarts Inspections on Some Construction Projects

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On Friday, April 24th, Governor Inslee issued an addendum to his Stay Home – Stay Healthy Order (20-25), creating a “Phase 1 Restart” of construction in our state. Then, on Wednesday, April 29th, the Governor issued additional guidance for construction. This allows a phased restart of private construction activities that are low-risk and adhere to strict new COVID-19 Job Site Requirements. The City of Seattle has issued health and safety guidelines for construction projects seeking inspections. 

May is Building Safety Month

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The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the City of Seattle are proud to participate in the International Code Council’s annual Building Safety Month campaign this May. This event has been the emphasis of the International Code Council and its predecessors for the past 40 years. The goal and purpose of the International Code Council was to showcase the work and mission of the codes, officials who administer them, and the positive affects the community can receive when they are administered.  There are weekly themes throughout May to educate the public on important issues such as being prepared for a disaster.  The City of Seattle has been and continues to be a major contributor to the development and implementation of all types of codes relevant to the built environment.

Building Safety Month Resources

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The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections and the City of Seattle are proud to participate in the International Code Council’s annual Building Safety Month campaign this May. This event, created by the International Code Council, has a goal and purpose to showcase the work and mission of the codes, officials who administer them, and the positive effects the codes can have on the community. This page includes resources for each week’s theme.

Temporary Land Use and Design Review Permitting Process Changes

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On April 27th, City Council passed emergency legislation making temporary six-month land use permitting process changes that: exempt affordable housing from design review; keep projects normally subject to Design Review moving forward by allowing City staff to complete review processes through administrative design review; allow for community participation during this public health emergency through the administrative design review process and by replacing in-person meetings with virtual meetings.

New Risk Category Occupant Load Calculations Code Interpretation

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On February 27, 2020, SDCI issued a code interpretation of Seattle Building Code section 1604.5, Risk Category Occupant Load Calculations. This code interpretation will help applicants calculate the building occupant load to determine the building’s risk category. The code interpretation allows a reduction in gross area for certain occupancy groups. It allows for some areas to be excluded from the calculation based on non-simultaneous occupancy. A code modification is required to use this code interpretation.