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Storm Drain Insert Reminder

With the onset of the rainy season, SDCI is reminding builders working in Seattle to inspect and maintain any temporary storm drain inserts they have installed as part of construction projects. The inserts, also known as storm drain socks, are used on many construction projects to catch sediment not captured by other required construction-related erosion control measures.

October Publication Updates

We updated a Tip about renewable energy and published two final Director’s Rules about seismic evaluation reports and commercial kitchen exhaust hoods.

SDCI Staff Directory

Recently, the City had to remove the citywide staff directory from our website because the platform hosting the directory was failing and it posed some security risks. We understand that the directory’s removal has been inconvenient for our customers. While the City is working on a replacement directory, SDCI has developed an interim solution by posting all SDCI staff contact information on the Seattle Open Data website. The SDCI staff directory dataset includes staff names, titles, phone numbers, emails, work group, and supervisor’s name.

Update: New Plan Review Process

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.”

Coming Soon: Improved Public Comments Feature

SDCI will be launching an improved method for our customers to submit public comments for some land use and early design guidance projects. Starting in late October, customers will be able to submit a public comment online and attach supporting photos, documents, etc., using the Seattle Services Portal. 

New DADU Addressing Process

Beginning October 1, 2021, SDCI will start establishing separate, regular addresses and building IDs for detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs). Even though DADUs are accessory structures by code, they are dwelling units that should have their own address for emergency response, utilities, and mailing. Project descriptions will clearly identify that the structure is accessory to another structure.

Tree Protection Update

Have you had a subcontractor move tree protection fencing and accidentally damage a tree?  Did it cost you time and money in the form of delays, extra inspections, project revisions or fines? Good news: the required fencing will help keep tree protection in place so that you avoid damage to trees during construction. 

Storm Drain Insert Reminder

With the onset of the rainy season, SDCI is reminding builders working in Seattle to inspect and maintain any temporary storm drain inserts they have installed as part of construction projects. The inserts, also known as storm drain socks, are used on many construction projects to catch sediment not captured by other required construction-related erosion control measures.

New Inspectors Report for Customers

As the result of customer requests, SDCI has made a new report available through the Seattle Services Portal. The Inspectors Report for Customers provides details about a permit/record including key inspection issues, related permits, permit fees, and permit inspections. Previously, the report was only generated when a final inspection was scheduled, but it will now be available on-demand. The report is available on construction, phased, demolition, and grading permits.