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System Development Charge and Participatory Latecomer Agreement Program

What is changing? Starting January 1, 2026, Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) will introduce: Why are these changes being made? Extending utility mains to undeveloped properties can be costly. The new program is designed to: How will these changes to System Development Charges impact me? Many factors go into the calculation… [ Keep reading ]

Ordinance 127285 for SMC Land Use code 23.54.040 Effective Date: October 5, 2025

After 6 years of collaboration with city departments and the development and design community, SMC 23.54.040 will be updated effective October 5, 2025. The Solid Waste storage, access, and collection code now reflects long-time guidance and best practices for safe and efficient solid waste collection. It is effective across all… [ Keep reading ]

New Construction Code Interpretation for Occupied Rooftop Structures

Since Seattle weather is notoriously overcast for much of the year, many building owners and architects want to install structures to provide weather protection on roof decks. Although they may be outside of the building envelope, these structures are considered a part of the building area and need to comply… [ Keep reading ]

Side Sewer Work Transfers to Seattle Public Utilities

After years of planning, October 1 marks the official transfer date of side sewer work from SDCI to Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). The SPU team has worked hard on this transition and welcomes 9 employees from SDCI to help ensure a seamless customer service experience. What will change? What won’t… [ Keep reading ]

New Sprinkler OTC Permits: Faster Process, Lower Cost

What’s changing? A new over-the-counter (OTC) sprinkler permit option is now available in the Seattle Services Portal. Projects on existing systems affecting 24 or fewer sprinklers can receive an OTC permit. This change can save customers 3-7 weeks in permitting while eliminating sprinkler plan review fees and reducing inspection fees for… [ Keep reading ]

September Publication Updates

Tips Director’s Rules

Mayor Harrell’s 2026 Proposed Budget for SDCI

Dear Community Partners: Tuesday, Mayor Bruce Harrell released the 2026 Proposed Budget. In this budget, Mayor Harrell is continuing investments and bold actions to address the needs of our communities and advance our One Seattle priorities. Mayor Harrell’s balanced budget proposal remains focused on strengthening public safety, creating housing affordability… [ Keep reading ]

How to Roll Existing Projects Forward Using New Zoning Regulations for ADUs and Middle Housing

What’s Happening? On June 30, 2025, Seattle implemented the HB1337 and HB1110 Compliance Bills (Ordinances 127211 and 127219), proposed by Mayor Harrell and adopted by the City Council. These Land Use Code changes align with state laws, increase housing supply, and diversify housing options in residential zones. The changes create… [ Keep reading ]

Retiring Zoning Map Books Webpage on September 19

We are retiring the Zoning Map Books webpage on Friday, September 19. We’ll continue to provide zoning data through the SDCI Property Information Map (GIS). We’ve posted an alert message on the Zoning Map Books webpage along with a link to the SDCI Property Information Map (GIS)webpage and a reminder to… [ Keep reading ]

Civic Engagement Recognition Awards

Nominate an individual and/or Board or Commission for a City of Seattle Civic Engagement Recognition Award. The City of Seattle’s 73 Boards and Commissions are represented by over 1000 service minded individuals. Board and Commission members are subject matter experts in their respective fields and offer lived experience and diverse… [ Keep reading ]