On April 2, 2020, SDCI began using virtual inspections for some types of projects. We implemented our virtual inspections program to continue providing inspections to our customers, while maintaining social distancing during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since SDCI implemented the virtual inspection program, we have conducted more than 9,100 virtual inspections. That is approximately 22% of the over 42,000 total inspections SDCI has conducted since April 2.
SDCI has received a new application from the Seattle Arena Company (ArenaCo) for a Major Public Project Construction Noise Variance from the City of Seattle noise limits. ArenaCo is requesting a 13-month noise variance for the renovation of Seattle Center Arena (Key Arena). The variance would allow construction work during nighttime hours that exceeds the City’s sound level limits (Chapter 25.08 Seattle Municipal Code). SDCI is holding an online public meeting using WebEx Events on Thursday, August 27, 2020. Representatives from ArenaCo will be available to provide information about the project and SDCI will discuss the noise variance process.
The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) is pleased to announce that we have hired Kai Ki Mow to take on the Principal Engineer role for the department. SDCI is also pleased to announce that we have promoted Ardel Jala to take on the Building Official role for the department. Both Ms. Jala and Mr. Mow are well-regarded in the industry, having demonstrated their technical skills, collaboration skills, and leadership qualities in their service on local and statewide professional association committees.
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.
New interim Floodplain Development Regulations and floodplain maps will take effect on August 23, 2020. The City of Seattle is required by FEMA to update our floodplain maps based on their new maps dated August 19, 2020. As part of this update, Seattle is also required to update SMC 25.06, which is Seattle’s Floodplain Development Regulations. These interim regulations will be effective for approximately six months while SDCI works on permanent regulations.
Beginning August 17, 2020, the Walk-In Center on the 27th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower will be permanently closed to the public. After that date, the DSO will meet with customers by appointment only.
SDCI published a new Director’s Rule (DR 9-2020) entitled Verification of floating on-water residences on July 30, 2020. The purpose of the Director’s Rule is to clarify the application material required for verification of floating on-water residences and to establish an end date of September 30, 2020 for verifying any new floating on-water residences.
We updated 8 Tips and published 3 draft Director’s Rules and 2 final Director’s Rules.
SDCI is pleased to announce the release of its new Shaping Seattle: Property & Building Activity map. This new map allows users to find active construction and land use permits and proposals subject to Design Review in their neighborhood. The map will make it easier for the public to research active permits, find related documents and permit records, view upcoming Design Review meeting dates, and comment on land use permits under review. SDCI optimized the map to work best on mobile devices so you can quickly find permit information about projects you see when walking in your community.
Under the Washington State Governor’s Proclamation No. 20-28.5, Design Review Board in-person meetings are currently prohibited while physical distancing measures remain in place. Therefore, SDCI will continue to restrict in-person meetings for the Design Review program until King County is approved to move to Phase 4 of the “Safe Start” reopening plan. Until then, we are pleased to announce that we will begin the gradual rollout of virtual Design Review Board meetings beginning in August. We are launching this effort for Early Design Guidance meetings only. After one month we will assess our ability to expand virtual meetings to accommodate projects in the Recommendation phase as well (ie. all projects).
