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Mayor Signs Childcare Near You Ordinance

On August 21, 2020, Mayor Jenny Durkan signed Ordinance 126131, the Childcare Near You legislation, providing greater flexibility to establish new child care centers in nearly all zones in the city including single-family zones.  This ordinance is effective as of September 20, 2020.

What’s Happening with the Stormwater Code Update?

Our proposed 2021 Stormwater Code and Manual update is scheduled to be effective in July 2021. Our new rules will replace the current Stormwater code and Directors’ Rules, which are administered jointly by SDCI and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU). For more information, visit our Updating Stormwater Regulations web page. There are two public review periods and three public meetings coming up between now and mid-2021.

Reminder: 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.”

Updated King County Sewer Treatment Capacity Forms

SDCI is required to collect King County Sewer Treatment Capacity forms for all new construction projects, including detached accessory dwelling units (DADUs) and attached accessory dwelling units (AADUs).  The King County forms were updated. Please confirm you are using the latest version of the fillable PDF forms.

New Commissioners Sought for the Seattle Design Commission

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.”