Permits: Use and Construction Regulations

A number of City agencies are charged with ensuring compliance with City regulations by businesses and residents. Most commercial related permits are issued by the Department of Planning and Development (DPD), which is responsible for developing, administering, and enforcing standards for land use, design, construction, and housing within city limits. However, depending on the industry and intended business activities, entrepreneurs may need to obtain permits from other city agencies, such as the Department of Transportation (SDOT), Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), or the Seattle Fire Department (SFD). DPD provides entrepreneurs with comprehensive information on how to obtain permits from various City departments and it is essential that entrepreneurs consult with DPD early in the process.

Available Resources

The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) has developed a variety of personal, published, and online resources available for entrepreneurs. The Applicant Services Center provides general information to entrepreneurs and is the intake point for building and land use applications. The Public Resources Center provides information on Master Use Permits, and materials about the codes and the permit process. The DPD website may be accessed at: www.seattle.gov/dpd/

• Applicant Services Center (ASC). The ASC provides assistance to entrepreneurs applying for City permits, including Master Use Permits, Building Permits, and a variety of additional associated permits, including electrical, furnace, plumbing, boiler, sign, and Street Use. ASC staff advises entrepreneurs on City Code regulations and accepts DPD permit applications.

Applicant Services Center

20th Floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower at 700 Fifth Ave.

(206) 684-8850

ASC Hours:

—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

—Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

• Public Resource Center (PRC). The PRC provides information documents and codes as well as access to current Master Use Permit files. The PRC also maintains the Microfilm Library, which chronicles property plan and permit history for your property.

Public Resources Center

20th Floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower at 700 Fifth Ave.

(206) 684-8467

PRC Hours:

—Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm

—Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

Microfilm Library Hours:

—Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9:00 am to 4:30 pm

—Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 am to 5:30 pm

• Online Materials. DPD publishes a variety of online resources for entrepreneurs. A listing of resources may be accessed at: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/Publications/.

DPD, along with Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), Department of Neighborhoods (DON) and Seattle Transportation (SDOT), publishes a series of Client Assistance Memos (CAMs), organized by category, and may be accessed at: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/publications/client_assistance_memos_(CAMs)/

Types of Permits

• Use – the Seattle Land Use Code regulates business activities based on the use of real property. Land use permits assure compliance with City zoning requirements and environmental regulations. The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) issues Master Use Permits (MUPs), which are required to establish a given use of property and to change a given use of property.

However, if an entrepreneur is not changing the previous use of property, an additional use permit may not be required. DPD has created a series of online checklists and standards to communicate specific submittal requirements to entrepreneurs: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/LandUse/Applying.asp

• Construction – the Seattle Building Code regulates business activities based on the intended use of a physical structure. Construction permits ensure projects comply with structural and fire/life safety regulations. DPD issues a series of construction-related permits, including building permits, demolition permits, grading permits, electrical permits, and mechanical permits. The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) regulates construction work in the public rights-of-way and issues Street Use permits.

• Over-the-Counter (OTC) Permits – DPD issues thousands of over-the-counter permits annually, including electrical permits, fire alarms, boiler permits, pressure vessel permits, refrigeration permits, single family/duplex mechanical permits, and side sewer/drainage/sewer capping. OTC permits at DPD’s Applicant Services Center (ASC) are issued while the customer waits, with no plan review required. DPD publishes a Client Assistance Memo (CAM) about over-thecounter permits, obtainable online at: http://www.seattle.gov/dpd/publications/CAM/cam104.pdf

• Plumbing Permits – Plumbing permits are required to install, relocate, or change a plumbing system and are approved at the ASC by Seattle/King County Health Department Staff. However, entrepreneurs are encouraged to hire a professional plumber. Further information about plumbing permits and regulatory instructions is available online at: http://www.metrokc.gov/HEALTH/plumbing/permit.htm or by contacting Seattle/King County Public Health at: (206) 296-4600.

• Street Use Permits – More than 60 different types of permits are available from the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for work and use in the public rights-of-way. SDOT has created an online list of common types of street use permits accessible at: http://www.seattle.gov/transportation/stuse_permits.htm or may be contacted at (206) 684-5283. Information is also available at the ASC. Permits are issued in person at the Street Use Permit Counter.

Street Use Permit Counter, (206) 684-5283

37th Floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower at 700 Fifth Ave.