Street Improvement Permitting (SIP) Process Redesign

SDOT is redesigning the Street Improvement Permitting process with the goals of reducing the cost of Street Improvement Permits, reducing permit issuance timeframes, increasing the predictability of the process, and improving customer satisfaction. In other words… better, faster, cheaper Street Improvement Permits!

Accomplishments to date:

• Street Use website has been enhanced to include SIP status and cost information online.
• DPD’s Preliminary Assessment Report (PAR) now includes SDOT right-of-way improvement design and permit requirements for all new construction projects and Master Use Permits at no charge.
• SDOT is participating in certain DPD Pre-Submittal Conferences.
• SIP Design Guidance meetings have replaced multiple six-week review cycles for design guidance.
• 60% SIP Design Guidance meetings are available for 60% Complete Street Improvement Plan (SIP) Approval of non-standard elements in the right of way.
• SIP Intake Appointments are available for submittal of 90% SIP applications.
• Applicants may schedule a Plan Correction Meeting to discuss 90% SIP screening corrections with their assigned SIP Project Manager.
• The SIP Formal Review process has been streamlined.
• SIP Invoices have been enhanced to include comprehensive information about review and inspection charges.

SIP Design Guidance Meetings (0 - <90% plans):

SIP Design Guidance meetings have replaced multiple six week review cycles for assisting applicants with developing 90% complete Street Improvement Plans. During SIP Design Guidance meetings, your assigned SIP Project Manager along with subject matter experts from various City departments and external agencies provide design guidance for specific project elements. See Client Assistance Memo (CAM) 2211 and 2213 for criteria of when SIP Design Guidance meetings are recommended and required.

60% Complete SIP Approval (60% plans):

All non-standard elements in the right of way require 60% Complete SIP Approval prior to 90% SIP Acceptance. See CAM 2213 for a list of non-standard project elements and for 60% SIP Design Guidance meeting information.

SIP Intake Appointments (90% plans):

SIP Intake Appointments are now required for submittal of 90% complete Street Improvement Plans. During the SIP Intake Appointment your assigned SIP Project Manager will screen the plan and application materials for non-standard elements and project stoppers and determine if the three day Plan Acceptance Review can begin or if the project needs to obtain 60% Complete SIP Approval of non-standard elements through the 60% SIP Design Guidance meeting process.

Please note that if you have obtained 60% Complete SIP Approval, you may bypass the intake appointment process and drop-off 90% Complete SIP application materials at the SDOT Street Use Counter to initiate the three day Plan Acceptance Review. See CAM 2214 for details.

SIP Acceptance for Formal Review (90% plans):

During the three day Plan Acceptance Review the Street Improvement Plan will be screened for completeness using the Base Map and Survey Checklist and the 90% Complete Street Improvement Plan Checklist. See CAM 2214 for details.

Please note:

• 60% Complete SIP Approval is not required for SDOT Conceptual Approval for DPD Master Use Permits (MUPs). The process for obtaining SDOT Conceptual Approval for MUPs has not changed.
• If a Street Improvement Permit is required, SDOT must accept the 90% complete Street Improvement Plan for formal review prior to the DPD Construction Intake Appointment.
• Allow enough time in your project schedule to obtain any necessary 60% approvals prior to submitting 90% SIPs and for SDOT to screen and accept 90% plans prior to your DPD Construction Intake.

A Power Point presentation describing the 60% Complete SIP Approval, 90% SIP Intake Appointment and 90% SIP Acceptance Processes and Requirements can be viewed here .

Stay tuned for:

• Implementation of two week correction cycles for 90% plans – effective December 1, 2009.
• Plan Approval and Permit Issuance process changes – effective December 1, 2009.

Attend a workshop:

Learn about upcoming permitting changes and give us your feedback on the Street Improvement Permitting process redesign at one of the following workshops:

• Thursday, October 29, 2009 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m.
• Thursday, November 5, 2009 from 1:00 – 3:00 p.m.

Contact Jamie Holland at 206-733-9876 or Jamie.Holland@Seattle.gov to register.

Client Assistance Memo Updates:

CAM 2200: SDOT Street Improvement Permitting (SIP) Process - effective 12/1/09

CAM 2201: 90% Complete Street Improvement Plan (SIP) Requirements – effective 12/1/09

If you would like to be notified about SIP Process Redesign, please fill this form out: