Clear Alleys Program
International District CAP
Starting in April 2013
For information on the addition of the International District (ID) to the Clear Alleys Program, please read the following:
- 2013 Cover Letter for ID Businesses
English (pdf) | Chinese (pdf) - 2013 Director’s Rule SW-505.1
English (pdf) | Chinese (pdf) - Map of service area for ID (pdf)
Why was the program created?
The City of Seattle’s Clear Alleys Program (CAP) is aimed at:
- Creating cleaner, safer business districts
- Reducing the incidence of uncivil behaviors and illegal activities in alleys
- Increasing the attractiveness of alleys for pedestrian use
- Allowing better alley access for business services (deliveries) and possible expansion of commercial activity
How was it created?
The 2009 Director’s Rule DR-01-08 (pdf): This rule makes clear the City of Seattle’s authority in managing the use of public right-of-ways concerning the storage of all containers used for any purpose. The rule applies throughout the City of Seattle. Read a summary of the 2009 rule (pdf).
A specific section of the rule is dedicated to the Belltown, Downtown, and Pioneer Square neighborhoods (pdf), and bans the permanent storage of all containers in the public right-of-way. This is the CAP service area. The rule has been mailed to customers in the affected neighborhoods. View a copy of the 2009 cover letter (pdf).
For questions or more information contact Tom Gannon, Commercial Compost and Recycling Manager, at tom.gannon@seattle.gov or (206) 684-3453.
How does CAP work?
Prepaid Garbage Bag Service is available only to the Belltown, Downtown, and Pioneer Square neighborhoods with some exceptions. This service will allow businesses that currently store permanent containers in the public right-of-way to effectively meet their solid waste management needs while also providing opportunities for the diversion of solid waste from the landfill. Read CAP frequently asked questions to learn more.
Translated documents
The following documents apply to the general program launched in 2009 and do NOT include the addition of the International District in 2013. All are in PDF format.
Cambodian – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ
Chinese – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ
Korean – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ
Spanish – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ
Tagalong – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ
Thai – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ
Vietnamese – Director’s Rule | Summary of rule | Cover Letter | FAQ