Permitting Process Overview
Demolition & Deconstruction

Demolition is often the first step of a project, whether it's single family, multifamily or commercial. Demolition generally means removal of the entire structure, although in some cases the foundation may remain to stabilize a site. If your project involves demolition only and no subsequent construction, see our information about our demolition-only permits.

The Seattle Building Code (SBC) specifies that a demolition permit is required to remove structures, including accessory structures, with more than 120 square feet of "projected" roof area (including overhangs) as specified in SBC Section 106. A Master Use Permit (MUP) may be required when demolishing a structure and establishing a new use (particularly when the use is residential) and when various other factors apply, such as whether the structure is in a landmark district or over water. 

NOTE: Demolition of housing often has special use requirements and may be affected by Seattle's Tenant relocation rules. 

Residential Deconstruction

DPD has a new permitting process for residential deconstruction - a process of systematically disassembling a building in order to maximize the salvage of reuseable building materials first and to recycle materials second. Deconstruction often occurs before or concurrently  with demolition of structures. The new permitting process provides early site access to applicants who agree to remove a structure through deconstruction rather than through a standard demolition process.  

Other Agency Requirements
If your project requires removal of a utility service (e.g., sewer cap) or work on a designated landmark or within a landmark district, you'll need to talk to other Seattle agencies. Private utilities to consider include cable, natural gas, telephone and steam companies. Also, prior to performing any renovation or demolition work, an asbestos survey must be performed to determine whether there are asbestos-containing materials in the work area or structure, per the regulations of the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency and the Washington Department of Labor and Industries. The asbestos survey must be conducted by an EPA certified (AHERA) Building Inspector (except renovation of single family residences).

The telephone numbers for general information at relevant City of Seattle agencies include:

Housing Demolition
Many Seattle Land Use Code regulations concerning demolition are focused on the protection of housing. Housing demolition is discouraged when demolition is to make way for a small institution (Seattle Municipal Code [SMC] 23.44.022F), a major institution (SMC 23.69.020D), a telecommunications utility (SMC 23.57.007; 23.57.010), or a public school (SMC 23.79.002). Even demolition of housing that is unfit for occupation is carefully regulated (SMC 22.208.020, part of the Housing and Building Maintenance Code).

Housing demolition is only allowed if one of the following criteria is met (per SMC 23.40.006):

  • a permit to establish use or change use has been approved (but housing demolition will not be permitted to make way for non-required parking)
  • DPD has approved a permit for relocation of the housing within the city or outside the city limits
  • A complete building permit application has been submitted, no other reviews are required, and the Director has approved a Waste Diversion Plan
  • Demolition has been ordered by DPD for health and safety reasons 

NOTE: If you are considering partial demolition of a nonconforming use, you will need to consult with DPD land use staff in person in our Applicant Services Center (location & hours).

Nonconforming Residential Structures
Residential structures that are nonconforming with regard to development standards (such as yards or lot coverage) may be demolished and rebuilt to the same location, size, and bulk. A survey by a licensed surveyor is required to document the current conditions prior to demolition. NOTE: This demolition provision does not apply to nonconforming uses, only to structures that are nonconforming as to development standards (see SMC 23.42.112).

Residential Structures with Tenants
At the earliest consideration of demolition of a building with tenants, regulations in the Tenant Relocation Assistance Ordinance (TRAO) should be reviewed to insure compliance (see SMC 22.210). For assistance, consult TRAO staff at (206) 684-7979.

Landmark Preservation
Seattle has designated seven landmark or special review districts and more than 200 individual landmarks of national and local significance. If your site is a designated landmark, or is located in an historic or special review district, you will need to talk with Department of Neighborhoods Historic Preservation staff. A Certificate of Approval is required for alterations (including demolition) to landmarks and buildings within historic districts. Review of these applications varies from district to district, depending upon the special characteristics of each area.

For site-specific information, refer to the following SMC sections and ordinance:

  • Ballard Avenue Landmark District—25.16
  • Columbia City Landmark District—25.20
  • Fort Lawton Landmark District—Ordinance 114011
  • Harvard-Belmont Landmark District—25.22
  • International District—23.66.318
  • Pioneer Square Preservation District—23.66.115
  • Pike Place Market Historical District—25.24

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
Policies regarding preservation of landmarks are found in SMC 25.05.675. NOTE: If your building appears to meet the criteria for landmark designation, but is not currently designated as a landmark, the structure may be referred to the Landmarks Preservation Board for consideration (per SMC 25.05.675H2c).

Environmentally Critical Areas
Demolition on a site with environmentally critical areas (ECAs)—such as steep slopes, wetlands, or riparian corridors—may require environmental review, an appealable MUP decision. ECAs are defined in SMC 25.09. The City's SEPA regulations require environmental review of the demolition of any structure or facility for which its construction would not be exempt (see CAM 208, When Environmental Review Is Required in Seattle). Exemptions from SEPA for sites with environmentally critical areas are found in SMC 25.05.908C.

Getting a Demolition-Only Permit from DPD
According to SMC 23.76.006, certain types of demolition permits are Type I MUPs, which means there is no administrative appeal of the decision. However DPD staff should be consulted to determine if the demolition permit requires a Type II MUP decision (e.g., environmental review/SEPA is required), which is appealable. Whether or not SEPA regulations apply depends upon:

  • number of housing units
  • square footage of commercial space
  • whether structure is overwater
  • whether there are related MUPs

Type I MUPs generally do not require plans for demolition permits. In most cases only the following will be required: the legal description, assessor's parcel number, the Mechanical/Building Contractor Disclosure Form, and a completed Construction Stormwater Control Checklist. These two forms can be obtained online, or by mail, fax or in-person from the Applicant Services Center (location & hours).

Under certain circumstances, a pre-application site visit may be required, which involves an additional fee (for example, where demolition is proposed close to a property line, with a house on the other side).

Type II MUPs require more information. For a full description of application materials for both Type I and Type II applications, please refer to CAM 316. If your site is in an ECA, a pre-application site visit may be required, along with an additional fee. Call DPD's Site Development Desk at (206) 684-8860 for more info.

Applying for a Residential Deconstruction Permit at DPD
Upon demonstration that a structure containing dwelling units will be deconstructed, DPD may issue a demolition permit prior to issuing the associated new construction permit. This incentive provides applicants additional time to remove the existing structure in order to salvage and recycle building materials. To comply with the requirements of SMC 23.40.006, one must first have an accepted construction application. The associated demolition permit may then be issued contingent upon approval of a Waste Diversion Plan. The plan must demonstrate that the minimum building material reuse and recycle percentages meet those identified in Director's Rule 4-2009, Demolition Permit with a Waste Diversion Plan.The Waste Diversion Estimator Tool has been developed to aid with material estimation.

Fees
Permit fees are established by the Seattle Permit Fee Subtitle available on DPD's fees page or from the Public Resource Center, located on the 20th floor of Seattle Municipal Tower at 700 Fifth Avenue, (206) 684-8467.

Last Updated: August 18, 2009