DCLU has fully moved into the recovery phase. The process for reviewing and approving repair permits has been operational for several weeks and repair work is being inspected in the field.

• To apply for a repair permit within Seattle 206-684-8850
• To request initial inspection (for major damage only) 206-386-9743
• To request an inspection of emergency repair work 206-386-9743
• To discuss the status of a red or yellow-tagged building 206-386-9743
• For information about Hazard Correction Orders 206-386-9743
• To contact FEMA for assistance 1-800-462-9029 or 1-800-462-7585 (TTY).

• # of buildings tagged by DCLU and estimated damage:

• 29 Red: $9,200,000 (addresses in next column)
• 483 Yellow: $37,900,000
• 1016 Green: $16,700,000
• 74 Elevator systems: $1,700,000
• 29 OK, no green tag posted

• Estimated damage total so far : $65,500,000

• # of bldgs.inspected with reports recorded: 1557

DCLU posts red, yellow and green placards on buildings after it conducts inspections. A red placard means the structure is unsafe and is illegal to enter. It then becomes the owner’s responsibility to comply with the posting and prevent building entry. A yellow placard means there is damage, and usually restricts the use of the building. A green card indicates that although the building may have suffered damage, it is safe to occupy.

To change the status of a red-tagged building, an engineer’s report will be required, along with any mitigation required by the engineer. For yellow-tagged buildings the requirement will vary, depending on the severity of damage. The report needs to be sent to DCLU for review and approval at which time a DCLU inspector will re-tag the site appropriately. To learn more about the requirements for a specific tagged building, call DCLU (206) 386-9743.

DCLU has established an expedited permit process to facilitate repairs. This is done to ensure that the public experiences the least possible inconvenience in getting necessary repair work underway. In addition, an expedited approval process has been established for buildings in Historic Preservation Districts and for Landmark buildings. To learn more on how to apply for a repair permit, contact a DCLU Permit Specialist at 206-684-8850.

For information about repairing historic buildings and chimneys, see: "Special Requirements for Landmark Buildings and Buildings in Historic and Special Review" and "Repairing Unreinforced Masonry Chimneys" on our website: www.cityofseattle.net/DCLU/quake

As a note of caution, when other cities such as Oakland or Los Angeles have experienced a major disaster, non-licensed or qualified contractors have taken advantage of some homeowners. Always verify that the contractor who does the work for you is licensed by the State of Washington. You can confirm this through the Washington State Labor and Industries website at www.lni.wa.gov/
contractors/contractor.asp.

If significant damage has occurred to your building or home, and it has not yet been reported to the City of Seattle, call DCLU at (206) 386-9743. Be sure to provide your name, phone number, address, and a brief description of damage. DCLU will provide an inspection on request to buildings that show visible signs of significant damage. If you feel your building is unsafe, vacate the premises, call DCLU for an inspection, or contact a structural engineer (listed in the yellow pages of the phone book).

It is important to note that DCLU inspectors are only looking for visible damage and will not be able to assist in any evaluation of a building beyond a visible inspection. It is possible for an earthquake to cause damage that is not visible.