In response to increased business costs for a number of construction-related activities, fee increases for DCLU services were proposed by Mayor Nickels and subsequently approved by the Seattle City Council on November 18. Part of the City’s approved budget for 2003-04, the new fees go into effect Jan. 1, 2003.

Our summary tables (13KB PDF) show average fee increases, including building, electrical, sign, and site development permits; elevator and boiler certification; elevator, boiler and furnace installation; and refrigeration and boiler/steam licensing. The increases are the first in a number of years. Rates for building permits were adjusted to more closely cover costs for smaller projects, which make particularly heavy demands on up-front coaching and intake services.

Generally, land use fee are unchanged, although a new hourly fee will be collected for early design guidance for projects that require more staff time than covered by the minimum land use review fee.

To guarantee vesting at current fee rates, applicants must have a complete building permit application accepted by DCLU by close of business on December 30, 2002. To schedule an intake appointment, applicants should call or visit our Applicant Service Center, located on the 20th floor of Key Tower at 700 Fifth Avenue, (206) 684-8850.

Building Valuation Data Table also Updated
In addition to the new fees, DCLU is adopting the latest Building Valuation Data Table, last published in April 2002. Published by the International Conference of Building Code Officials (ICBO), the Building Valuation Data Table establishes square footage values for new construction for the purpose of setting permit fees.

ICBO updates the table annually to reflect increases in construction costs. The increase in the new table will raise building values approximately 12%, which will translate into an additional 7-8% in building permit fees in 2003.

NEW! Fire Department Fees to Be Collected by DCLU
DCLU will begin collecting fees for Seattle Fire Department review and inspection of construction-related work, starting January 1, 2003. For details, visit the Fire Department website.