- How do I determine what the legally established uses are on my lot?
- How do I find information on filing for a Master Use Permit (MUP) application?
- How long will it take to review my MUP?
- What is the difference between a Short Plat and a Unit Lot Subdivision?
- I have a disagreement with the assigned land use planner on the review of my project. How do I get it resolved?
- How do I appeal my land use decision?
- Can I see a land use planner without an appointment?
1 - Q. How do I determine what the legally established uses are on my lot?
A. Legally established uses are uses that have been established by permit. You can research the permit record on your property and building through our Microfilm Library.
If a permit has not been obtained for an existing use, see our information on establishing a use for the record in CAM #217, How to Legalize a Use Not Established by Permit.
2 - Q. How do I find information on filing for a Master Use Permit (MUP) application?
A. The scope of the project and the different types of land use review needed affect what information is necessary for a MUP application. For example, projects that that must complete an environmental review (SEPA), an administrative conditional use (ACU), and other types of land use reviews will require information specific to that review in their applications. SEPA, ACU, and other land use reviews are covered in the 200 series Client Assistance Memos.
You can find many of the CAMs and forms you'll need for different types of projects on our Land Use Packets website.
For more help, please visit the Applicant Services Center to speak to a land use planner.
3 - Q. How long will it take to review my MUP?
A: DPD's goal is to publish land use decisions within 120 days from the date a complete application is filed. Please be aware however, that the 120-day goal is based on the number of days the project is in DPD pending process and review, and does not include the time that a project has been returned to the applicant for corrections or additional information. We generally meet the time-frame goal on 70-80% of Master Use Permit applications.
4 - Q. What is the difference between a Short Plat and a Unit Lot Subdivision?
A. There is no CAM on Unit Lot Subdivisions, and this process is fairly unique to the City of Seattle. While the process is similar to a Short Plat, in a Unit Lot Subdivision, the "Parent Lot" meets the standards, and each "Unit Lot" only has to include the particular dwelling unit and meet open space standards.
The code section covering Unit Lot Subdivisions is SMC 23.23.045. Unit Lot Subdivision makes townhouse or single-family units available for sale, subject to a set of easements and agreements dealing with access and common walls, maintenance and ownership. I have heard some people say that this bypasses some of the liability associated with the current Washington state condominium laws, while still accomplishing basically the same thing. However, Unit Lots must follow common wall lines, and so cannot be applied to apartments where one unit is over another.
5 - Q. I have a disagreement with the assigned land use planner on the review of my project. How do I get it resolved?
A. To resolve a disagreement with a project reviewer on a Master Use Permit application, see our resolution process.
6 - Q. How do I appeal my land use decision?
A. Appeals of DPD decisions on Master Use Permit applications are filed with the Office of the Hearing Examiner. For information on how to file an appeal, please visit the Office of the Hearing Examiner website.
7 - Q. Can I see a land use planner without an appointment?
A. To meet with a land use planner for general questions, visit the Applicant Services Center on the 20th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower during business hours. Sign in at the Welcome Desk, and you'll get an estimate of how long the wait will be before a land use planner will be able to speak with you. Once the planner is available, he or she will call your name. If you have applied for a Master Use Permit and would like to meet with the land use planner that is assigned to review your application, you will need to call the assigned planner and make an appointment.
