Online Library Could Save You a Trip to DPD
Before making the trip to DPD to research records, you may
want to access our new electronic document library (also known as
EDMS – Electronic Document Management System). DPD created a library of documents which can be accessed via the web under Historical Documents. 

The library currently contains permits and inspections from January 2007 to present (Over-the-counter permits are available from October 2003 to the present). The library also contains soils reports (both historical and current), vegetation plans and wetland reports, certificates of occupancy, environmental documents, and various correspondence related to construction permits. The number and types of documents in the library continues to grow and will soon include traffic and drainage reports. MUP files will be available in the first quarter of 2010.

To view and print plans for permits issued since February 2008, please come to our office on the 20th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower (700 5th Avenue) and use our self help terminals. Plans are available through these terminals approximately 1.5 weeks from the date of issuance. We look forward to improving and increasing access to our records and welcome your feedback on the library. Please send comments and concerns to PRC@seattle.gov and title your email “EDMS Library."

DPD created a library of documents which can be accessed via the web.

Permits will be issued only to primary applicants, financially responsible parties or property owners listed on the application at the time of intake or added by written authorization during the review period.

These code interpretations are subject to change without notice, and the application of these interpretations to specific projects may vary.

Seattle Named Nation's Most Sustainable Big City
Smarter Cities, a Natural Resources Defense Council project, named Seattle the most sustainable big city in the nation. The project annually reports the progress American cities are making in environmental stewardship and sustainable growth. Using data from the Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. Census Bureau, as well as survey responses from city governments, the project identified the top 15 large, medium, and small cities according to ten
different environmental criteria, from air quality to recycling to transportation. 

Seattle led in the green building category as well as energy production/conservation and air quality. Points were attributed to the City Green Building program, Sound Transit’s new light rail system, reliance on hydroelectricity (and the resulting good air quality), and recent global warming initiatives. The City’s innovative environmental policy, leadership and commitment was clearly illustrated by Mayor Greg Nickels’ progressive U.S. Conference of Mayors Climate Agreement that resulted in 900 American cities pledging to meet the goals of the Kyoto Protocol. Seattle Climate Action Now and Seattle Climate Partnership gained kudos for action-oriented programs. 

Seattle Climate Action Now accomplishments include distribution of 10,000 home energy efficiency kits to residents and the “Give Your Car the Summer Off” program with incentives for Seattlelites to carpool, reduce trips and even sell their cars. The Seattle Climate Partnership has brought together over 100 local businesses to pledge to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. In one notable success, the University of Washington Medical Center devised a water reuse system for its laundry; saving 12 million gallons annually and greatly reducing natural gas consumption and its accompanying greenhouse gases. More information about Seattle’s top ranking can be found on the Smarter Cities website.

Smarter Cities, a Natural Resources Defense Council project, named Seattle the most sustainable big city in the nation.

Publication Update - CAM 4000 and Director's Rule 6-2009 
New CAM: CAM 4000, Arts Space: Important Topics for Buying or Leasing a Space, provides you with the information you should
know when purchasing or leasing an arts-appropriate facility.

Draft Director's Rule: DR 6-2009, Clarifying Landscape Standards Including the Green Factor Requirement, provides interpretation of landscaping provisions in the Land Use Code, including details on the Green Factor. For more information, contact Dave LaClergue at (206) 733-9668. The review period ends on August 18, 2009.