2006 Seattle Building and Residential Codes Update
The City of Seattle is proposing changes to the 2006 residential and building codes that could take effect in August or September 2008. Some of the proposals reflect changes made by the State Building Code Council (SBCC) and others clarify certain sections or solve problems that have arisen since the codes were adopted in 2007. All of the proposed amendments to the residential code are amendments previously adopted by the SBCC. Changes to live load requirements for decks and exterior balconies, and changes to clothes-dryer-exhaust-duct protection provide consistency with the current requirements in the building and mechanical codes. Other proposed amendments clarify the requirements for moisture protection of exterior walls and siding, and modify the structural independence requirements for townhouses. New Seattle Building Code amendments add a definition of “suite” for hospitals and add related interpretations; clarify requirements for elevator machine rooms; clarify sizing and power requirements for elevator cars; and modify Seattle requirements for single-exit buildings. DPD anticipates the proposals will be considered by the City Council in July and take effect at the end of summer. The draft amendments are posted on DPD’s Technical Codes website under “Code Amendments.”

The amendments proposed for the 2006 Seattle Building and Residential Codes will most likely take effect in August or September 2008.

Updated Earthquake Home Retrofit Plansets Available
There have been several revisions to improve the process and to encourage more Puget Sound homeowners to undertake the Project Impact program. The most recent revisions consist of upgrading the standard plans to the new 2006 International Building Code (IBC) standard, creating consistency with surrounding jurisdictions, and providing additional standard details in order to reduce costly engineering involvement. The plans have been reformatted from 30 inches by 42 inches to 11 inches by 17 inches – a standard use in neighboring cities. New standard details and a table have been added for narrow pony walls (less than 2:1 aspect ratio). The new retrofit plans are available on DPD’s website. You can also pick up a copy in the Public Resource Center on the 20th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower. Additionally, training classes are being offered to homeowners and contractors through neighborhood organizations such as the Phinney Ridge Community Center.

The earthquake home retrofit plansets are available online or at the Public Resource Center on the 20th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower.

DPD Needs an Electrical Contractor to Serve on Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB)
DPD relies heavily on the advice of professionals and citizens in developing workable construction codes. Seattle’s Construction Codes Advisory Board (CCAB) is a 13-member voluntary board, appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City Council. CCAB advises DPD on proposed technical code amendments and on Director’s Rules related to those codes (building, residential, energy, fuel gas, electrical and mechanical codes) by providing input based on the members’ professional experience and point of view. The term runs through June 2011. Meetings are held on an as-needed basis on the first and third Thursdays of the month from noon until 2 p.m. in the Seattle Municipal Tower. Interested parties may submit a resume and a letter of interest, by July 30, addressed to Mayor Greg Nickels c/o Vicki Baucom, Code Development Analyst. Questions about the CCAB or submissions may be directed to Vicki at the email address above or by calling (206) 233-2757.

The Electrical Contractor will help advise DPD on proposed technical code amendments by providing input based on the member’s professional experience and point of view.

IDT Permit Coordination Program Improvements
In an effort to improve the existing interdepartmental permit coordination program, simplify the preliminary permit application process, and provide more comprehensive information to
applicants, the following changes took effect July 1:

• Construction Projects: For all projects that involve new structures, applicants will receive a Preliminary Assessment Report (PAR) that includes information on right-of-way code and design requirements from DPD Land Use and Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT), on-site and off-site drainage and sewer infrastructure and requirements from DPD and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU), and clearance, easement, and utility relocation requirements and conservation program information from Seattle City Light (SCL). This early assessment is to aid applicants in better preparing their submittal documents.
• Master Use Permit (MUP) Projects: There are no changes to the MUP process. 
• IDT issues: DPD eliminated the requirement for an applicant to identify interdepartmental issues.
• Opt-Out Program and Right-of-Way Analysis: The SDOT Opt-Out program and fee for ROW preliminary analysis is no longer in effect.

DPD worked with other City departments to improve the existing interdepartmental permit coordination program.

New SEPA Threshold Ordinance Took Effect May 30
Amendments to Seattle’s State Evironmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental review thresholds went into effect on May 30. The new thresholds predominantly affect environmental reviews in the Urban Centers and Station Area Overlay Districts. In these areas, the environmental review threshold for residential uses will in most cases be 30 dwelling units and for non-residential uses will be 12,000 square feet. However, on properties adjacent to or across an alley from a single-family residential property, the current SEPA thresholds will remain in effect. In the Downtown Urban Center, the environmental review thresholds will be 80 dwelling units and 12,000 square feet. The current thresholds for the design review program will be retained citywide as they are today. One change applicable citywide is an increase in the SEPA review threshold for parking uses to 40 parking spaces. In other parts of the city, no changes in thresholds occurred. The new SEPA thresholds can be found on DPD's website.

The new SEPA thresholds mainly affect urban centers and station overlay districts.

DPD Website Redesign: New Look, Easier Navigation
DPD redesigned its website in an effort to make it more helpful and user-friendly for the general public. The new website launched May 31. The site is separated into DPD’s three main service areas: permits, planning and compliance. The site is now easier to navigate and features a section highlighting DPD’s Resource Center and Online Services.The Resource Center is a one-stop shop for all of DPD’s publications including Client Assistance Memos (CAMs), forms, codes, zoning information and public notices. The new Online Services section groups all of DPD’s online applications in one convenient location. The public can visit Online Services to pay fees online, renew licenses, apply for permits, check permitting wait times, file a complaint, check out DPD’s mapping tools, and much more. 

The new DPD website is separated into the three main service areas: permits, planning and compliance.

Track Your Projects Today with “My DPD Dashboard”
Have you ever wanted to monitor all your DPD projects in one convenient location? How about the opportunity to know what project fees you owe and what appointments you have at a quick glance? Then this is the perfect tool. Sign up for “My DPD Dashboard,” a free online service brought to you by DPD, and get started today! To learn more information, please visit DPD Dashboard today!

You can track your DPD projects anywhere you have online access.