On January 20, 2008, new land use regulations went into effect that expand the number of properties that may be required to provide full street improvements if they propose to develop on the site. Properties that are most affected are those located in urban villages, urban centers, pedestrian designated zones and sites fronting along arterials. A summary of the changes are posted at: www.seattle.gov/dpd/planning/sidewalks.

Through April 1, DPD will accept applications for projects that need sidewalks provided they have a Preliminary Permit Application Requirements report indicating they did not trigger street improvements prior to the new rules. The applicant will still have to apply for a street improvement permit. After April 1, DPD will require that the permit application for the street improvement permit be applied for, and accepted, by Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) prior to the acceptance of a building permit application at DPD. Applicants should plan to apply for their SDOT permit submittal at least five days in advance of the DPD intake appointment, to allow time for the SDOT staff to screen the street improvement plan submittal, determine whether the plans are complete and communicate the screening result to DPD staff. If you have questions regarding the SDOT street improvement permit process, you can refer to SDOT Client Assistant Memo 2209 or call SDOT’s Street Use Section at (206) 684-2679.