A new demolition permitting option provides contractors and developers the critical time needed to salvage reusable building materials from housing that is being removed. The new permitting process provides early site access to applicants who agree to remove a structure through deconstruction rather than through a standard demolition process. Deconstruction is the systematic disassembly of a building in order to, first, maximize the salvage of reusable building materials and, second, recycle materials. Salvaging reusable building materials reduces the amount of construction waste routed to landfills and reduces the demand on virgin resources. Deconstruction and salvage are more labor and time intensive than standard demolition. Many developers opt to demolish existing structures rather than incur the delay imposed by deconstruction and salvage.

Previously, a demolition permit for housing could be issued only when an associated permit for new housing had also been issued. Now, if housing is to be deconstructed and materials salvaged for reuse, DPD may issue a demolition permit prior to issuing the associated new construction permit. This gives developers more time to deconstruct an existing structure and will increase the salvage of reusable building materials. The deconstruction option may be used if: A) a complete building permit application has been submitted (rather than issued); B) no other reviews are required; and C) the director has approved a Waste Diversion Plan. The Waste Diversion Plan, described in Director’s Rule 4-2009, needs to document that:

• A minimum of 20 percent of the building materials, by weight and excluding asphalt, brick and concrete, will be reused
• A minimum of 50 percent of the building materials, by weight and excluding asphalt, brick and concrete, will be reused, recycled or beneficially used
• 100 percent of asphalt, brick and concrete will be reused, recycled or beneficially used.

Upon completion of deconstruction, a final Waste Diversion Report will be required to identify the actual rates of salvaged and recycled materials.
Tools to assist an applicant in preparing a Waste Diversion Plan will be available on the DPD website, www.seattle.gov/dpd/Permits/deconstruction, and in the Applicant Services Center. The Applicant Services Center is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. and Tuesday and Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.