AG 1095: Underground Storage Tank (UST)

Step 1: Consider options for permitting the UST

We require a Long Term Use permit for any UST in the right-of-way whether it is active or closed in place. The only time you do not need a Long Term Use permit for a UST is when you have fully removed it and restored the right-of-way. Refer to our SDOT Director’s Rule 1-2012 for more information.  

• Active UST: To maintain an active UST, you must have a Long Term Use permit, including meeting our insurance, bond, and indemnity requirements. You must also comply with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.  
• Closed UST: SDOT may approve applications to close a UST in place through the Utility Major permit review process. If it is not approved, the UST shall be removed and the right-of-way must be restored per permit conditions and the Right-of-Way Restoration Rule. If approved, you must maintain a Long Term Use permit, which may include insurance, bond, and indemnity requirements.  
• Remove a UST: To remove a UST, you must apply for a Utility Major permit to remove the UST and restore the right-of-way. Upon approval of the permit and completion of the work, we will close the Long Term Use permit and release the bond and indemnity agreement.  

In addition to SDOT permits, you may also need other permits from Seattle Department of Construction Inspection (SDCI), Seattle Fire Department (SFD) and Washington State Department of Ecology for removal or closed in place USTs.  

back

Step 2: Collect the required documents

After you’ve confirmed you would like to apply, it’s time to collect the documents required to support your application!   

At submittal 

• Letter of Authorization (Required if the Applicant or Financially Responsible Party (FRP) contact is different from the Owner contact, such as if you want the engineer to serve as the applicant)
• Site plan meeting the requirements of CAM 2116 and including location of the UST(s) 
  Seattle Fire Department permit
• State of Washington Department of Ecology required proof of notification and reports  

Additional document may be required: Technical review may require submittal of stamped plans, calculations, or environmental/technical reports and tests including soil or groundwater tests 

back

Step 3: Apply for the permit

When you are ready to apply, head to the Seattle Services Portal!  

Note: if you've never used the Portal before, you'll need to register and set up an account first. See this helpful article or video on how to do this. Once you are logged in, follow the steps below:    

Once you are logged in, follow the steps below: 

• Under "Create New" select "Permits-Street Use"  
• Navigate to and select the "Long Term Use" and "Private Structures/Uses" record type.   
• When prompted to input “Use Code Description,” choose “Underground Storage Tanks”.

In cases where there is a change in property ownership and no change to the USTs, the new owner must apply for a new PSM Long Term permit with the required documents. In the application, note “transfer of ownership” in the project description field.  

back

Step 4: Application review, fees and decision

Depending on the condition of the USTs, the review time can take 12 weeks or more. You can check the status of your permit online through the Seattle Service Portal. Read more about our Street Use Permit Process and Status. You can also find current Street Use permitting timelines. 
 
We will review the application and may contact you either to request additional information or to request corrections. For responding to corrections, read our help article (including a video on how to upload documents). 
 
Prior to issuance 

• We will prepare an Indemnity Agreement document and send to you with instructions for recording with the King County Recorder. The agreement will be recorded against the title of the property associated with the UST.  
   
• A bond may be required for the USTs, we will send you more information on processing the bond.  

Issuance and occupation fees (if applicable) are due once an application has been approved and must be paid before a permit is issued. For detailed information, visit our page on How to Estimate and Pay Permit Fees. 

back

Step 5: Permit issuance and initial inspection

Once your permit is issued, it’ll be uploaded to the Seattle Services Portal. You should review the permit and approved documents, paying close attention to the approved site plan and conditions. Need help Unfinding and printing your permit? Check out this help article. 
 
If applicable, we will perform an initial inspection to ensure installation meets our approved permit and plan. Inspections are billed at an hourly rate and will be invoiced separately from other permit fees. Also be aware that you will need to comply with all other required inspection schedules and permit conditions from other permits you must obtain, such as from the Department of Ecology.  

back

Step 6: Maintaining your permit

Long Term Use permits are renewed annually. The yearly permit fees include the renewal fee and occupation fee (if applicable), see our Street Use Fee Schedule for more information. If the use is in good standing, our permitting system will automatically renew the permit and invoice the permittee.     

You are expected to maintain the USTs according to your approved plan and permit, including complying with all permit conditions, and comply with all other required inspection schedules. We may conduct inspections to ensure the use remains as approved.  

Need to make changes? You can request a permit revision through our Seattle Services Portal. 

If there is a change in property ownership and no change to the use, the new owner must apply for a new Long Term Use permit. In the application, note “transfer of ownership” in the project description. In addition, the existing permit holder should submit a withdrawal amendment to notify us of the update through our permitting portal.  

Also, it’s important to understand that the Long Term Use permits we issue are wholly of a temporary nature, vest no permanent rights, and are revocable pursuant to SMC 15.04.070. If a permit is revoked or terminated, the right-of-way shall be returned to its original condition.  

back