Permit Service Counters and Client Assistance Memos
Please Note:
In May 2018, we launched a new online portal to pay permit use fees and issuance fees. Since that time, we've received lots of great feedback, which we have been working to implement. Beginning July 9, you will be able to search for permits not only by permit number, but by customer/company ID, customer/company name, and permit address. You will also be able to see the review and inspection status of permits. Check out our one-page informational document with more information about these new search features.
Click here to visit our new online payment portal. If you have any questions, please contact us at SDOTPermits@seattle.gov.
In Addition:
The City of Seattle is still experiencing a high volume of construction applications for both private and public projects. Traffic Control Plan (TCP) reviews have extended beyond typical timelines, which is directly impacting timelines for Right-of-Way (ROW) Management permits. This is a temporary impact, improving as more resources become available and processes are streamlined.
Right now, the below timelines can be expected. These timelines may vary based on the complexity of the project.
- ROW Management permit intake and screening timeline: 5 business days
- ROW Management permit timeline without TCP: 4 weeks
- ROW Management permit timeline with TCP: 13 weeks
We are here to meet your permitting needs through two permit service counters, both located in the Seattle Municipal Tower at 700 5th Ave in downtown Seattle. Please see below for information on the services offered at each counter, as well as directions and hours of operation. Then, visit the appropriate counter to submit your application or speak with a permit specialist about any questions or concerns you may have regarding the application process. Depending on the nature and complexity of your project, permit coaching services may also be available.
Permit Counters
Street Use Permit Counter
Hours of Operation:
- Monday, Wednesday, and Friday
8 AM to 5 PM - Tuesday and Thursday
10:30 AM to 5 PM
We do not accept payments after 4:30 PM. Applicants arriving after 4:30 PM may not receive a permit that day.
Location:
700 5th Avenue, Floor 23
Seattle Municipal Tower
Seattle, WA 98124
Directions to the Seattle Municipal Tower may be found here.
Types of Permits:
- Annual Vehicle (for limited, short term work in the right of way)
- Construction Use
- Trees and Landscaping
- Vending
- Storage Container and Residential Dumpster
- Utility
- Public Space (e.g., Play streets, parklets, sign and awnings)
- Council-approved Term Permits
Contact:
You may contact the Street Use permit service counter by calling 206-684-5253 or by emailing SDOTPermits@seattle.gov.
Traffic Permits Counter
Hours of Operation:
Monday - Friday, 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM
Location:
700 5th Avenue, Floor 37
Seattle Municipal Tower
Seattle, WA 98124
Directions to the Seattle Municipal Tower may be found here.
Types of Permits:
The Traffic and Parking permit counter issues the following types of permits:
- Truck Permits (annual and short-term)
- Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ)
- Carpool
You can apply for truck and carpool permits online here. You may also apply in person at our traffic permits service counter.
Contact:
You may contact the traffic permits counter by calling 206-684-5086 or by emailing rpzinfo@seattle.gov for RPZ related questions and trafficpermitsinfo@seattle.gov for any truck-permit related question.
Client Assistance Memos
Client assistance memos (CAMs) are designed to provide accessible, easy-to-understand information on the processes and requirements associated with permitting and completing projects with the Seattle Department of Transportation. View all Client Assistance Memos in our SDOT Document Library.