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The Department of Planning and Development (DPD) issues Master Use Permits (MUPs) for the City of Seattle. Many types of Land Use approvals are reviewed as part of a MUP, such as:
- platting (subdivision of land);
- departures from Land Use Code development standards (Design Review and variances);
- special approvals for specific uses of land (Conditional Use and Special Exceptions); and,
- reviews under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).
A MUP review may require additional or different street improvements from the improvements typically required by the Land Use Code. For sites which abut multiple rights of way (streets and alleys), the MUP may even specify the location of vehicle access point(s) to the site. For more information on MUPs, visit the DPD website. More information on permits, procedures and approvals for MUPs can be found in Section 2.10 Master Use Permits (DPD).
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Projects that require a DPD Construction Permit may also require street improvements as specified in the Land Use Code or as required by a previous, related MUP.
An applicant may also need one or more SDOT permits depending on the condition of the street right-of-way. If a project requires street improvements, the applicant will seek issuance of an SDOT Street Improvement Permit and will likely need additional SDOT permits to perform construction (e.g., dumpster and materials storage, sidewalk crossing, crane, concrete pumping).
Additional permit types may be required depending on the project type and site conditions that are issued by other agencies. More information on permits, procedures and approvals for Construction Permits can be found in Section 2.11 Construction Permits.
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The City of Seattle requires an SDOT permit for work in or use of a street right-of-way, or for excavation near, or an opening in a street right-of-way under SDOT's jurisdiction.
There are five basic types of SDOT permits with varying requirements, some of which are considered to be Street Improvement Permits.
Major Street Improvement Permits include the installation of major improvements such as street paving, curbs, or sidewalks as a result of the development on private property such as a multifamily building. Utilities that would be necessary to serve the private property development are also included in the permit.
Over-the-Counter Street Improvement Permits include installation of individual improvements in the right-of-way such as street trees, sidewalks and driveways.
Street Use Permits are issued for temporary use of the right-of-way during construction such as material storage, scaffolding, crane placement or crossing the curb and sidewalk with heavy equipment. Other types include private uses of the rights-of-way such as block parties or signs. These permits are considered temporary in nature and are revocable within 30 days.
Shoring and ExcavationPermits are issued for excavations in or near the public right-of-way that could by the nature of the excavation affect the integrity of a right-of-way or utilities in a right-of-way.
UtilityPermits are issued for the installation of underground and overhead utility mains and services in the public rights-of-way. They include power, communication, gas, steam, water, sewer, drainage, and privately owned facilities such as oil pipelines.
Annual/Renewable(Non–Construction)Permits are issued for long term use of the right-of-way such as signs, retaining walls, structural overhangs and sidewalk cafes. These permits require an annual fee and in some cases liability insurance or a public place indemnification agreement. Although these permits are issued for uses that may seem permanent they are considered temporary in nature and are revocable within 30 days.
The types of permits that are of most interest to those engaged in street improvements are explained in this chapter. For more information on the various kinds of SDOT permits, contact the SDOT Street Use Permit Counter or refer to the SDOT CAM 2100: List of Street Use Permits. SDOT Street Use also allows customers to apply for certain types of permits online. Visit the Online Permitting web site for more information on submitting an online application for a street right-of-way permit. Refer to the SDOT CAM 2105: What You Will Need to Apply for a Permit Online for specific instructions.
If an applicant is applying for an over-the-counter street improvement permit, the permit can be approved subject to a field review. The field review is necessary in order for SDOT to determine whether the conditions on the site are suitable for the type of improvement desired. Some examples include paving an alley or adding an asphalt driveway. SDOT must review and approve the permit prior to commencing work.
In some cases, an applicant will want to make street improvements that are allowable, but not required by DPD permit conditions but would need to conform to SDOT Street Improvement requirements. For example, an applicant may be upgrading the interior of a building without doing any activities that require a Master Use Permit (MUP) or Construction Permit. As part of their project, they may wish to make improvements to the street right-of-way (e.g., paving, widening the sidewalk, adding street lighting). In this case, the applicant would apply to SDOT for a Street Improvement Permit. (Refer to Section 2.4.1 Street Improvement Permits).
The SDOT Permit Evaluation Form lists the types of permits that may be required for work in the street right-of-way, depending on the scope of a project. Download a form and work with an SDOT permit reviewer to complete it. |
SDOT issues a number of permits for activities in the street right-of-way that are not related to construction or street improvements. These include, street vending, special events, temporary street closures, traffic and parking permits (e.g., residential parking zones), and others. Get more information on other SDOT permits. SDOT Street Use also allows customers to apply for certain types of permits online. Visit the Online Permitting web site for more information on submitting an online application for a street use permit. Refer to the SDOT CAM 2105: What You Will Need to Apply for a Permit Online for instructions on how to apply for a permit online.
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