The City of Seattle Department of Transportation requires a Street Use Shoring & Excavation Permit if a project meets the following criteria:

• excavation or construction adjacent to the street right-of-way deeper than three feet; and
• any excavation where the plane extending from the bottom of an excavation at 100% (45 degree) slope crosses the property/street right-of-way line.

This permit is required whether or not the street right-of-way is improved or even open to traffic. The purpose is to protect the stability of the street right-of-way and facilities within and/or near the street right-of-way.

In cases where there is an associated Department of Planning and Development (DPD) Construction Permit, SDOT does not issue a separate Shoring & Excavation Permit. However, when excavation on private property meets the criteria stated above, the plans for excavation or shoring must be reviewed and approved by the SDOT's Street Use Section before DPD will issue a Construction Permit.

Driveway and curb cut installations must meet City requirements and specifications including:

• Width of the driveway or curb cut at the property line;
• Grades and/or elevations at the property line;
• Driveway slope, crest, and curve;
• "Sight triangles";
• Maneuvering room on site for vehicles; and
• Objects on or adjacent to the driveway.

No existing curb: When there is no existing curb, the City of Seattle requires a Street Use Driveway Permit for the installation of a driveway that will join with a public street. SDOT issues and inspects the work for this permit.

The grade and rock permits are required for alleys and for some residential access roadways. This pavement option would be used when grading or leveling a street or alley or for installing crushed rock. If the surface area triggers the drainage code threshold, there are additional requirements to be met with this construction. More information on Stormwater, Grading and Drainage requirements is available at the Seattle Public Utilities webpage.

Any concrete paving of a roadway requires a Street Improvement permit. If there are no other improvements to the roadway, an asphalt paving permit will be required. If the surface area of the project triggers the drainage code, there will be other requirements to be met with this construction. More information on Stormwater, Grading and Drainage requirements is available at the Seattle Public Utilities webpage.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the sidewalks adjacent to their property, per SMC 15.72. They must ensure that snow, ice and debris do not pose a hazard to pedestrians. They must also repair cracks and other damage. The property owner of record is notified by the Street Use inspector of the repairs or action needed. If there is an unsafe condition and you want to repair the sidewalk, apply for a sidewalk permit.

A sidewalk is considered to be damaged and in need of repair in the following instances:

• The sidewalk is cracked.
• There is a fault or other discontinuity greater than 1/2 inch in the sidewalk.
• Any piece of the sidewalk can be moved with ordinary foot pressure.
• If in the view of SDOT the grade or slope of the sidewalk creates a concern for safe pedestrian passage.

If tree roots need to be cut to complete this repair, you will need to contact the Urban Forestry at 206 684-TREE.

To repair the sidewalk adjacent to your property, you will need to obtain a Street Use – sidewalk repair permit. For more information, refer to the CAM 2208.

Private encroachments in the right-of way require permits and inspections. There are two types of permits required for this type of structure. The first permit is for the construction and the second permit is an Annual/Renewable Street Use permit which is required for the long-term use of the rights-of-way such as signs, fences, retaining walls, and structural overhangs. These permits require an annual fee and in some cases liability insurance or public place indemnity agreements. Although these permits are issued for uses that may seem permanent they are considered temporary in nature and are revocable within 30 days.

Structural building overhangs or awnings that extend into the right-of-way require a permit for construction and also an annual permit for the use of the right-of-way. An awning will require a permit for the construction of the awning and if there is any advertising on the awning, an annual permit will also be required. More information is available at this web link for Street Use Permits.