There are numerous surface elements in the street right-of-way that require regular or periodic maintenance. Maintenance responsibility for these elements varies. Typically, the City of Seattle is responsible for the area between the curbs. With the exception of trees and other landscape improvements installed by the City of Seattle and/or otherwise recorded in the inventory maintained by the Seattle Department of Transportation's (SDOT) Street Use and Urban Forestry Division, the adjacent property owner is responsible for the area between the curb and property line, including the sidewalk.
The City maintains public utilities that have been installed to serve the general public. The property owner is responsible for maintenance of service lines to their properties. Property owners are also responsible for the portion of their water service that extends from the union generally located at their property line to the shutoff valve of their residence or business. The City is responsible for the portion of the water service that extends from the union to the water main, including the meter and service line. Refer to Figure 5-1: Water Service Responsibility Diagram which illustrates City and property owner responsibilities regarding water service. For more information on Side Sewers contact Seattle Public Utilities.
If your project extends into the public right-of-way
If a property owner or project applicant desires a unique feature be installed as part of their project (e.g., special paving materials, street furniture, or unique landscaping). The City of Seattle requires a maintenance agreement and a hold harmless agreement. The purpose of these agreements is to clarify that the maintenance responsibilities for certain elements of the street right-of-way lie with the private property owner. In some cases, a bond may be required to deal with removal of a unique structure in the future, if necessary. Approved maintenance agreements become part of the property deed that is recorded with the King County Assessor’s Office per SMC 21.16.250. The as-built (or record) drawings need to be prepared following the DPD and SPU standard specifications at the time the side sewer permit is being sought. |
