SDCI Customer Service Options

Most services are available online through our Virtual Applicant Services Center. For customers who need language assistance or technical assistance accessing the Virtual ASC, we have an SDCI information desk on the 4th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower. We offer limited access to our offices for scheduled public meetings.

Parking - Location, Size & Number of Spots

What Is It?

A black woman with a thought bubble showing parking spots with cars in them. We regulate parking spaces for motor vehicles, such as a car or truck, on private property.

Our parking standards apply to:

All parking located inside or outside of a structure
Temporary and permanent parking
Parking that is provided voluntarily or is required by the Land Use Code
Off-site parking (parking on another property)

For parking in the street, please coordinate with Seattle Department of Transportation.

Tip 515, Green Parking Lots
Offsite Parking Agreement Form

What Permits Do You Need?

You need a permit to create any parking. Depending on the number of parking spaces you wish to create, location of the parking, and associated grading or paving, you may need different permits:

Subject-to-field-inspection permit for one single-family parking space
Construction or grading permit for up to 40 parking spaces
Environmental review (SEPA) to create more than 40 parking spaces
Curb cut permit to create a driveway to parking

Research the Code

Seattle’s Building Code (SBC) requires that parking be accessible to people with disabilities. Seattle’s Land Use Code regulates the number of required parking spaces, parking size and location, driveway width, slope, maneuvering space, sight triangles, and curb cuts. If your parking space involves grading or paving, you’ll need to follow the Grading Code. If you are parking on a site with an environmentally critical area, additional restrictions may apply.

Seattle Building Code, SBC Chapter 11, Section 1106
Seattle Land Use Code, SMC 23.54
Seattle Grading Code, SMC 22.170
Environmentally Critical Area Ordinance, SMC 25.09

Should You Hire A Professional?

Permits to establish parking require detailed drawings. If you can’t draw a site plan, you may wish to hire a professional. If grading is necessary to create your parking, you may need a licensed engineer.