Paving

See also: Parking - Location, Size & Number of Spots

What Is It?

Pavement is a hard surface that slows down or prevents stormwater from seeping into the soil. Areas considered pavement include:

• Parking lots
• Walkways
• Patios
• Driveways
• Formal planters
• Storage areas

Paving materials (also known as “hard surface”) include:

• Concrete or asphalt paving
• Permeable paving (including pavers)
• SPU Allowable Permeable Pavement Wearing Course Materials
• Gravel surfaces that you can drive on
• Compact gravel
• Packed earthen materials, such as soil and rocks

What Permits Do You Need?

A grading permit is required if you add or replace 2,000 square feet (100 feet by 20 feet) or more of paving. If you resurface existing paving you do not need a grading permit. If you remove existing paving and replace it, a grading permit is required once you reach the 2,000 square feet limit. If you do need a grading permit and you are applying for a building permit, your grading activity will be included as part of your building permit.

If you want to pave in or near an environmentally critical area, please contact the Applicant Services Center for coaching. 

Research the Code

• Grading Code
• Environmentally Critical Areas Code
• Stormwater Code

• Tip 502, Grading Regulations in Seattle

Should You Hire a Professional?

You may want to hire a professional to help you get your permit. If your project has over 5,000 square feet of new or replaced paving, you are required to hire a civil engineer.