Site Development Inspections

What Is It?

We conduct site development inspections to identify steps you need to take to prevent erosion caused by your construction project. There are three types of inspections that you may be required to get for your project:

• First Ground Disturbance: You need this inspection before you disturb any part of your project site, including staging construction materials and equipment. Prior to this inspection you must install any required “Tree Protection.”  Any temporary erosion control measures can be installed, but are not required to “Pass” to First Ground Disturbance Inspection. Our inspector will meet you onsite and discuss your project's erosion control, drainage, green stormwater infrastructure, and soil amendment requirements. If your project needs geotechnical special inspections, the preconstruction meeting will take place at the same time as your first ground disturbance inspection.
• Erosion Control Monitoring: Our inspector will occasionally monitor your project to make sure you are maintaining the erosion control measures and that they are working properly. You do not need to schedule these inspections.
• Site Final: This inspection must “Pass” before you final your construction permit, our inspector will make sure the related Side Sewer permit(s) are closed, you removed all of your temporary erosion control measures. We will also confirm that you have put in all required soil amendments and permanent erosion control measures, such as any lawn and landscaping.

When to Schedule

Schedule your pre-construction meeting and first ground disturbance inspection before you begin work. These can be done at the same time.

Schedule your site final inspection before you request your final building inspection and complete your permit.

How to Schedule

• Request an inspection online.
• Call our 24-hour automated inspection request line at (206) 684-8900 with your permit number, name, and phone number. If you call before 7:00 a.m., we usually inspect your project the same day. If you call after 7:00 a.m., we schedule your inspection for the following workday. 
• Contact Customer Support at (206) 684-8950 during business hours.
• If you need to cancel a scheduled inspection call (206) 684-8950.

Our inspectors can be reached between 7:30 - 8:30 a.m. By contacting your inspector, you can work out the details of your inspection.

What Other Inspections Are Required?

If you plan to do any work in the public right-of-way, you need to contact the Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) at (206) 684-5283 or SDOTPermits@seattle.gov. If you already have a permit from SDOT, contact SDOT Job Start Notification at (206) 684-5270 or SDOTJobStart@seattle.gov 48-hours before starting work. Please remember, the public right-of-way starts at the property line, not at the sidewalk.

You may also need a construction inspection.