Seattle regulates development along its extensive Puget Sound and freshwater shorelines under SMC Chapter 23.60A, the Shoreline Master Program, implementing Washington's Shoreline Management Act with strict buffers and use restrictions.
Seattle's Shoreline Master Program (SMP) governs all development within 200 feet of the ordinary high water mark of Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, the Ship Canal, the Duwamish River, and other designated shorelines. The SMP classifies shoreline areas into environments including Urban Industrial, Urban Commercial, Urban Maritime, Urban Residential, Urban Harborfront, Conservancy Management, and Conservancy Navigation. New overwater structures are generally prohibited unless water-dependent. Residential development must provide shoreline setbacks ranging from 25 to 115 feet depending on the environment designation. Shoreline substantial development permits are required for projects exceeding $8,504 in value (adjusted periodically). Public access to shorelines is required for most new development.
Unpermitted development in shoreline areas can result in civil penalties, mandatory restoration at the owner's expense, and enforcement actions by both the city and the Washington Department of Ecology. Violations may also trigger Shoreline Hearings Board proceedings.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Se...
Seattle, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Seattle are allowed at single-family homes but are subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section ...
Seattle, WA
Seattle Fire Code Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices and LP-gas containers larger than 1 lb on combustible balconies of multi-family buildi...
See how Seattle's coastal development rules stack up against other locations.
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