Seattle requires erosion and sediment control measures for all grading and land-disturbing activities under SMC Title 22, with mandatory best management practices to prevent soil runoff into waterways and Puget Sound.
All construction projects involving grading, excavation, or land disturbance must implement erosion and sediment control measures before work begins. The Stormwater Code requires a Temporary Erosion and Sediment Control (TESC) plan as part of any building or grading permit application. Required measures include silt fences, stabilized construction entrances, sediment traps, dust control, and protection of drainage inlets. Sites must be stabilized within 7 days of clearing if no active work is occurring. SDCI inspectors verify compliance throughout construction. Projects on steep slopes (40 percent grade or steeper) face additional requirements under the Environmentally Critical Areas provisions.
Failure to maintain erosion controls can result in stop-work orders, fines up to $5,000 per day, and requirement to restore affected areas. Sediment discharges to waterways may trigger additional enforcement by the Washington Department of Ecology under state water quality laws.
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...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in King County.
See how other cities in King County handle erosion control.
See how Seattle's erosion control rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.