Seattle enforces the Washington Shoreline Management Act through its Shoreline Master Program. Development within 200 feet of shorelines of statewide significance (Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, Ship Canal, Duwamish River) requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit.
Seattle's Shoreline Master Program (SMC Chapter 23.60A) implements the Washington State Shoreline Management Act (SMA). The program regulates all development within 200 feet of designated shorelines including Puget Sound, Lake Washington, Lake Union, the Ship Canal, the Duwamish Waterway, Green Lake, and other qualifying water bodies. Most development in shoreline zones requires a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit from SDCI. Certain activities may qualify for exemptions but still must comply with the Shoreline Master Program policies. The program establishes shoreline environment designations (Urban Industrial, Urban Commercial, Urban Residential, etc.) with specific use and development standards for each. Seattle prioritizes water-dependent and water-related uses along shorelines. Public access to the shoreline is required for most new development. The program also regulates vegetation conservation, critical areas within shoreline jurisdiction, and overwater structures.
Unpermitted development in shoreline zones can result in enforcement actions from SDCI and the Washington Department of Ecology, including stop-work orders, restoration requirements, fines, and potential criminal penalties for significant violations.
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 shoreline management.
See how Seattle's shoreline management rules stack up against other locations.
Quick Compare
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.