Seattle, WA Sidewalk & Pedestrian Rules: Encroachment Permits (2026)

SMC 15.04.010.A requires anyone making "use," as defined in SMC 15.02.048, of a public place to first secure a written permit under SMC 15.04.015 before occupying it: the encroachment permit covering everything from areaways and overhangs to fencing, scaffolding, and stored materials. SMC 15.04.015 assigns the SDCI Director authority over curb cuts, structural overhangs, and areaway reconstruction processed through a Master Use Permit, while the Director of Transportation issues Street Use permits for other public places and may delegate administration for public places adjacent to parks.

Applications are filed under SMC 15.04.020 with an accurate description of the public place to be used, the proposed use, and any utility, structure, or tree affected (SMC 15.04.025). Under SMC 15.04.035, the authorizing official reviews factors including the paramount purpose of streets for travel, utilities, fire and medical access, drainage, and rights of light, air, and access of abutting properties before approving, modifying, or conditioning the permit; a Street Use application is deemed expired if the applicant does not respond to a request for information within six months (SMC 15.04.035.G).

Where the City determines there is "a substantial risk of injury, damage, or expense," SMC 15.04.040 lets the authorizing official require an indemnity deposit, and SMC 15.04.042 allows an escrow account as a substitute once the amount involved is $1,000 or more, or in place of a surety bond of $10,000 or less. SMC 15.04.035.C limits each permit to "the portion of the public place that may be occupied, the dates or days and hours of use, and the allowed use" as approved by the Director of Transportation.