Site Plan for Permit Seattle (Complete Guide for Approval)

Seattle residential permit drawings

Preparing a residential permit application in Seattle? SDCI may require a basic, enhanced, or environmentally critical area site plan showing the property, existing conditions, proposed work, measurable distances and project-specific site information.

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Quick answer

Seattle construction and land-use permit applications generally require a site plan. The level of detail depends on the property and project. A basic site plan may be appropriate for certain smaller projects, while new construction and more complicated development may require an enhanced plan. Properties containing environmentally critical areas can require a specialised site plan prepared and stamped by a Washington-licensed surveyor.

A site plan is an overhead drawing showing the size and shape of a property and the location of its existing and proposed physical features.

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections reviewers can use the drawing to understand:

  • The property’s legal description and parcel number
  • The complete property boundaries
  • Existing buildings and site improvements
  • The size and location of proposed work
  • Distances to property lines and other structures
  • Driveways, parking, streets and alleys
  • Trees affected by development
  • Easements and public utilities when applicable
  • Contours, grading and stormwater systems when applicable
  • Environmentally critical areas and buffers when applicable

A clear site plan cannot guarantee permit approval. It gives SDCI measurable information that can be evaluated with the application, construction drawings and supporting documents.

Need a Site Plan for a Seattle Permit?

Send us your Seattle property address, proposed project dimensions, intended location, photographs and any survey, recorded document or previous plan you have. We can organise the supplied information into a clear residential site drawing.

Order Your Site Plan View the Site Plan Checklist

What Is a Seattle Permit Site Plan?

SDCI describes a site plan as an accurate drawing or map showing the property’s size and shape and the location of natural and constructed features.

A permit site plan generally shows both:

  • Existing conditions: What is already located on the property
  • Proposed conditions: What will be constructed, removed or changed

Depending on the project, existing conditions may include:

  • Main dwelling
  • Garage or carport
  • Accessory dwelling unit
  • Shed or accessory structure
  • Deck, porch or patio
  • Retaining wall or rockery
  • Driveway and parking area
  • Walkways and other paving
  • Trees
  • Street, alley and right-of-way features
  • Drainage and utility systems

Proposed conditions can include:

  • Home addition
  • Detached garage
  • Accessory dwelling unit
  • Deck or porch
  • New driveway or parking area
  • Fence or retaining wall
  • Demolition
  • Grading
  • Stormwater facilities
  • Tree removal or protection

The site plan is only one part of a permit set. Separate drawings may be required for floor plans, elevations, foundations, framing, drainage, energy compliance and other construction details.

Seattle’s Three Main Site Plan Types

SDCI Tip 103 identifies three main levels of site-plan detail.

Basic site plan Used for certain simpler projects, including some small additions or alterations, demolition, grading permits and platting actions.
Enhanced site plan Includes the basic information plus easements, contours, utilities, public right-of-way features, stormwater systems and applicable development calculations.
ECA site plan Used when the property contains an environmentally critical area. It includes basic and enhanced information plus detailed environmental and site data.

A separate key-location plan may be accepted for some interior-only alterations or minor telecommunications projects.

The applicable site-plan type is determined by the project, property and SDCI’s current submittal requirements.

Official source: SDCI Tip 103 — Site Plan Guidelines and Requirements .

Basic Seattle Site Plan Requirements

The current SDCI basic-site-plan checklist calls for the following core information.

Property identification Project address, legal description and King County Assessor parcel number.
Property boundaries Existing and proposed property lines and their dimensions.
Existing structures Buildings, retaining walls, patios, decks, porches, rockeries and other relevant improvements.
Proposed construction The location, size and shape of the proposed work.
Measured distances Front, side and rear distances to property lines and distances between structures.
Access and paving Driveways, parking areas and other paved surfaces, both existing and proposed.
Public ways Adjoining streets by name, alleys and other relevant rights-of-way.
Orientation A north arrow pointing toward the top of the sheet.

Project address

Identify the complete property address used for the permit application.

The address on the site plan should agree with:

  • Seattle Services Portal application
  • Legal description
  • King County parcel information
  • Other drawings in the plan set

Legal description

A legal description can identify the lot, block and subdivision or use a metes-and-bounds description.

Possible sources include:

  • Deed or title documents
  • Recorded survey or plat
  • Previous permit plans
  • King County property records

SDCI requires a complete legal description when beginning many construction-permit applications.

King County parcel number

Include the King County Assessor parcel number, sometimes called the assessor’s parcel number or property-tax account number.

This number helps connect the site plan to the correct legal property.

Complete property boundaries

Show the entire property rather than only the immediate construction area.

Identify:

  • Front property line
  • Both side property lines
  • Rear property line
  • Angled or irregular boundary segments
  • Existing and proposed property-line dimensions
  • Adjoining streets
  • Public alley when present

Do not automatically treat a fence, hedge, retaining wall or edge of paving as the legal boundary.

Existing structures and site features

SDCI Tip 103 directs applicants to identify buildings and other important constructed or natural features.

These may include:

  • House
  • Garage or carport
  • Accessory dwelling unit
  • Shed or play structure
  • Deck and porch
  • Retaining wall or rockery
  • Patio and walkway
  • Driveway and parking area
  • Chimneys
  • Cornices
  • Eaves, gutters and sunshades
  • Structures more than 18 inches above grade
  • Relevant trees

Roof overhangs should be shown separately from foundation or wall lines when they affect required distances or lot calculations.

Proposed work

Clearly distinguish proposed construction from existing conditions.

Useful methods include:

  • A clear “PROPOSED” label
  • Cross-hatching
  • A heavier outline
  • A different line style
  • An existing-and-proposed legend

Show the complete proposed footprint, including relevant:

  • Exterior walls
  • Deck or porch platform
  • Supporting posts
  • Stairs and landings
  • Roof overhangs and gutters
  • Chimneys or projections
  • New driveway or paving
  • Structures proposed for demolition

Distances to property lines

Show measurable front, side and rear distances from existing and proposed structures to the property lines.

The site plan may also need to show distances:

  • Between the proposed project and the house
  • Between the project and an accessory structure
  • Between decks, porches and other structures
  • From roof projections to property lines
  • From proposed work to an easement

Do not rely on generic Seattle setback figures. Required yards vary according to the zoning, structure, height, projections, lot configuration and other property conditions.

Driveways, parking and paved areas

Show the location and dimensions of:

  • Existing driveway
  • Proposed driveway
  • Parking spaces
  • Garage entrance
  • Patios and walkways
  • Other existing and proposed paving

A driveway or parking proposal can also involve curb-cut, right-of-way, street-tree or Seattle Department of Transportation review.

Trees and tree protection

Projects subject to Seattle’s tree-protection regulations may need to identify:

  • Tree location
  • Tree species
  • Trunk diameter measured at the required height
  • Tree tier
  • Off-site trees whose canopies or roots extend onto the property
  • Tree-protection areas
  • Tree-protection fencing
  • Trees proposed for retention or removal

Tree information can affect the proposed building footprint, excavation, utility routes and construction-access areas.

Enhanced Seattle Site Plan Requirements

An enhanced site plan includes everything required on the basic plan plus additional information about the property, public right-of-way, utilities and development standards.

SDCI Tip 103 lists the following additional elements.

Recorded easements

Show the location of applicable easements and include the King County recording number.

These can include:

  • Utility easements
  • Access easements
  • Shared-driveway easements
  • Drainage easements
  • Sewer easements
  • Other recorded legal restrictions

A project can satisfy its zoning distance and still conflict with an easement.

Pedestrian paths and entrances

Show the pedestrian path leading to each dwelling and the primary entrance to each building.

This can be especially relevant for:

  • Accessory dwelling units
  • Multiple dwelling units
  • Rear-yard units
  • Properties served from an alley
  • Projects changing the existing access route

Elevations and contour lines

Sloping properties and projects involving grading may require:

  • Ground elevations
  • Contour lines
  • Labelled contour intervals
  • Existing and proposed grade
  • Retaining walls
  • Cut-and-fill areas

Tip 103 specifies two-foot contour intervals for the enhanced-plan information it describes.

A licensed surveyor may need to establish contours when the site does not slope uniformly or when certified elevations are required.

Public right-of-way conditions

The enhanced plan can require existing and proposed features between the pavement and private property line, including:

  • Street trees
  • Public landscaping
  • Sidewalks
  • Curbs and curb ramps
  • Ditches and culverts
  • Electrical vaults and handholes
  • Side-sewer features
  • Transit poles and bus zones
  • Street signs
  • Street lights
  • Power poles and overhead systems

Water, sewer and stormwater utilities

Show applicable:

  • Sanitary or combined sewer mains
  • Storm drains
  • Catch basins and inlets
  • Water mains
  • Fire hydrants
  • Water meters
  • On-site stormwater treatment systems
  • Infiltration or detention facilities

Land-use calculations

The enhanced plan may need calculations demonstrating compliance with applicable development standards.

Depending on the project, this can include:

  • Lot area
  • Existing structure footprint
  • Proposed additional footprint
  • Total proposed lot coverage
  • Required yards
  • Parking dimensions
  • Open-space information
  • Other zoning calculations

Use the definitions and calculation methods applying to the property’s current zoning rather than generic percentages.

Environmentally Critical Area Site Plans

Seattle regulates development on properties containing environmentally critical areas, commonly abbreviated as ECAs.

Examples include:

  • Steep-slope erosion-hazard areas
  • Landslide-prone areas
  • Flood-prone areas
  • Wetlands and wetland buffers
  • Riparian corridors
  • Fish and wildlife habitat areas
  • Liquefaction-prone areas
  • Landfill areas
  • Peat-settlement-prone areas

Licensed surveyor required

SDCI Tip 103 states that an environmentally critical area site plan must be prepared and stamped by a land surveyor licensed in Washington State. USA Site Plans’ standard drafting service does not replace this licensed professional service.

The ECA plan includes the basic and enhanced information plus items such as:

  • Terrain and stormwater-flow characteristics
  • Existing grading and drainage systems
  • ECA boundaries and buffers
  • Required non-disturbance areas
  • Conditions on adjoining land within the specified distance
  • Ordinary high-water or mean-higher-high-water marks
  • Riparian management areas
  • Floodplain and floodway boundaries
  • Base flood elevation
  • Flood-zone classification
  • Applicable shoreline environment and setbacks

Some ECA sites can also require:

  • Topographic survey
  • Geotechnical engineering report
  • Wetland report
  • Arborist report
  • Drainage review
  • Environmental exemption or relief application

Check Seattle’s GIS information and the property’s permit history before assuming that a standard basic plan is sufficient.

Official source: Seattle Environmentally Critical Areas Code .

Property Boundaries and Survey Information

Every setback, structure location and lot calculation depends on the property-boundary information used for the drawing.

SDCI Tip 103 identifies several possible property-information sources:

  • Survey map accompanying the deed or title
  • Previously submitted site plans
  • King County Assessor records
  • A new topographic survey prepared by a licensed surveyor

Online GIS and assessor maps can help with research, but they should not automatically be treated as field-certified legal boundaries.

A Washington-licensed surveyor may be needed when:

  • Property corners cannot be located
  • The project is close to a boundary
  • The lot is irregular
  • Available records conflict
  • Accurate elevations or contours are needed
  • The property contains an ECA
  • SDCI requests professionally certified information

Site Plan vs Survey vs Engineering Plan

Drafted site plan Organises available records, surveys, photographs and customer-supplied project information into a clear property layout. It does not independently establish legal boundaries.
Licensed survey Uses professional records and field measurements to locate property boundaries, elevations, contours and other certified site information.
Engineering or technical plan Provides professional design, calculations or certification for grading, drainage, geotechnical, structural or other technical conditions.

A standard drafted site plan does not replace:

  • Boundary or topographic survey
  • ECA survey
  • Geotechnical engineering
  • Structural engineering
  • Drainage design
  • Architectural or construction plans
  • Another professionally signed or sealed document

Seattle Zoning, Setbacks and Lot Coverage

Seattle does not use one universal setback for every residential project.

The required location can depend on:

  • Property zoning
  • Principal or accessory structure classification
  • Project height
  • Lot width and configuration
  • Corner-lot conditions
  • Alley relationship
  • Roof and eave projections
  • Existing structures
  • Tree-protection requirements
  • Environmentally critical areas
  • Recorded easements or agreements

The site plan should show the actual proposed distances. It should not rely on assumed front, rear or side-yard figures copied from another property.

For additions in the applicable residential zones, Seattle also regulates the combined footprint of structures, covered areas and decks at least 36 inches above the ground. The permitted percentage varies by zoning.

A site plan may therefore need to show:

  • Total lot area
  • Existing house footprint
  • Accessory-building footprint
  • Covered porches and areas
  • Qualifying deck area
  • Proposed additional footprint
  • Total proposed coverage
  • Maximum coverage allowed under the applicable code

Read Setbacks and Zoning: How to Find the Rules for Your Property and Property Setbacks Explained for Homeowners .

Official source: Seattle House Additions and Remodels .

Seattle Site Plans by Project Type

Home additions Existing house, proposed footprint, project dimensions, yards, roof projections, coverage and coordinated construction drawings.
Garages and sheds Accessory-building footprint, height, distances, access, roof overhangs and relationship to the house.
Decks and porches Platform, stairs, posts, height, connection to the house and property-line distances.
Accessory dwellings Primary dwelling, proposed ADU, pedestrian access, building separation, utilities and lot calculations.
Driveways and parking Driveway dimensions, parking spaces, curb cut, garage access, paving and right-of-way conditions.
Fences and walls Alignment, height, materials, gates, property lines, grade and public-right-of-way relationship.
Grading and retaining walls Wall or grading location, elevations, contours, drainage, slopes and nearby structures.
Demolition Buildings being removed, structures remaining, site access, trees, grading and proposed future conditions.

House additions

A site plan for a Seattle house addition may need to show:

  • Complete existing house footprint
  • Proposed addition footprint
  • Overall addition dimensions
  • Foundation and exterior-wall lines
  • Eaves, gutters and roof projections
  • Existing and proposed decks or porches
  • Distances to every relevant property line
  • Distances to garages or accessory structures
  • Existing and proposed lot coverage
  • Trees affected by excavation
  • Grading and drainage when applicable

Separate floor plans, elevations, sections and structural details may also be required.

Garages

Some qualifying residential garages may use Seattle’s subject-to-field-inspection permit process.

A garage site plan should commonly identify:

  • Garage footprint
  • Overall dimensions
  • Garage-door orientation
  • Roof overhangs
  • Distances to lot lines
  • Distance to the house
  • Driveway or alley access
  • Existing parking
  • Relevant trees and easements

The site plan does not replace foundation, framing, elevation or fire-separation details when those are required.

Official source: Seattle Garage Permits .

Sheds and small accessory structures

Seattle generally does not require a construction permit for a one-story detached storage-type building when:

  • The projected roof area is less than 120 square feet; and
  • The foundation is only a slab on the ground.

A permit exemption does not remove the need to follow applicable zoning, height, placement, tree and ECA standards.

A shed site plan may show:

  • Shed footprint and roof area
  • Proposed height
  • Roof overhangs
  • Distances to lot lines
  • Distance to the house and other structures
  • Trees and tree-protection areas
  • Access and existing paving

Official sources: Do You Need a Seattle Permit? and Seattle Shed Requirements .

Decks

Seattle currently requires a construction permit for:

  • A deck more than 18 inches above the ground
  • A roof deck located on top of part of a building

A deck site plan may identify:

  • Deck footprint
  • Deck height
  • Stairs and landings
  • Supporting posts
  • Connection to the house
  • Distances to property lines
  • Nearby buildings and trees
  • Coverage calculations when applicable

Separate construction drawings explain footings, beams, joists, stairs, guards and connections.

Official source: Seattle Deck Permits .

Accessory dwelling units

A detached accessory dwelling unit site plan may need to show:

  • Primary dwelling
  • Proposed ADU footprint
  • Distances to property lines
  • Building separation
  • Pedestrian route and primary entrance
  • Decks, stairs and roof projections
  • Driveway or alley access
  • Utilities and drainage
  • Relevant trees
  • Lot-coverage calculations

A site plan does not replace the ADU floor plans, elevations, structural plans or energy documents.

Official source: Seattle Accessory Dwelling Units .

Fences

Seattle generally exempts fences below the current height and masonry thresholds listed by SDCI. A permit is required when the proposal falls outside those exemptions.

A fence site plan can show:

  • Complete fence alignment
  • Fence height
  • Materials
  • Gates
  • Property boundaries
  • Driveways and sight conditions
  • Street, sidewalk and alley
  • Retaining walls or grade changes

Official source: Seattle Fence Permits .

Driveways, parking and right-of-way work

A parking or driveway plan may need to show:

  • Existing and proposed driveway
  • Parking spaces
  • Garage entrance
  • Vehicle-manoeuvring area
  • Property line
  • Public sidewalk
  • Curb cut
  • Street or alley
  • Street trees and utilities

Work within the public right-of-way can require a separate Seattle Department of Transportation permit and a dedicated right-of-way site plan.

Stormwater, Grading and Pre-Application Site Visits

Exterior projects can require drainage and stormwater review.

Additional information may be needed when a project:

  • Disturbs a substantial area of land
  • Adds a large amount of roof or paving
  • Changes existing grades
  • Creates retaining walls
  • Is located on a slope
  • Affects an existing drainage path
  • Contains an environmentally critical area

For addition and alteration applications, SDCI currently requires a pre-application site visit for projects disturbing more than 750 square feet of land. ECA properties can also trigger a site visit and additional submittal requirements depending on the particular critical area.

The site visit report can identify additional requirements affecting:

  • Drainage review
  • Soil amendment
  • Erosion control
  • Topographic survey
  • Geotechnical report
  • Tree protection
  • Grading permit

A standard drafted site plan does not replace civil, drainage or geotechnical engineering when those services are required.

Official source: Seattle Construction Addition or Alteration Permit .

Seattle Electronic Drawing Standards

SDCI Tip 106 establishes presentation and file-format standards for electronic plan review.

Current requirements and preferences include:

  • PDF file format
  • Maximum file size of 500 MB
  • Vector format preferred
  • 300-pixel-per-inch resolution for raster content
  • Multiple plan sheets grouped into one PDF
  • Minimum plan-set sheet size of 11 by 17 inches
  • Minimum font size of 10 points
  • Black linework on a white background preferred
  • Flattened documents and markups
  • Unlocked and unprotected files
  • No ZIP files
  • Clearly stated and graphically depicted scales
  • Consistent sheet size and orientation

The completed plan set should remain readable at its submitted sheet size.

Official source: SDCI Tip 106 — General Standards for Plans and Drawings .

Seattle’s Current Permit Submission Process

Most Seattle construction and land-use permit applications are managed through the Seattle Services Portal.

1 Research the property Review zoning, permit history, parcel information, trees, easements and environmentally critical areas.
2 Identify the permit Determine whether the project needs a regular construction permit, STFI permit, land-use permit or related approval.
3 Start the application Submit the preliminary application materials, site plan and legal description through the Seattle Services Portal.
4 Complete site review Request a pre-application site visit when the project or property conditions require one.
5 Prepare the plan set Complete the site plan, construction drawings and supporting documents required for the application.
6 Submit for intake Use application screening or schedule electronic intake when required for the permit type.
7 Address corrections Review SDCI comments and upload corrected or additional documents through the portal.
8 Pay and print Pay applicable fees and download the issued permit and approved plan set.

Subject-to-field-inspection permits use a simplified process and generally do not require a scheduled intake appointment.

The appropriate process depends on the scope, property and permit type.

Official source: SDCI — How Do You Get a Permit? .

What to Send With Your Seattle Site Plan Order

  • Complete Seattle property address
  • Legal description when available
  • King County parcel number
  • Existing survey or recorded plat
  • Previous approved site plan
  • Proposed project description
  • Project length, width and height
  • Preferred location on the property
  • Measurements to property lines
  • Measurements to existing buildings
  • Floor plans or contractor drawings
  • Manufacturer plans when applicable
  • Photographs of the complete property
  • Photographs of the proposed work area
  • A marked sketch showing the intended location
  • Driveway, parking and alley information
  • Known easements
  • Tree information when relevant
  • Grade or contour information when available
  • SDCI review comments already received

The usefulness and accuracy of the completed drawing depend on the quality of the property records, measurements, photographs and project information supplied.

How Our Seattle Site Plan Drafting Service Works

  1. Place your order. Select the site-plan option matching the required level of detail.
  2. Provide the property address. Confirm that the City of Seattle is the reviewing authority.
  3. Upload available property documents. Send any survey, plat, previous plan or legal description.
  4. Describe the proposed work. Include its dimensions, height, use and basic construction details.
  5. Mark the project location. Send a sketch, marked survey, floor plan or contractor drawing.
  6. Review the completed draft. Check the property layout, project position, dimensions and labels.
  7. Confirm the permit requirements. Obtain any separate survey, ECA plan, engineering, drainage or architectural documents required by SDCI.

USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Our standard drawings are not signed or sealed by a Washington-licensed architect, engineer or land surveyor.

Common Seattle Site Plan Problems

  • The legal description or parcel number is missing
  • Only part of the property is shown
  • Property dimensions are missing
  • A fence is assumed to be the legal boundary
  • Existing structures are omitted
  • Roof overhangs and gutters are not shown
  • The proposed work is difficult to distinguish
  • Project dimensions are missing
  • Distances to property lines are unclear
  • Distances between buildings are omitted
  • Driveways, parking or alleys are not shown
  • Tree information is missing when required
  • Recorded easements are omitted from an enhanced plan
  • Contours or grade information are missing on a sloping property
  • Stormwater facilities are not identified
  • The wrong type of site plan is submitted
  • An ECA plan is submitted without the required licensed surveyor
  • The site plan conflicts with floor plans or elevations
  • The PDF is not flattened, readable or properly formatted

A complete plan cannot eliminate every review comment, but it can reduce corrections caused by missing, unclear or inconsistent site information.

Read Why Site Plans Get Rejected for Permits and What Permit Reviewers Check First .

Seattle Basic Site Plan Checklist

  • Correct property address
  • Complete legal description
  • King County parcel number
  • North arrow
  • Complete property lines
  • Property-line dimensions
  • Existing house shown
  • Garages and accessory structures shown
  • Decks, porches and patios shown
  • Retaining walls and rockeries shown
  • Roof overhangs and gutters shown
  • Proposed work clearly labelled
  • Project length and width included
  • Front property-line distance shown
  • Both side property-line distances shown
  • Rear property-line distance shown
  • Distance between structures shown
  • Adjoining streets labelled
  • Public alley shown when present
  • Driveways and parking shown
  • Existing and proposed paving shown
  • Required tree information included
  • Drawing scale clearly stated
  • Graphic scale included when useful
  • Existing and proposed work visually distinguished
  • Site plan agrees with the remaining permit drawings

Enhanced and ECA Checklist

  • All basic-site-plan information included
  • Easements and recording numbers shown
  • Pedestrian paths and primary entrances shown
  • Contours and elevations included when required
  • Street trees and right-of-way landscaping shown
  • Sewer mains shown
  • Storm drains and catch basins shown
  • Water mains, hydrants and meters shown
  • Power poles and street features shown
  • Other right-of-way utilities shown
  • On-site stormwater systems shown
  • Land-use calculations included
  • ECA boundaries and buffers shown when applicable
  • Terrain and stormwater-flow information included
  • Non-disturbance areas shown
  • Floodplain and shoreline information included when applicable
  • Washington-licensed surveyor retained for an ECA site plan

Frequently Asked Questions

Does every Seattle permit require a site plan?

Master Use Permit and construction-permit applications generally require site plans. Some interior-only work may use a key-location plan, and certain minor work may not require a construction permit.

What is the difference between a basic and enhanced site plan?

A basic plan shows the property, existing and proposed structures, distances, streets, driveways, parking and required trees. An enhanced plan adds easements, contours, utilities, public right-of-way features, stormwater systems and land-use calculations.

What is an ECA site plan?

It is a specialised plan for property containing an environmentally critical area. It includes basic and enhanced information plus detailed environmental, terrain, drainage, floodplain or shoreline information.

Who can prepare an ECA site plan?

SDCI Tip 103 states that an ECA site plan must be prepared and stamped by a land surveyor licensed in Washington State.

Does Seattle use standard five-, fifteen- or twenty-five-foot setbacks?

No single group of measurements applies to every Seattle property. Required yards depend on zoning, structure type, height, projections, lot conditions and other applicable regulations.

Do I need a survey?

A survey may be required when property boundaries or elevations are uncertain, the site is sloping, the project is close to a boundary or the property contains an ECA. An ECA site plan must be prepared and stamped by a Washington-licensed surveyor.

Do roof overhangs need to be shown?

Yes. SDCI’s site-plan example calls for roof overhangs, including eaves and gutters, to be shown and dimensioned.

Do trees need to be shown?

Projects subject to Seattle’s tree-protection requirements must show the applicable trees, tree-protection areas and protection fencing described by the current code and Tip 103.

Can I draw a Seattle site plan myself?

Seattle allows many single-family applicants to prepare their own drawings. The plans must still satisfy the applicable requirements. Surveying, ECA, engineering or other licensed services must be obtained when required.

How are Seattle permit plans submitted?

Most applications and documents are submitted electronically through the Seattle Services Portal. Regular construction permits may involve screening or electronic intake, while qualifying STFI permits use a different process.

Are USA Site Plans drawings signed or sealed?

No. USA Site Plans provides drafting services. Licensed surveying, architecture, engineering and professional seals must be obtained separately when required.

Will a site plan guarantee Seattle permit approval?

No. SDCI and other reviewing departments control the permit decision and may request revisions, calculations, surveys, technical reports or additional drawings.

Order Your Seattle Residential Site Plan

Send us your Seattle property address, project dimensions, intended location, photographs and available survey or property documents. We will prepare a clear residential site drawing based on the information supplied.

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Official Seattle Resources

  1. SDCI Tip 103 — Site Plan Guidelines and Requirements
  2. SDCI Tip 106 — General Standards for Plans and Drawings
  3. How Do You Get a Seattle Permit?
  4. Do You Need a Permit?
  5. Construction Addition or Alteration Permit
  6. Subject-to-Field-Inspection Permits
  7. House Additions and Remodels
  8. Garages
  9. Sheds
  10. Decks
  11. Accessory Dwelling Units
  12. Fences
  13. Environmentally Critical Areas Code

Disclaimer: This article provides general educational information and is not legal, surveying, engineering, architectural, arboricultural, environmental, zoning or permitting advice. Seattle requirements vary according to the property, zoning, project type, trees, easements, drainage, grading and environmentally critical areas. SDCI notes that guidance documents may not reflect every recent code change or property-specific requirement. USA Site Plans is an independent drafting service and is not affiliated with the City of Seattle or SDCI. A drafted site plan does not establish legal property boundaries or replace a licensed survey, ECA plan, engineering, architecture or another professionally certified document when required. Confirm current requirements with SDCI before submitting the permit application.