Oops, I meant "Street Use in Seattle".
It goes without saying (though we are saying it) that all applicable permits must be in hand before the start of the project, the main one being the building permit. And if the public right-of-way is to be used during construction, the project must also apply for a permit issued by SDOT.
Street Use Permitting
The different types of permits include Construction permits (scaffolding, staging or utility work), Street Improvement Permits (for permanent changes like curb installations or street paving), and Short-Term Use (for temporary closures, dumpsters or staging).
The responsibility to figure out city right-of-way use falls on the general contractor. What was acceptable on the last project may not be acceptable on the current project. To start, the correct type of permit must be confirmed, and the required documents need to be submitted. Typically, a site plan (on an approved template) showing the proposed use or impact on the Right of Way (ROW) as well as a Traffic Control Plan (TCP) indicating how the work will affect traffic (including Bicycles and Pedestrians). These plans should also include a description of the work such as the purpose, location, and expected duration.
Most projects also need a ROW impact plan (ROWIP). This shows the different activities such as concrete pumping, excavation process, crane swings, and manlifts for example. Each activity requires a plan for each setup and dismantle to show the hours of use as well as the duration of the activities. The plan should address mobility, access, and construction conflict issues.
For the City of Seattle, the current average timeframe for a full street use permit review is 5-6 weeks, and potentially 6 weeks for a Corrections Review. These timeframes are affected by the number of permit applications submitted, current review agency staffing levels, and several priority category options (safety emergency, affordable housing, critical transportation).
The correction cycle can be for a needed additional permit, more information that is required, and/or needed corrections. Also, if the project dates change due to contract negotiations, budgeting process, drawing process, etc., then a revision to the application/permit (corrections cycle) must be made. When the correction cycle is triggered, typically the expected review timeframe clock resets.
The City of Seattle offers several Client Assistance Memos (CAMs), and several templates reflecting different amounts of information, but which ones apply in each specific situation is unknown until the screening process.
How to Navigate the Process
- All ducks must be in a row when submitting (correct documents, correct format, etc.).
- Allow adequate time in the project schedule for reviews.
- Actively manage and communicate with the reviewing agency.
The Chicken & The Egg
One last potential obstacle to getting a street use permit in time to start construction is the logic that a building permit is needed to obtain a street use permit. However, waiting to apply for a street use permit until after the building permit is issued will cost an additional 10 to 12 weeks. We recommend starting the street use process before the building permit is in hand.
City of Seattle Process
As a quick primer on the City of Seattle’s process, we’ve provided a short description below. Detailed information can be found on their website at https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/permits-and-services/permits/construction-use-in-the-right-of-way
Permit Review Types
Simple Reviews
The simple review streamlines the review process when the project is short-term with minimal impacts. These could be staging of moving containers and street use permit amendments.
Full Reviews
Review of the application by a subject matter expert. Full reviews may also incorporate input from external workgroups depending on the impact of the proposed work.
Street Improvement Permit (SIP) Reviews
SIP Reviews look more like a building permit review in that they have 3 review phases as plans develop (30% / 60% / 90%). SIP’s are required for street, alley, and/or sidewalk improvements and utility main extensions in the right-of-way.
Permit Stages
Application
Check to make sure all applicable documents have been included.
Screening
Check that all documents submitted meet minimum requirements, are in the correct format, that the information is sufficient to conduct the review, and identification of secondary reviewers.
Primary Review
Full application review by a subject matter expert based on project location, mobility considerations, and infrastructure impacts.
Secondary Review(s)
If applicable, reviews by related external work group’s subject matter experts. These can include HUB coordination, traffic control, railroad, and/or utilities.
Review Evaluation
All comments and mark-ups are reconciled, and a determination is made to approve the permit or if a corrections cycle is needed (back to the screening stage).
Issuance Prep
Check for bonds, insurance, and indemnity agreements. This is only required on certain permit types.
Inspection
The permit is assigned to an inspector, based on the project location, who ensures that the work is done per the terms of the permit.
Steve Buerk
Steve is Rafn’s Director of Business Development and Preconstruction. He works with our clients and project teams through the permitting process to get each project to the start of construction, ready for success. Steve is an expert in construction permits, street improvement permits, short-term use permits, and 90’s romcoms. Well, maybe only three of the four. And we’re not saying which three.