Excavation Permit Steps for Contractors in Seattle
Contractors working on excavation projects in Seattle, Washington must follow city permitting, utility coordination and inspection rules before trenching, shoring or restoring public and private sites. This guide outlines the typical steps contractors encounter with the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) for street/right-of-way work, and Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) for utility connections, plus enforcement and appeal paths.
Overview: which permits you may need
Permits depend on where you excavate and what you do. Typical permits include SDCI building/excavation and shoring permits for site work, SDOT Street Use permits for work in the public right-of-way, and SPU permits or notifications for water/sewer impacts. Confirm project scope with the issuing department before submitting applications.
Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI)[1] covers building-related excavation and shoring permits; see SDOT for street permits and SPU for utility-specific approvals.
Required documents and pre-application checks
- Project plans showing limits of excavation, depths, shoring design and staged restoration.
- Geotechnical reports and engineer-stamped shoring plans when required by SDCI.
- Utility locate confirmations and any required notifications to SPU or private utilities.
- Traffic control and lane-closure plans if work affects the street or sidewalk.
Step-by-step permit process
Typical sequence for a contractor:
- Confirm jurisdiction: private site vs. public right-of-way determines whether SDCI, SDOT or both manage approvals.
- Prepare plans, geotech and engineer-stamped documents for SDCI review.
- Submit permit applications via the SDCI/Seattle Services portal and attach required documents.
- Pay application and review fees as invoiced by the issuing department (fees vary by scope).
- Coordinate SDOT Street Use permit if excavation impacts the public right-of-way; obtain approved traffic control plans and any permit conditions Street Use - SDOT[2].
- Schedule required inspections with SDCI and notify SPU for any utility tie-ins or crossings.
- Complete work, pass final inspections, and submit restoration/closeout documentation.
Permits affecting utilities
For water, sewer, drainage or utility service work, consult SPU early. SPU publishes permit requirements and coordination steps for contractors performing utility work or making connections to city systems.
Seattle Public Utilities (SPU)[3]
Penalties & Enforcement
Enforcement is handled by the issuing departments (commonly SDCI and SDOT) and may include fines, stop-work orders, corrective orders, permit revocation, and civil or criminal referrals where applicable. Specific monetary fine amounts for excavation or street-use violations are not specified on the cited departmental permit pages; see the listed contacts for enforcement procedures and exact penalty schedules. Inspectors may issue correction notices or stop-work notices on site and require restorative work at the permittee's expense.
Applications & Forms
- SDCI building/excavation permit application - submit via SDCI/Seattle Services portal; fee varies by scope (fee schedule not specified on the cited page).
- SDOT Street Use permit application - online submission with traffic control attachments; specific application form referenced on SDOT page.
- SPU utility permits or notifications - see SPU permit pages for connection-specific forms.
Common violations
- Excavating in the right-of-way without a Street Use permit.
- Failure to obtain SDCI excavation or shoring approval for deep excavations.
- Improper or incomplete restoration of pavement, sidewalks, or utilities after work.
Appeals and review
Appeals of permit decisions, stop-work orders or civil penalties are handled through the city's administrative appeal procedures for the issuing department. Time limits for appeals or hearings are governed by the specific permit decision notice or enforcement notice; if a time limit is not shown on the department page, it is not specified on the cited page. Contact SDCI or SDOT for the exact appeal form and deadline.
FAQ
- Do contractors need both SDCI and SDOT permits for excavation?
- Yes. If work is on private property only, SDCI building/excavation permits usually apply; if any work impacts sidewalks, streets or the public right-of-way you must also obtain an SDOT Street Use permit and follow its conditions.[2]
- How long does permit review typically take?
- Review times vary by project complexity and department workload; specific processing timelines or target review times are not specified on the cited departmental permit pages. Contact SDCI or SDOT for current estimates.[1]
- What if there is an emergency excavation?
- For emergency work that protects life or property, notify the relevant department and follow their emergency permitting or notification procedures; departments provide emergency contact instructions on their permit pages.[3]
How-To
- Confirm project limits and determine which agency(ies) have authority.
- Prepare engineered plans, geotechnical reports and traffic control plans as required.
- Submit applications through the SDCI/Seattle Services portal and the SDOT Street Use system as applicable.
- Pay fees and respond to any plan-review comments promptly.
- Schedule required inspections and comply with on-site inspector directions.
- Complete restoration, obtain final sign-off, and keep permit records for compliance verification.
Key Takeaways
- Identify whether work affects private property or the public right-of-way before applying.
- Coordinate early with SDCI, SDOT and SPU to reduce review delays.
- Failure to permit or follow inspection requirements can trigger stop-work orders and corrective actions.
Help and Support / Resources
- SDCI - permits, plan review and permit counter
- SDOT - street use and traffic control guidance
- Seattle Public Utilities - utility permits and coordination
- Seattle Municipal Code - local laws and code citations