Conformity with regulations required
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.40.002
in effectA. The establishment or change of use of any structures, buildings or premises, or any part thereof, requires approval according to the procedures in Chapter 23.76 except: 1. Establishment of an urban farm or community garden that does not include major cannabis activity and that is permitted outright under the provisions of this Title 23 applicable to the lot; 2. As permitted in subsections 23.47A.004.E and 23.47A.004.F; 3. Keeping of animals as permitted under Section 23.42.052 ; 4. Reinstatement of a use interrupted by a temporary use authorized pursuant to Section 23.42.040 ; 5. Establishment of a transitional encampment use on property owned or controlled by a religious organization; and 6. Uses located entirely within public rights-of-way. B. No use of any structure or premises shall hereafter be commenced, and no structure or part of a structure shall be erected, moved, reconstructed, extended, enlarged or altered, except in conformity with the regulations specified in this title for the zone and overlay district, if any, in which it is or will be located. C. Owners of such structures, building or premises or parts thereof are responsible for any failure of such structures, buildings or premises to conform to the regulations of this title and for compliance with the provisions of this title in or on such structures, buildings or premises. Any other person who created, caused or contributed to a condition in or on such structure, building or premises, either alone or with others, is also responsible under this title for any failure to conform to the regulations of this title. Building and use permits on file shall be prima facie evidence of the time a building was built or modified, or a use commenced, and the burden of demonstrating to the contrary shall be upon the owner. D. Changes to existing structures that make the structures nonconforming may be permitted if the changes are required by law for reasons of health and safety. (Ord. 127099 , § 7, 2024 [changed "marijuana" to "cannabis" and other cleanup]; Ord. 126042 , § 1, 2020; Ord. 125272 , § 7, 2017; Ord. 123649, § 4, 2011; Ord. 123378, § 1, 2010; Ord. 122816, § 1, 2008; Ord. 122311 , § 18, 2006; Ord. 121093, § 1, 2003; Ord. 119473, § 1, 1999; Ord. 118794, § 14, 1997; Ord. 112522, § 7(part), 1985; Ord. 110669, § 6, 1982; Ord. 110381, § 1(part), 1982.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026