Communication cabinet standards and setbacks
Seattle Mun. Code § 15.32.250
in effect15.32.250 - Communication cabinet standards and setbacks
A. Communication cabinets shall not exceed 66 inches in height as measured from the grade of the surrounding public place or have a maximum volume greater than 36 cubic feet. The Director of Transportation may determine that a cabinet exceeding 66 inches in height or 36 cubic feet in volume may be sited in unimproved public places in locations that reduce the visual impact of the cabinet and do not impair public safety or access, and will not conflict with other setback requirements established by code or rule. Cabinets exceeding 66 inches in height or 36 cubic feet in volume shall not be allowed in planting strips or adjacent to an improved public places.
B. At-grade communication cabinets shall not be installed in the planting strip if a viable option exists to site the cabinet behind the sidewalk edge that is furthest from the street, or in an unimproved public place.
C. If the at-grade communication cabinet is to be installed in a planting strip it shall be placed in proximity to and in line with existing utility or street light poles, street signs, or other existing structures within the planting strip in order to create a physical and visual alignment. The communication cabinet shall not impair the line of sight for vehicles exiting adjacent alleys, streets, or driveways as provided in Section 23.54.032 or other sight triangle requirements adopted by City code or rule.
D. For the purposes of active monitoring and reporting of maintenance issues by City personnel, residents, and other communication companies, the permittee shall place on the exterior of every at-grade communication cabinet the owner's name and telephone number. This contact information shall be prominently displayed and viewable by the public on the side of the cabinet facing the nearest public sidewalk or street.
E. A proposed at-grade communication cabinet, and all accessory equipment, shall not impair pedestrian passage and shall be sited to provide:
1. An unobstructed corner clearance zone;
2. An unobstructed pedestrian clear zone abutting the entire length of the communication cabinet. The width of the pedestrian clear zone is determined by the street type where the communication cabinet is located as defined by the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual or successor rule; and
3. An unobstructed 3-foot-wide pedestrian straight path as defined in Section 15.02.046 within the designated pedestrian clear zone that extends along the permitted area and for 25 feet on either end of the permitted area's boundaries along the block face.
F. The communication cabinet shall comply with clearances required in the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual or successor rule. In addition to any other required setbacks, the communication cabinet:
1. Shall not be sited in a manner that adversely affects pedestrian mobility directly beyond the permitted footprint area or inhibits the operation, maintenance, or functionality of any utilities or street fixtures;
2. Shall not be located in the furniture zone when the curb space is designated as a bus zone area, disabled person parking zone, food-vehicle zone, vending zone, or commercial loading zone;
3. Shall be located:
a. At least 15 feet from any business entrance or exit;
b. At least 10 feet from the corner clearance zone when located in the furniture zone; and
c. At least 5 feet from curb ramps, curb ramp landings, alleys, and driveways.
G. The Traffic Engineer or Director of Transportation has authority to require dimensions greater than the minimum standards included in subsections 15.32.250.E and 15.32.250.F to provide for pedestrian passage, traffic management, or any other public-use purpose.
H. The communication cabinet and accessory equipment shall not be located in a manner that violates the Americans with Disabilities Act.
I. The permittee shall maintain the exterior of all communication cabinets and any applicable mitigation screening, remove graffiti, and repair any exterior damage to the cabinet or mitigation screening within ten calendar days from the date the permittee becomes aware of the graffiti or damage by any means.
J. All permittees shall submit to the Seattle Department of Transportation a quarterly report with the first report due at the end of the third month of each year that describes each complaint received in the prior quarter, how the complaint was resolved, and how long it took to resolve the complaint.
(Ord. 127376, § 6, 2025; Ord. 126732, § 42, 2022; Ord. 125946, § 21, 2019; Ord. 124598, § 7, 2014)
Source: City of Seattle, Seattle Municipal Code and City Charter (Municode Library, library.municode.com)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_code?nodeId=TIT15STSIUS_SUBTITLE_ISTUSOR_CH15.32FRPUUTPERE_15.32.250COCASTSEFetched: 11/1/2026