Exemptions and exceptions
Seattle Mun. Code § 14.18.030
in effect14.18.030 - Exemptions and exceptions
A. The following do not constitute surveillance data or surveillance technology, and the requirements of this Chapter 14.18 do not apply to them:
1. Information acquired where the individual knowingly and voluntarily consented to provide the information, such as submitting personal information for the receipt of City services; or
2. Information acquired where the individual was presented with a clear and conspicuous opportunity to opt out of providing the information.
B. The following constitute surveillance technology but the requirements of this Chapter 14.18 do not apply to them:
1. Body-worn cameras;
2. Cameras installed in or on a police vehicle;
3. Cameras installed pursuant to state law authorization in or on any vehicle or along a public right-of-way solely to record traffic violations;
4. Cameras installed on City property solely for security purposes;
5. Cameras installed solely to protect the physical integrity of City infrastructure, such as Seattle Public Utilities reservoirs; and
6. Technology that monitors only City employees in the performance of their City functions.
C. The following situations are exceptions to the requirements of this Chapter 14.18:
1. In the event of an emergency situation that poses an imminent and serious risk of death or substantial bodily harm, a City department may acquire surveillance technology without prior Council approval, for the sole purpose of preventing or mitigating such risk, if the department reasonably believes the acquisition of such surveillance technology will result in reduction of the risk. The department's use of the surveillance technology must end when such risk no longer exists or the use of the surveillance technology can no longer reasonably reduce the risk. The use must be documented in the department's annual surveillance usage report, and any future acquisition or use of such surveillance technology must be approved by the City Council as set forth in this Chapter 14.18.
2. A City department may apply a technical patch or upgrade that is necessary to mitigate threats to the City's environment, even if the patch or upgrade materially alters the surveillance capabilities of the technology. The department shall not use the new surveillance capabilities of the technology until the requirements of Section 14.18.020 are met, unless the CTO determines that the use is unavoidable; in that case, the department shall request Council approval as soon as possible. The request shall include a report to Council of how the altered surveillance capabilities were used since the time of the upgrade.
D. The provisions of this Chapter 14.18 do not apply to the Seattle Municipal Court or Seattle Public Library.
E. To the extent that a provision of this Chapter 14.18, or SIR requirement approved pursuant to this Chapter 14.18, conflicts with a superseding state law or other superseding legal authority, that provision or requirement shall not apply.
(Ord. 125376, § 2, 2017.)
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=TIT14HURI_CH14.18ACUSSUTE_14.18.030EXEXFetched: 11/1/2026