Use of waterways.
Seattle Mun. Code § 16.60.020
in effect16.60.020 - Use of waterways.
A. All use and occupation of waterways, whether by permit or otherwise, shall be subject to the following terms and conditions:
1. An unobstructed channel of at least fifty (50) feet width must be preserved at all times; provided, that the Director of Transportation may authorize a lesser unobstructed channel when both sides of a waterway are owned or controlled through lease by the same person, firm, or corporation and said official finds it to be in the public interest.
2. All vessels or obstructions shall be anchored, moored or secured in such a manner as to minimize interference with navigation in the waterway, and shall be promptly removed upon order of the Chief of Police in the event clearance of the waterway be necessary for navigation or in an emergency.
3. The owner or master of any vessel or obstruction anchored or moored in the navigable portions of any waterway shall be responsible for the safe anchorage and fastening of the same, and for any actions necessary to prevent sinking.
4. It shall be unlawful to use any vessel or obstruction as a place of abode while moored or anchored in the navigable portions of a waterway, unless so authorized by permit from the City.
5. No use of a waterway shall unreasonably restrict water access to adjacent privately owned or controlled property; or conflict with a use of a waterway permitted by any public body pursuant to the terms of RCW 79.01.540 or 79.16.190.
B. The public or abutting property owners may use the navigable portions of waterways for the loading, unloading and repair of vessels in connection with commerce or navigation for a reasonable period of time for the activity and waterway involved without prior written permission from the City; provided, that:
1. If the Chief of Police has established by regulation or posted notice a maximum time limit for uses of any particular waterway or part thereof, no vessel shall occupy such waterway or part thereof for a longer period of time;
2. The period of use and occupation of any and all of the navigable portions of waterways by such vessel shall not exceed twenty-one (21) consecutive days; and
3. No more than one (1) use and occupancy of waterways in excess of seven (7) consecutive days by such vessel may occur in any sixty (60) day period.
(Ord. 120023 § 93, 2000: Ord. 118409 § 132, 1996: Ord. 115994 § 57, 1991; Ord. 100171 § 11, 1971; Ord. 87983, § 67, 1959.)
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=TIT16HACO_CH16.60USWAER_16.60.020USWAFetched: 11/1/2026