Calculation of lot depth
Seattle Mun. Code § 23.60A.956
in effectIn certain environments, regulation of development differs according to the depth of the dry land portion of the lot. To qualify for some special regulations, a lot must have a specified depth of dry land. To qualify for locating single-family residences cantilevered over water, a lot must have less than 30 feet but at least 15 feet of dry land. A. The Director shall determine the lot depth as described below: 1. If the lot abuts a street or railroad right-of-way that is generally parallel to the shoreline, the lot depth is the distance measured in a straight line, parallel to the street or railroad right-of-way and extending to the OHW mark or MHHW between two lot lines, for more than 50 percent of the lot; or 2. If the lot lines and/or street or railroad right-of-way are irregular, the Director may determine the lot depth, based upon the intent of the Shoreline Master Program. B. A lot shall be determined by the Director to have a depth of less than 30 feet but at least 15 feet of dry land if: 1. The lot abuts a street or railroad right-of-way that is generally parallel to the shoreline; and 2. A straight line, parallel to and 15 feet waterward of the street or railroad right-of-way and extending between two lot lines, crosses dry land for more than 50 percent of its distance; and 3. A straight line, parallel to and 30 feet waterward of the street or railroad right-of-way and extending between two lot lines, crosses submerged land for more than 50 percent of its distance; or 4. If the lot lines and/or street or railroad right-of-way are irregular, the Director may determine whether the lot has a depth of less than 30 feet but at least 15 feet of dry land, based on the intent of the Shoreline Master Program. (Ord. 124105 , § 3, 2013.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026