TRAFFIC ADMINISTRATION

SEA-MC tit. 11, subtit. I, pt. 1, ch. 11.16

in effect

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.020 Police Department authority

11.16.020 - Police Department authority It is the function of the Police Department to enforce this Subtitle I and all of the State motor vehicle laws applicable to traffic and trains in this City, to make arrests and/or issue citations for traffic offenses, to cooperate with the Director of Transportation and other officers of the City in the administration of the traffic laws and in developing ways and means to improve traffic conditions, and to carry out those functions specially imposed upon the Police Department by this Subtitle I and other traffic ordinances of this City. Special Police Officers who receive commissions consistent with Sections 3.28.150 through 3.28.220 may also enforce this Subtitle I to the extent allowed by their commissions. (Ord. 126233, § 8, 2020; Ord. 118409 § 10, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.020), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.040 Authorization to direct traffic

11.16.040 - Authorization to direct traffic Officers of the Police Department and such officers as are assigned by the Chief of Police, as well as Special Police Officers to the extent allowed by their commissions, are authorized to direct all traffic by voice, hand, or signal in conformance with the provisions of this Subtitle I. Any officer authorized to direct traffic in conformance with the provisions of this Subtitle I may direct traffic as conditions require, notwithstanding other provisions of this Subtitle I, in the event of a fire or other emergency, to expedite traffic, or to safeguard pedestrians. (Ord. 126233, § 9, 2020; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.040), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.060 Fire Department authorization.

11.16.060 - Fire Department authorization. Officers of the Fire Department, when at the scene of a fire, may direct or assist the police in directing traffic thereat or in the immediate vicinity as conditions may require notwithstanding the provisions of this subtitle. (Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.060), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.080 Collision investigation.

11.16.080 - Collision investigation. It shall be the function of the Police Department, assisted by other agencies, to investigate traffic collisions, to arrest and/or issue citations, and to assist in the prosecution of those persons charged with violations of law causing or contributing to such collisions. (Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.080), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.100 Peace officers present at collision to report.

11.16.100 - Peace officers present at collision to report. Any peace officer of the City present at the scene of any collision or in possession of any facts concerning any collision, whether by way of official investigation or otherwise, shall make report thereof in the same manner as required of the parties to such collision and as fully as the facts in his possession concerning such collision will permit. (Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.100), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.120 Director of Transportation—Authority

11.16.120 - Director of Transportation—Authority The Director of Transportation is authorized: A. To increase the maximum speed allowed upon arterial streets; B. To declare a minimum speed limit, which shall be effective when appropriate signs giving notice thereof are erected and when it is determined that slow speeds on any part of an arterial street unreasonably impede the normal movement of traffic; C. To establish parking rates to be charged at parking payment devices, including parking meters, for parking in City-controlled parking areas under the jurisdiction of the Seattle Department of Transportation and other City rights-of-way, consistent with Section 11.16.121, and to make recommendations to the City Council for fees for permits issued pursuant to this Subtitle I; D. To determine the maximum load limits on all streets, alleys, bridges, or elevated structures in the City; E. To adopt a traffic control manual for in-street work; F. To establish, revise, or dissolve restricted parking zones. A decision to establish, to refuse to establish, to expand, to reduce, or to dissolve a restricted parking zone is subject to reconsideration pursuant to subsection 11.16.317.D. The Director may consider other parking demand management tools in lieu of or prior to implementation of an RPZ; G. To promulgate rules and regulations for the RPZ program; and H. To prepare and recommend for adoption by the City Council a schedule of fees applicable to the reviewing and administering permits and issuing violations for vehicle and curb space uses. (Ord. 126756, § 5, 2023; Ord. 123120, § 2, 2009; Ord. 123001, § 3, 2009; Ord. 122852, § 1, 2008; Ord. 121388, § 2, 2004; Ord. 121330, § 1, 2003; Ord. 118409, § 11, 1996; Ord. 118369, § 1, 1996; Ord. 115995, § 1, 1991; Ord. 113240, § 2, 1986; Ord. 108354, § 3, 1979; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.120), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.121 Director of Transportation—Rate setting for parking payment devices

11.16.121 - Director of Transportation—Rate setting for parking payment devices A. Parking rates to be charged at parking payment devices, including parking meters, for parking in city rights-of-way and other city-controlled parking areas under the jurisdiction of Seattle Department of Transportation shall be within rate limits established by this section. Rates may vary according to location, time of day, maximum parking time allowed, the capabilities of available parking payment devices, and any other factors the Director determines are pertinent. In setting rates, the Director is not subject to Chapter 3.02 of the Seattle Municipal Code. B. The Director of Transportation is authorized to set parking rates up to $8 per hour ("Maximum Hourly Rate"), except that for large Seattle Center events the Director is authorized to set parking rates up to $12 per hour for locations within a mile of Seattle Center. When parking rates are in effect, parking rates shall be set no lower than $1 per hour ("Minimum Hourly Rate"). C. The Director shall establish on-street parking rates and shall adjust parking rates higher (up to the Maximum Hourly Rate) or lower (as low as the Minimum Hourly Rate) in neighborhood parking areas based on measured occupancy so that approximately one or two open spaces are available on each block face throughout the day in order to: 1. Support neighborhood business districts by making on-street parking available and by encouraging economic development; 2. Maintain adequate turnover of on-street parking spaces and reduce incidents of meter feeding in commercial districts; 3. Encourage an adequate amount of on-street parking availability for a variety of parking users, efficient use of off-street parking facilities, and enhanced use of transit and other transportation alternatives; and, 4. Reduce congestion in travel lanes caused by drivers seeking on-street parking. D. The Director of Transportation is authorized to develop a Director's Rule setting forth how rate setting will occur for the Performance-Based Parking Pricing Program, including for large Seattle Center events and how the Seattle Department of Transportation will determine the applicable geographical area that is subject to large Seattle Center event rates. Performance-Based Parking Pricing has a policy goal of achieving approximately one to two parking spaces available on each block face. (Ord. 126949, § 1, 2023; Ord. 126399, § 2, 2021; Ord. 125210, § 1, 2016; Ord. 123462, § 1, 2010; Ord. 122852, § 2, 2008; Ord. 122274, § 1, 2006; Ord. 121420, § 6, 2004; Ord. 121330, § 2, 2003.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.122 Authority to close certain areas under bridges, viaducts, and overpasses.

11.16.122 - Authority to close certain areas under bridges, viaducts, and overpasses. A. The Director of Transportation is authorized, in accordance with the Administrative Code (Chapter 3.02), to close off from entry or use by the public any public place under the structure of a bridge, viaduct or overpass, other than a roadway as defined in Section 11.14.530 or a paved pedestrian walkway, whenever and for as long as the Director deems closure of the area to be necessary in order to preserve the public peace, accommodate construction or maintenance work, prevent injury to the public, or respond to any identified danger to the public health or safety. B. Upon ordering its closure, the Director shall cause the area to be enclosed with fencing, or posted with "no admittance" or "no trespassing" signs, or both enclosed and posted. (Ord. 118409 § 12, 1996; Ord. 116538, § 1(part), 1993.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.125 Director of Transportation—Authority—Street and alley closures

11.16.125 - Director of Transportation—Authority—Street and alley closures The Director of Transportation is authorized: A. To close, or authorize closure, of any street or alley or portion thereof to any or all traffic pursuant to the provisions of this Subtitle I; B. To close or authorize closure of any street or alley for entry or travel by the general public in order to make repairs or for maintenance; to accommodate construction on abutting properties or of utilities in the street or alley or a special use of an abutter under permit; to protect the public from a health or sanitation hazard, a hazard or obstruction in the street or alley, or an unsafe structure on abutting property; or based on a recommendation of the Chief of Police that a street or alley closure is necessary in order to prevent criminal activity occurring in or emanating from the street or alley. Unless otherwise ordered, the street or alley shall remain open to access by the following persons: owners and occupants of the abutting properties and their guests; agents of utilities with facilities in the street or alley or serving the abutting properties; government employees and emergency personnel in the performance of their duties; and permittees under a street use permit issued pursuant to Title 15. In determining the closure of the street or alley, the Director of Transportation shall determine the anticipated duration of the closure. Upon ordering the closure, the Director shall cause the area to be posted with signs or barricades stating the hours of closure; C. To designate any streets for one way traffic and the required direction of such traffic; D. To close or authorize the closure during hours of darkness of any shoreline street end, as defined at Section 15.02.046, for entry, travel, or use by the general public, based on a determination that such a closure is necessary to control or prevent unlawful or disorderly behavior occurring in or emanating from the shoreline street end. The street end shall remain open to owners and occupants of abutting property and their guests for access and parking purposes, agents of utilities in the street end, government employees and emergency personnel in the performance of their duties, and permittees under a street use permit issued pursuant to Title 15. Upon ordering the closure, the Director shall cause the street end to be posted with a sign stating that the street end is closed from dusk to dawn, or such other hours as the Director deems appropriate. E. To close or authorize the closure of the Waterfront Promenade, the Overlook Walk, and other areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation in the park boulevard designated by Ordinance 126444, or portions of those areas, for entry, travel, or use by the general public during designated hours. Unless otherwise ordered, the area shall remain open to allow access by owners and occupants of the abutting properties and their guests, government employees or emergency personnel in performance of their duties; and permittees under a street use permit issued pursuant to Title 15. The Director shall cause the area proposed to be closed to be posted with a sign or signs stating that the designated area is closed from dusk to dawn, or such other hours as the Director deems appropriate. (Ord. 127459, § 2, 2026; Ord. 126444, § 6, 2021; Ord. 121389, § 1, 2004; Ord. 118409, § 13, 1996; Ord. 118369, § 2, 1996; Ord. 116871, § 1, 1993; Ord. 115995, § 2, 1991.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.127 Director of Transportation—Contracts for mobile device parking fee payments and services; convenience fee.

11.16.127 - Director of Transportation—Contracts for mobile device parking fee payments and services; convenience fee. The Director of Transportation is authorized to prepare specifications for and to execute one or more contracts from time to time for the provision of services to allow persons to make valid payments by mobile devices as provided in Chapter 11.76 for parking areas regulated by parking payment devices. The Director of Transportation is authorized to determine and set forth in each contract a convenience fee in a reasonable amount to compensate the contractor for such service, which shall be added to the payment due. (Ord. 123941, § 2, 2012)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.170 Traffic Engineer—Appointment.

11.16.170 - Traffic Engineer—Appointment. The Director of Transportation, or a designee, shall appoint a City Traffic Engineer who shall be a registered professional engineer, and who shall be directly responsible to and supervised by the Director of Transportation or the Director's designee. (Ord. 118409, § 14, 1996; Ord. 118003, § 2, 1996.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.180 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Studies.

11.16.180 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Studies. It shall be the function of the Traffic Engineer under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Conduct studies of traffic and transportation impacts including but not limited to noise pollution, air pollution, and community disruption; B. Conduct studies of traffic, traffic collisions, congestion and other conditions affecting the safe and convenient use of the street and alleys; C. Collect facts regarding the effect and operation of regulations controlling street or alley traffic; D. Study means for the facilitation of traffic along existing routes; E. Make traffic surveys; F. Prepare traffic-flow maps; G. Conduct studies of the utilization of street or alley curb space; H. Conduct such other similar studies relating to traffic and transportation as may be requested by the Director of Transportation. (Ord. 118409 § 15, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.180), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.200 Traffic Engineer — Authority — Records.

11.16.200 - Traffic Engineer — Authority — Records. It is the function of the Traffic Engineer under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to keep records of: A. Traffic collisions; B. Traffic volume; C. Traffic-control devices; D. Street curb space utilization. (Ord. 118409 § 16, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.200), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.220 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Annual report.

11.16.220 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Annual report. The Traffic Engineer shall prepare an annual traffic and transportation report containing information on traffic conditions with particular reference to number of traffic collisions, number of persons killed and injured, other traffic collision data and traffic trends throughout the City. This report shall be submitted to the Director of Transportation who shall file copies with the Mayor, the City Council, and the Chief of Police. (Ord. 118409 § 17, 1996; Ord. 115995, § 3, 1991; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.220), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.240 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Review and recommend

11.16.240 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Review and recommend It shall be the function of the Traffic Engineer under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Review and make recommendations on all applications for street vacations, rezones, variances, conditional use permits and plats with respect to the effect on traffic and transportation; B. Review and make recommendations on all designs, drawings and plans prepared by any department or agency of the City for the construction, major modification or location of any public building, park, or recreational area, or other structure which may affect the movement of traffic; C. Recommend and review plans for traffic and transportation improvements; D. Prepare and approve traffic-control layout and detour plans; E. Review and make recommendations regarding Metropolitan King County Transit routes in the City; F. Review and make recommendations concerning pedicab and horse carriage routes; G. Review and make recommendations concerning all applications for all building permits except in neighborhood residential (NR) and Lowrise 1 (LR1) zones regarding facilitation of traffic with respect to new or existing driveways; H. Review and make recommendations concerning all applications for commercial driveways regarding facilitation of traffic with respect to the size, number and location of such commercial driveways. (Ord. 126509, § 3, 2022 [zone name change]; Ord. 123564, § 1, 2011; Ord. 118409, § 18, 1996; Ord. 112421, § 1, 1985; Ord. 108200, § 2 (11.16.240), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.280 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Special zones

11.16.280 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Special zones Consistent with Section 11.23.420, the Traffic Engineer is authorized under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Determine the location of and establish stage zones and bus zones; B. Determine the location of and establish truck load and commercial load zones where practicable, when upon investigation it appears that there are no alley entrances or other similar means of approach to buildings or property and that congested traffic conditions require such zones for the purpose of loading or unloading, and in each case to fix the hours during which such zones shall be maintained open for the purpose for which the same are intended; C. Determine the location of and establish passenger load zones and in each case to fix the hours during which such zones shall be maintained open for the purpose for which the same are intended; D. Determine the location of and establish taxicab, pedicab and other for-hire car stands; E. Determine the location of and establish car sharing zones; F. Determine the location of and establish pedestrian zones; G. Determine the location of and establish food vehicle zones and vending zones; H. Determine the location of and establish other special zones for the purpose and in accordance with the criteria specified in this Section 11.16.280; I. Make surveys and recommendations with respect to the Stadium Event Restricted Parking Zone, process applications for parking in the zone, issue decals or other authorizations for parking, and delegate to the University of Washington or deputize its staff to receive applications and deliver permits. (Ord. 126732, § 6, 2022; Ord. 123659, § 5, 2011; Ord. 122779, § 4, 2008; Ord. 118409 § 19, 1996: Ord. 114251 § 2, 1988: Ord. 112988 § 3, 1986; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.280), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.300 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Parking

11.16.300 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Parking The Traffic Engineer is authorized under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Determine upon what streets or alleys or portions thereof vehicles shall be angle parked, as distinguished from parallel parked, and shall indicate the same by marks or signs placed in such streets or alleys, or portions thereof; B. Determine the location of and establish time-limit regulations for parking; C. Determine upon what streets or alleys or portions thereof stopping, standing or parking of vehicles shall be prohibited at certain times, or entirely; D. Establish areas where parking is regulated by pay-to-park signage, and the time limit for parking therein; order installation or removal of pay-to-park signage or associated parking payment devices where it is determined upon the basis of parking studies and investigation that the installation or removal of such devices or signage is necessary to aid in the regulation, control, and inspection of the parking of vehicles; and designate the blockface, or portion thereof, for which payment is required. Information regarding the days and hours when the requirement to make payment shall apply; the cost to park; and the maximum time for which parking is lawfully permitted shall be communicated to the user by either parking payment device or pay-to-park signage located on the blockface, or portion thereof, adjacent to which the pay-to-park signage is located; E. Authorize additional methods of payment for parking; and F. Make surveys and recommendations with respect to restricted parking zones, process applications for parking in restricted parking zones, and implement rules and regulations for the use of restricted parking zones and the issuance, use, and revocation of permits. (Ord. 125609, § 4, 2018; Ord. 122274, § 2, 2006; Ord. 121388 § 4, 2004; Ord. 118409 § 20, 1996: Ord. 115995, § 4, 1991; Ord. 108354 § 5, 1979: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.300), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.310 Traffic Engineer—Carpool parking.

11.16.310 - Traffic Engineer—Carpool parking. A. The Traffic Engineer shall perform or cause to be performed an impact analysis, including where appropriate, origin/destination and turnover studies, of the preferential use of on-street parking spaces by certified carpool vehicles, and pursuant to such analysis, the Traffic Engineer, under the supervision of the Director of Transportation, shall designate and establish on-street parking spaces for such use under a flexible system for such designation and establishment to allow for changing uses of adjacent land and for changing parking demands. B. The use and effects of such preferential parking shall be monitored and evaluated by the Traffic Engineer and periodic reports shall be provided to the City Council. C. The Director of Transportation shall implement and collect carpool parking fees established from time to time by ordinance. (Ord. 118409 § 21, 1996: Ord. 118278 §§ 2, 3, 1996; Ord. 115995, § 5, 1991; Ord. 108200, § 2 (11.16.310), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.312 Carpool Parking Permit fees

11.16.312 - Carpool Parking Permit fees A. The Director of Transportation is authorized to issue and charge fees for any permit authorizing carpool parking in the locations listed below as follows: Fees for carpool occupancy of 2 or more, other than registered vanpools Location | Fee Central Business District | $600.00 per quarter Non Central Business District | $300.00 per quarter Fees for registered vanpools Location | 2017 | 2018 | 2019 Central Business District | $200.00 per quarter | $400.00 per quarter | $600.00 per quarter Non Central Business District | $100.00 per quarter | $200.00 per quarter | $300.00 per quarter (The Central Business District is that area bounded by Denny Way to the north, South Royal Brougham Way to the south, the waterfront to the west, and Interstate 5 to the east.) B. Carpool parking permit revenue shall be deposited into the Transportation Fund to be used for administration and enforcement of the Carpool Parking Program, the City's Commute Trip Reduction Plan, and related activities that promote the use of non-motorized and high-occupancy vehicles and discourage the use of motorized single-occupant vehicles. (Ord. 125492, § 46, 2017; Ord. 125187, § 1, 2016; Ord. 122858, § 2, 2008)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.315 Administration of restricted parking zones

11.16.315 - Administration of restricted parking zones A. Signage: Restricted parking zones shall be appropriately signed and/or marked. B. Program components and permit use: 1. A restricted parking zone may have one or more of the following components: a. Parking in the street is reserved for the exclusive use of those vehicles displaying a valid RPZ permit, guest permit, or other identification issued by the Seattle Department of Transportation as part of the RPZ program; or b. Parking in the street is reserved during certain posted hours for exclusive use of vehicles displaying a valid RPZ permit, guest permit, or other identification issued by the Seattle Department of Transportation as part of the RPZ program but available at all other times without restriction; or c. Time limits are established for parking in the street that apply to all vehicles except vehicles with a valid RPZ permit, guest permit, or other identification issued by the Seattle Department of Transportation as part of the RPZ program. 2. In any restricted parking zone, the Director of Transportation or the Director's designee may issue permits or other means of identification, maintain lists of vehicles owned or used by permit holders, or adopt any other reasonable means of distinguishing vehicles that are validly parked in a restricted parking zone. a. A permit shall not guarantee or reserve to the holder an on-street parking space within the designated RPZ. b. If issued to a resident, a permit must be used within six contiguous city blocks of the household unit address or, if issued to a business, institution, or employee, a permit must be used within six contiguous city blocks of the place of business or the institution. C. Application: 1. In order to obtain an RPZ permit, any residential applicant shall present proof of residency in or adjacent to the restricted parking zone boundary in addition to submittal of a complete application to the Seattle Department of Transportation. As of January 1, 2010, any residential applicant must also present proof that the address of vehicle registration matches the applicant's household unit address or that the applicant is an out of state non-resident or active military personnel. 2. In order to obtain an employee RPZ permit, an employer shall present, for each employee requesting a permit, proof of employment within the RPZ boundary in addition to submittal of a complete application to the Seattle Department of Transportation. D. Permit limit: As of January 1, 2010, each eligible household unit is entitled to have no more than four RPZ permits at any one time, unless the household unit's dwelling unit is a small efficiency dwelling unit, in which case no more than one RPZ permit at any one time is allowed. 1. Exception: The Director of Transportation may issue more RPZ permits than the permit limit per household for the following land uses: a. Adult family home; b. Assisted living facility; c. Domestic violence shelter; and d. Permitted congregate residence, provided the amount does not exceed one per sleeping room. In determining whether to grant additional permits in excess of the four-permit per household limit, the Director of Transportation may also consider the availability of on-street parking in the requestor's residential area and demonstrated need for additional permits. E. Guest permits. Each eligible resident may obtain no more than one annual or biennial guest permit per household unit. It is illegal to use a guest permit on a resident's vehicle. As of January 1, 2010, eligible residents may obtain no more than 50 single-day use guest permits per year. F. Motorcycles and scooters. As of January 1, 2010, motorcycles and scooters are authorized to park in an RPZ without an RPZ permit. G. Free-floating car sharing vehicles. Any free-floating car sharing vehicle that displays a valid free-floating car sharing permit is authorized to park in any Restricted Parking Zone (RPZ) with the same privileges as a vehicle with a valid RPZ permit. H. Employee permits. Separate from the program authorized by Section 11.16.316, the Director of Transportation shall consider requests from employers within an RPZ for employee permits under certain conditions provided that this can be done while maintaining the following goals of the RPZ program: reduce neighborhood traffic impacts by large parking demand generators; support mixed-use neighborhoods and local business districts; continue to reduce overall energy use and vehicle emissions; keep demand by residents and employees from exceeding available on-street parking spaces in residential areas; and implement a customer-oriented permit program. If resident RPZ permits are subsidized in a particular RPZ, an employee is not eligible for such a subsidy. Among the criteria the Director shall consider in determining whether to grant requests for employee RPZ permits are: 1. Availability of on-street parking on non-RPZ-signed blocks that is within a reasonable walking distance of the employer; 2. Availability of alternate modes of transportation within a reasonable distance; 3. Availability of off-street parking within a reasonable distance; 4. Availability of on-street parking in the RPZ; 5. Time of day that employees work; 6. Number of permits requested by the employer; 7. Existence of other employers within the RPZ that could potentially also request employee permits; and 8. Other hardships that may exist. (Ord. 124608, § 1, 2014; Ord. 124220, § 1, 2013; Ord. 124063, § 2, 2012; Ord. 123162, § 5, 2009; Ord. 123120, § 3, 2009; Ord. 123001, § 4, 2009; Ord. 121678, § 3, 2004; Ord. 118409, § 22, 1996; Ord. 117235, § 1, 1994; Ord. 115995, § 6, 1991; Ord. 111644, § 1, 1984; Ord. 108354, § 1, 1979; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.315), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.316 Restricted Parking Zone Permits for Use by Businesses

11.16.316 - Restricted Parking Zone Permits for Use by Businesses A. The purpose of this section is to authorize the Director of Transportation or his or her designee to administer a specific program for qualified businesses and institutions to apply for and receive restricted parking zone permits to park in a restricted parking zone that have been or may be created in the Initial Segment LINK Light Rail transit station areas, including Rainier Beach, Othello, Columbia City, Mount Baker, Beacon Hill, SODO and Stadium stations. This is in addition to permits issued to qualified residents in these RPZs. B. The Director of Transportation or his or her designee is authorized to establish rules and regulations for this program, including establishing permit eligibility, application submittal for qualifying businesses and institutions, permit use, and alternate eligibility procedures as needed. C. In order to be issued a restricted parking permit, the permit holder must be an owner, employee, or volunteer of a business or institution within or adjacent to an RPZ boundary. Property owners for a business or institution within or adjacent to an RPZ boundary can also obtain one permit per owner. D. Permit holders who violate this section or the RPZ program rules may have their permit revoked and may be excluded from obtaining future permits. E. The Seattle Department of Transportation shall cease to renew RPZ permits for businesses and institutions in the next RPZ cycle for an RPZ, excluding the SODO and Stadium station RPZs, when any monitoring or surveying of the RPZ indicate that twenty-five (25) percent or more of streets within any particular RPZ have the following conditions: (1) at least seventy-five (75) percent of the capacity of the street available for parking is generally occupied and (2) more than thirty-five (35) percent of the vehicles parked on the street are owned by non-residents of the designated area. In this subsection, the term "non-resident" includes businesses, institutions, and their employees and volunteers located in the area. (Ord. 124265, § 1, 2013; Ord. 124220, § 2, 2013; Ord. 123001, § 5, 2009)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.317 Establishing, expanding and reducing restricted parking zones

11.16.317 - Establishing, expanding and reducing restricted parking zones A. The Director of Transportation or the Director's designee shall consider whether a restricted parking zone (RPZ) within a designated area, would promote certain benefits or would result in adverse impacts. 1. Benefits that may lead to establishing an RPZ include, but are not limited to: increased access for area residents, reduced traffic congestion, increased traffic or pedestrian safety, reduced air or noise pollution, reduced commuter parking in neighborhoods, prevention of blighted areas, and promoting the use of alternative modes of transportation. 2. Adverse impacts that may prevent establishing and RPZ include, but are not limited to: transferring a parking problem to a different area, inability to effectively enforce program restrictions, lack of alternative transportation modes, and availability of simpler, cheaper or more effective solutions. 3. Regardless of potential benefits or adverse impacts that may result, the Seattle Department of Transportation will not install RPZs in any downtown zone, including all zones contained in Map 1A of Chapter 23.49, in part because of high demand and multiple, competing needs for on-street parking. B. The Director of Transportation may establish a new or expand an existing restricted parking zone whenever 75 percent or more of the capacity of the streets available for parking on ten contiguous blocks (and/or 20 block faces) in such designated area is generally occupied; over 35 percent of the vehicles parked on the street in the area are not owned by residents of the designated area; a strong and effective community engagement effort indicating that generally stakeholders in the designated area have reviewed and support the restricted parking zone, which could include a petition signed by a majority of the residents in the designated area in support of the restricted parking zone; and the public interest would be served. In cases where the criteria listed above are not met, the Director of Transportation is authorized to establish a restricted parking zone when, in the Director's judgment, the parking problem will be ameliorated by a restricted parking zone and the public interest would be served. C. The Director of Transportation or the Director's designee is authorized to engage affected and interested community stakeholders to review and assist in refining any future RPZ proposals. 1. The public information and involvement program may include department presentations to business and community organizations, information distribution through the City's web site, news releases and related media, direct mailings of informational materials, facilitated meetings, sounding boards, walking tours, surveys, and other techniques as appropriate to the scale of the proposal. 2. Prior to the Director of Transportation's decision to establish, not to establish, to dissolve, to expand, or to reduce an RPZ by more than two contiguous blocks, the Seattle Department of Transportation shall hold a public hearing where it will provide interested persons an opportunity to submit written and spoken comment into the public record. 3. At least 20 days prior to the public hearing, the Seattle Department of Transportation shall mail a notice of hearing containing the hearing time and location to all owners, commercial lessees and residents of property within 300 feet of the affected restricted parking zone. 4. At least 20 days prior to the public hearing, the Seattle Department of Transportation shall publish in a local newspaper a notice of the hearing that states the hearing time and location. D. 1. The Director of Transportation's decision to establish, not to establish, to expand, to reduce, or to dissolve a restricted parking zone is subject to reconsideration within 15 days of publication in a local newspaper. Requests for reconsideration may be initiated, in writing, by residents, business owners, or employees or volunteers in or adjacent to the proposed RPZ. On reconsideration, the Director shall designate a review officer, who shall, after reviewing the reconsideration materials and other relevant information, make a recommendation to the Director. The Director may, at the Director's discretion, stay implementation of a decision pending review. The Director shall have 30 days to issue a Decision. The Director's decision on reconsideration shall be final unless appealed to the Office of the Hearing Examiner under subsection 11.16.317.D.2. Grounds for reconsideration include the validity of any parking study or compliance with the process to establish a zone. 2. The Director's decision on reconsideration may be appealed to the Hearing Examiner. a. Time limit for initiation of an appeal. A notice of appeal shall be filed with the Hearing Examiner within 20 days following issuance of the Director's Decision on Reconsideration. b. Form of Appeal. The notice of appeal must contain a brief statement of the issues on appeal, the specific objections to the decision being appealed, along with supporting facts and documentation, and the relief sought. The notice of appeal must list the name of the appellant, and the signature, address, phone number, and fax and e-mail address if available, of the person appealing. c. Decision. After reviewing the notice of appeal and supporting documentation and conducting a hearing, the Hearing Examiner shall issue a written decision within 30 days after the conclusion of the hearing. The written decision shall contain the reasons for the decision and the provisions for further appeal and shall be provided to the person appealing and to the Director. This decision is the final decision of the City. E. The Director may modify hours of an existing RPZ or expand or reduce boundaries of an existing RPZ by two contiguous blocks or less by following an administrative process that seeks to identify possible changes suggested by the community, review proposed changes to the RPZ with affected community stakeholders, and make a determination for what best serves the public interest, without holding the public hearing required by subsection 11.16.317.C.2. F. A restriction of parking shall first take effect on a street segment when it is signed or posted, and shall cease when the signs or posting are removed pursuant to lawful order; provided that vandalism or destruction of parking control signs shall not affect the validity of a restriction upon parking on any street segment designated by the Director of Transportation if other signs or traffic control devices give notice that parking in the street segment is restricted. G. The Director may initiate dissolution of an RPZ when the Director determines that dissolution best serves the public interest and meets at least one of the following criteria, including but not limited to, low permit sales in a zone, a small number of blocks with RPZ signs, or the absence of the original traffic generator. The zone would be removed at the beginning of a new permit cycle. (Ord. 123899, § 11, 2012; Ord. 123120, § 4, 2009; Ord. 123001, § 6, 2009; Ord. 118409 § 23, 1996: Ord. 118369 § 3, 1996: Ord. 117235, § 2, 1994: Ord. 117108, § 1, 1994; Ord. 115995, § 7, 1991; Ord. 113240 § 1, 1986: Ord. 108354 § 2, 1979: Ord. 108200, § 2 (11.16.317), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.319 Fees for restricted parking zone permits

11.16.319 - Fees for restricted parking zone permits The parking fees to be collected by the Seattle Department of Transportation for restricted parking zone permits are as follows: Type of Permit | Fee RPZ Resident or Business parking permit | $95 RPZ 60-Day Short Term permit | $25 RPZ Guest permit | $95 RPZ Replacement permit (of Resident, Business, or Guest permit) | $20 RPZ Income-eligible permit | $10 RPZ Single-day Guest permit | $1 (Ord. 126710, § 1, 2022; Ord. 123448, § 1, 2010; Ord. 123162, § 6, 2009; Ord. 123001, § 7, 2009; Ord. 122853, § 1, 2008; Ord. 121654, § 1, 2004; Ord. 121420, § 6, 2004; Ord. 120994, § 1, 2002; Ord. 118409, § 24, 1996; Ord. 114251, § 3, 1988; Ord. 111644, § 2, 1984.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.320 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Regulations.

11.16.320 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Regulations. The Traffic Engineer is authorized under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Formulate traffic rules and regulations and laws, and make recommendations regarding the same; B. Supervise the movement of all heavy and wide equipment on the streets and alleys of the City; C. Designate and have charge of the routing and passenger stops of all stages entering, passing through or operating over the streets or alleys of the City; D. Determine locations at which all vehicles, a class of vehicles, or vehicles with less than a specified number of occupants, shall either make or not make turns or other movements, or shall not use certain lanes of streets or alleys (RCW 47.52.025, 1974); E. Develop and publish a Traffic Control Manual for In-street Work which sets forth the guidelines for the methods and devices to be used for safeguarding and controlling traffic at and near work in streets or alleys; F. Designate alleys and short sections of streets for one (1) way traffic; G. Determine and designate streets, parts of streets, or specific lanes thereon upon which vehicular traffic, regardless of the centerline of the roadway, shall proceed in one (1) direction during a given period and in the opposite direction during another period of the day and shall place and maintain appropriate markings, signs, or other devices to give notice thereof; H. Decrease the maximum speed allowed upon any street from those established by this subtitle or other ordinances by the City Council, where, on the basis of an engineering and traffic investigation it is determined by the Director of Transportation that such maximum speed is greater than is reasonable or safe under the conditions found to exist on any street; provided, that in no case shall speed limits be less than twenty (20) miles per hour (RCW 41.61.405). (Ord. 118409 § 25, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.320), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.340 Traffic Engineer—Authority—Traffic-control devices.

11.16.340 - Traffic Engineer—Authority—Traffic-control devices. The Traffic Engineer is authorized under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Design and prepare the specifications for the operation of all traffic-control devices including, but not limited to those traffic-control devices specifically mentioned in this subtitle; B. Determine and designate the points of stop, and shall order the placement of a stop sign on each and every street intersecting the arterial street system unless traffic at any such intersection is controlled at all times by traffic signals, or unless the intersecting street is a one (1) way street designated for travel away from the arterial street; provided, that when the findings of a traffic engineering study show that the condition of an intersection is such that vehicles may safely enter the arterial street without stopping, the Traffic Engineer may order the placement of a "yield" sign; C. Determine intersections which require control by "stop" or "yield" signs and order placement of same; D. Determine and order the marking of crosswalks at intersections or at such other places where the Traffic Engineer deems it appropriate for the identification of the crossing location; E. Determine and order the closure of certain crosswalks to pedestrians; F. Determine and order the marking of traffic lanes upon the roadway of any street or alley; G. Determine and order the designation of a two (2) way left-turn lane on a roadway (RCW 46.61.290(3)(a)); H. Determine and order the placement of curbs, buttons, paint lines or other devices to form islands or barriers upon the roadway to channel and control traffic; I. Order the placement of signs at all arterial street entrances to the City indicating that the speed limit on arterial streets is thirty (30) miles per hour and the placement of signs along all arterial streets upon which the maximum speed limit has been increased above thirty (30) miles per hour (RCW 46.61.415(3)); J. Determine and order the designation of no-passing zones; K. Determine and order the placement of traffic-control devices indicating the course to be traveled by turning vehicles, which course to be traveled may conform to or be other than as prescribed by this subtitle (RCW 46.61.290(4)); L. Test new or proposed traffic-control devices under actual conditions of traffic (SB 3211, Section 47(23)); M. Order the placement at the ends of designated streets, alleys, bridges or elevated structures, signs setting forth specified maximum load limits allowed on such streets, alleys, bridges or elevated structures or notice of closure as conditions warrant as determined; N. Determine and order the placement of official traffic-control devices when and as required under this subtitle to make effective the provisions of this subtitle, and order the placement of such additional official traffic-control devices as may be deemed appropriate to regulate, warn, or guide traffic under this subtitle (SB 3211, Section 47(1)); O. Determine the placement of official traffic-control devices as may be deemed appropriate to regulate, warn, or guide traffic for construction, detours, emergencies, and special conditions (SB 3211, Section 47(2)); and P. Determine the streets where the use of compression brakes shall be prohibited, devise signs prohibiting their use, and place the signs at the appropriate locations. To be eligible for designation, a street shall have a grade five (5) percent or less for a distance of one thousand (1,000) feet. (Ord. 119510 § 1, 1999; Ord. 118409 § 26, 1996: Ord. 116500, § 1, 1992; Ord. 115995, § 8, 1991; Ord. 112421 § 2, 1985; Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.340), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.360 Traffic Engineer—Authority General.

11.16.360 - Traffic Engineer—Authority General. It shall be the function of the Traffic Engineer, under the supervision of the Director of Transportation to: A. Issue permits in accordance with the provisions of this subtitle; B. Determine and make recommendations concerning arterial street and business district street lighting needs and in connection therewith determine design criteria necessary for traffic safety; C. Perform such other duties as may be appropriate for facilitating traffic and transportation. (Ord. 118409 § 27, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.360), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.380 Official foreign career consul vehicle—Mayor's duties.

11.16.380 - Official foreign career consul vehicle—Mayor's duties. The Mayor shall: A. Certify each foreign career consul vehicle, on the written request of the presiding officer of the City Consular Corps, as being eligible to park in a space located and marked by the Director of Transportation in accordance with Section 11.16.420; B. Forward to the Director of Transportation a written notice of certification of each foreign career consul vehicle; C. Order a hearing for any foreign career consul charged with abusing parking privileges provided by Section 11.16.400. If the charges are sustained, the Mayor may revoke the certification. (Ord. 118409 § 28, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.380), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.400 Official foreign career consul vehicle—Parking space allocation.

11.16.400 - Official foreign career consul vehicle—Parking space allocation. The Director of Transportation shall allocate one (1) free parking space for each official foreign career consul vehicle, as conveniently near as possible to each foreign career consul's work place, the parking space to be located so as not to interfere with existing street traffic patterns, and the Director of Transportation shall so mark each such space so that it is readily apparent that it is unlawful to park any vehicle in the space other than the designated official foreign career consul vehicle. (Ord. 118409 § 29, 1996: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.400), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.420 Official foreign career consul vehicle—Director of Transportation's functions.

11.16.420 - Official foreign career consul vehicle—Director of Transportation's functions. The Director of Transportation further shall: A. Locate and appropriately mark, within two (2) weeks after receiving the Mayor's certification, the parking space mentioned in Sections 11.16.380 and 11.16.400 for the official foreign career consul vehicle; B. Inform the Seattle Police Department, in writing, of the parking space location and consular corps' license plate number of the certified vehicle and of any change of such location or license plate number; C. Maintain each such parking space in accordance with the standards provided for in this subtitle; and D. Furnish to the Mayor, in writing, any information concerning the abuse of any of the privileges provided by Section 11.16.400. (Ord. 120794 § 196, 2002: Ord. 118409 § 30, 1996: Ord. 116368, § 211, 1992; Ord. 109475 § 1(part), 1980: Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.420), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.440 School patrol authorized.

11.16.440 - School patrol authorized. The executive heads of universities, colleges, and public and private schools within the City, in conformity with RCW 46.61.385, may cause to be appointed or hired: A. From the student bodies of their respective schools, students, who shall be known as members of the "school patrol"; and B. Adults to serve as school crossing supervisors. (RCW 46.61.385) (Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.440), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.460 School patrol and adult school crossing supervisors— Authority.

11.16.460 - School patrol and adult school crossing supervisors— Authority. The members of such school patrol and the adult crossing supervisors are authorized to display "Stop" or other proper traffic-control signs or signals at school crossings or other points where school children are crossing or about to cross a street, but such member of the school patrol and such adult school crossing supervisors shall be subordinate to and obey the orders of any peace officer present and having jurisdiction. (RCW 46.61.385) (Ord. 108200, § 2(11.16.460), 1979.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 11.16.480 Director of Finance and Administrative Services to collect parking payment device revenues.

11.16.480 - Director of Finance and Administrative Services to collect parking payment device revenues. The payments required to be deposited in parking payment devices as provided in Chapter 11.76 are levied and assessed as fees to cover the costs of installations, inspection, supervision, regulation and maintenance involved in the control of traffic and parking upon the streets and the duly authorized agents of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services shall, from time to time, collect, and deposit the same in the General Fund. (Ord. 123361, § 249, 2010; Ord. 121388 § 3, 2004; Ord. 120794 § 197, 2002: Ord. 116368, § 212, 1992: Ord. 108200, § 1(11.16.480), 1979.)

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=TIT11VETR_SUBTITLE_ITRCO_PT1GEPRAD_CH11.16TRADFetched: 11/1/2026