Corpus

Chapter 23.22 - SUBDIVISIONS

Seattle Mun. Code — Chapter 23.22 - SUBDIVISIONS
in effect

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.016 Application.

A. Official filing of an application for subdivision with the Director shall be preceded by a preliminary review of the proposed subdivision by the Director. B. Following the review, the subdivider shall submit an application to the Director. A subdivider shall submit with the application fifteen (15) copies of a preliminary plat and four (4) copies of preliminary plans for streets and other improvements. Unless the subdivider requests otherwise, at the time of application the application will be processed simultaneously with applications for rezones of or planned unit or planned residential development upon the property to be subdivided. C. Applications shall be processed according to the procedures set forth in Chapter 23.76 , Procedures for Master Use Permits and Council Land Use Decisions, and the additional procedures established in this subchapter. In event of a conflict, the procedures contained in this subchapter control. (Ord. 118012 § 2, 1996; Ord. 117432 , § 31, 1994; Ord. 112522 § 15 (part), 1985: Ord. 110570 § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.020 Content of preliminary plat application

A. Every preliminary plat application shall consist of one or more maps together with written data including the following: 1. The name of the proposed subdivision; 2. North arrow and scale; the location of existing property lines; streets, building, if any; watercourses and all general features; 3. The legal description of the land contained within the subdivision; 4. The names and addresses of all persons, firms and corporations holding interest in the lands, including easement rights and interest; 5. The proposed names, locations, widths, dimensions, and bearings of proposed streets, alleys, easements, parks, lots, building lines, if any, and all other information necessary to interpret the plat, including the location of existing utility and access easements that are to remain, all horizontal references (any reference to bearings, azimuths, or geographical or state plane coordinates) shall reference the horizontal datum for Seattle under Section 1.20.020 ; 6. The location of streets in adjoining plats and the approximate locations of adjoining utilities and proposed extensions into the plat; 7. The names of adjoining plats; 8. The name, address, telephone number, and seal of the registered land surveyor who made the survey or under whose supervision it was made; 9. The date of the survey; 10. All existing monuments and markers located by the survey; 11. The zoning classification applicable to the land within the subdivision; 12. The conditions of or the limitations on dedications, if any, including slope rights; 13. Contour intervals as required, based upon the vertical datum for Seattle under Section 1.20.020 ; 14. Property information including, but not limited to, address, legal description, and Assessor's Parcel number; 15. Evidence of ownership or authorization from the property owner to make the application; 16. A signed statement of financial responsibility by the applicant and owner acknowledging financial responsibility for all applicable permit fees; 17. Drainage plan; 18. Landscape plan; 19. Identification of any adjacent property within 300 feet of the proposed subdivision that is owned or controlled by the applicant; and 20. Specific location and description of all trees at least 6 inches in diameter measured 4½ feet above the ground, with species indicated. B. Any plat submitted that covers only a part of the subdivider's tract shall be accompanied by a sketch showing the proposed future street system in the remainder of the tract so that the street layout of the tract may be considered as a whole. C. The plat shall comply with the technical requirements of Subchapter V. D. For a preliminary plat of property entirely within the MPC-YT zone, an applicant may propose a single final plat for the entire property covered in the preliminary plat, or multiple final plats with each final plat covering a portion of the property covered in the preliminary plat. If an applicant proposes to proceed with more than one final plat, then the preliminary plat application shall designate which portion of the property, and facilities and improvements, will be included in each final plat. (Ord. 125781 , § 5, 2019; Ord. 123963, § 2, 2012; Ord. 121291, § 6, 2003; Ord. 119791, § 1, 1999; Ord. 118012, § 3, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.024 Distribution of preliminary plans

If the Director determines that the subdivider has met all the application requirements for the preliminary plat and that the preliminary plat contains sufficient elements and data to furnish a basis for its approval or disapproval, the Director shall affix a permit number and date of receipt to the application and promptly forward three copies of the plat and the subdivider's preliminary plans for streets and other improvements to the Director of Transportation. The Director shall also forward a copy of the preliminary plat to each of the following: A. Director of Public Health; B. General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of City Light; C. Director of Housing; D. Superintendent of Parks and Recreation; E. General Manager and Chief Executive Officer of Seattle Public Utilities; F. Fire Chief; G. King County Metro Transit Division; H. Sound Transit; and I. King County Wastewater Treatment Division; who shall review the preliminary plat and, within 30 days, furnish the Director with a report as to the effect of the proposed subdivision upon the public health, safety, and general welfare, and containing their recommendations for approval or disapproval of the preliminary plat. The reports of the Director of Transportation and the Director of Seattle Public Utilities shall also include a recommendation as to the extent and type of improvements to be provided in dedicated areas and a preliminary estimate of the cost of these improvements. (Ord. 127271 , § 1, 2025; Ord. 124843 , § 3, 2015; Ord. 124167, § 21, 2013; Ord. 119273, § 44, 1998; Ord. 118409, § 164, 1996; Ord. 117263 , § 1, 1994: Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.028 Effect of preliminary plat approval

A. Except as provided in Section 22.800.100 , approval of the preliminary plat shall constitute authorization for the subdivider to develop the subdivision facilities and improvements as required in the approved preliminary plat. Development shall be in strict accordance with the plans and specifications as prepared or approved by the Director of Transportation and subject to any conditions imposed by the Hearing Examiner. B. If the Hearing Examiner approves of the applicant proceeding with more than one final plat pursuant to subsection 23.22.054.B, then approval of the preliminary plat shall constitute approval for the use of multiple final plats. C. Except as provided in Section 22.800.100 , no subdivision requirements that become effective after the approval of a preliminary plat for a subdivision shall apply to such subdivision unless the Hearing Examiner determines that a change in conditions created a serious threat to the public health or safety. (Ord. 124873 , § 1, 2015; Ord. 123963, § 3, 2012; Ord. 118794, § 1, 1997: Ord. 118409, § 165, 1996; Ord. 112522, § 15(part), 1985; Ord. 110570, § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.050 Topographical and surface hazards—Protective improvements

Land having topographical or subsurface conditions hazardous to the health, safety, or general welfare of persons or property in or near a proposed subdivision shall not be subdivided unless the construction of protective improvements will eliminate the hazards or unless land subject to the hazard is restricted to uses which will not expose persons or property to the hazard. Protective improvements consistent with the standards established in Subchapter VI shall be constructed, prior to final plat approval unless a performance bond acceptable to the Director of Transportation is filed in lieu of the improvements. (Ord. 121420 , § 1, 2004 [department head name change]; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.052 Dedications required.

A. Every subdivision shall include adequate provision for dedication of drainage ways, streets, alleys, pedestrian access and circulation, easements, slope rights, parks and other public open spaces for general purposes as may be required to protect the public health, safety and welfare. B. Protective improvements and easements to maintain the improvements shall be dedicated at the discretion of the City. C. Sidewalks shall be provided on dedicated streets, and must be convenient for pedestrians and contiguous to each other and to any private sidewalks within the subdivision and to existing sidewalks contiguous to the subdivision. D. Vehicular access to every lot shall be from a dedicated street, unless the Director determines that the following conditions exist, and permits access by a permanent private easement: 1. Access by private easement would not compromise the goals of the Land Use Code to provide for adequate pedestrian access and safety, light, air and usable open space between structures; and 2. The dedication and improvement of a street is not necessary or desirable to facilitate adequate water supply for domestic water purposes or for fire protection, or to facilitate adequate storm drainage; and 3. The dedication and improvement of a street is not necessary or desirable in order to provide on-street parking; and 4. No potential safety hazards would result from multiple access points between existing and future developments onto a roadway without curbs and with limited sight lines; and 5. There is identifiable access for the public and for emergency vehicles; and 6. There is no potential for extending the street system. E. Roads not dedicated to the public must be clearly marked on the face of the plat. Subdivisions adjacent to navigable bodies of water shall contain dedications for public access to the bodies of water unless the Hearing Examiner determines that the public interest will not be served by the dedication. The dedication shall be to the low water mark and shall include easements for pedestrian access and circulation at least ten (10) feet wide parallel to and bordering the high water mark. F. If the Hearing Examiner concludes that the public interest will be served, the Hearing Examiner may, in lieu of requiring the dedication to the public of land in a subdivision for protective improvements, drainage ways, streets, alleys, pedestrian access and circulation, parks and other open space, allow the land to be conveyed to a homeowner's nonprofit maintenance corporation. In that case the subdivider shall, at or prior to the time of filing a final plat for approval, supply the Director with copies of articles of incorporation and bylaws of the grantee organization and with evidence of the conveyance or of a binding commitment to convey. The articles of incorporation shall provide that membership in the corporation shall be conditioned upon ownership of land in the subdivision, that the corporation is empowered to assess the land for costs of construction and maintenance of the improvements and property owned by the corporation, and that the assessment shall be a lien upon the land. The City Attorney shall review and approve the articles of incorporation and bylaws as to compliance with this provision. The Hearing Examiner may impose other conditions as he or she deems appropriate to assure that property and improvements owned by the corporation will be adequately constructed and maintained. G. Any dedication, donation or grant as shown on the face of the plat shall be considered, to all intents and purposes, as a quitclaim deed to the donee or donees, grantee or grantees, for his, her or their use for the purpose intended by the donors or grantors. H. Dedicated sidewalks, streets and alleys shall meet the requirements of Chapter 23.53 and the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. Private easements shall meet the requirements of Section 23.53.025 . (Ord. 122615 , § 1, 2007; Ord. 122205, § 3, 2006; Ord. 118012 § 5, 1996: Ord. 115568 , § 1, 1991; Ord. 115326 § 1, 1990; Ord. 110669 § 3, 1982; Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.054 Public use and interest

A. The Hearing Examiner shall inquire into the public use and interest proposed to be served by the establishment of the subdivision and dedication. The Hearing Examiner shall consider all relevant facts to determine whether the public interest will be served by the subdivision and dedication, and if it finds that the proposed plat makes appropriate provision for the public health, safety and general welfare and for open spaces, drainage ways, streets, alleys, other public ways, transit stops, potable water supplies, sanitary wastes, fire protection facilities, parks, playgrounds, sites for school and schoolgrounds, sidewalks and other planning features that assure safe walking conditions for students who walk to and from school, is designed to maximize the retention of existing trees, and that the public use and interest will be served by the platting of subdivision, then it shall be approved. If the Hearing Examiner finds that the proposed plat does not provide the appropriate elements or that the public use and interest will not be served, then the Hearing Examiner may disapprove the proposed plat. Dedication of land to any public body may be required as a condition of subdivision approval and shall be clearly shown on the final plat. The Hearing Examiner shall not as a condition to the approval of any plat require a release from damages to be procured from other property owners. B. If an applicant proposes to proceed with more than one final plat pursuant to subsection 23.22.020.D, the Hearing Examiner shall inquire into the feasibility of the proposed use of multiple final plats and shall approve or disapprove the use of multiple final plats as part of the preliminary plat decision. The Hearing Examiner shall approve the use of multiple final plats only if, in the event that fewer than all of the multiple final plats are completed, the public use and interest will still be served. If the Hearing Examiner approves use of multiple final plats, then the Hearing Examiner shall impose any conditions on the preliminary plat approval that may be necessary to serve the public use and interest in connection with the use of multiple final plats, including but not limited to conditions ensuring that street connectivity is maintained and that appropriate provision has been made for the facilities and improvements described in subsection 23.22.054.A to be provided in a timely manner to serve the property in each final plat. If the Hearing Examiner approves use of multiple final plats, then the Hearing Examiner shall designate in the preliminary plat approval the time period for completion of the facilities and improvements required for each final plat. (Ord. 123963, § 4, 2012; Ord. 119791 § 2, 1999: Ord. 118012 § 6, 1996: Ord. 110570, § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.056 Flood control zone.

No plat shall be approved by the Hearing Examiner covering any land situated in a flood control zone as provided in RCW Chapter 86.16 without the prior written approval of the State Department of Ecology. (Ord. 118794 § 2, 1997: Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.058 Environmentally critical areas.

No plat shall be approved by the Hearing Examiner covering any land situated in a riparian corridor, wetland and wetland buffer, or steep slope and steep slope buffer unless in compliance with the applicable provisions of Section 25.09.240 , Short subdivisions and subdivisions, in environmentally critical areas. (Ord. 122050 § 3, 2006; Ord. 118794 § 3, 1997: Ord. 116262 , § 2, 1992.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.059 Shoreline District

No plat shall be approved by the Hearing Examiner covering any land situated in the Shoreline District unless in compliance with Section 23.60A.156 and conformance to the applicable provisions of Section 23.60A.168 . (Ord. 125603 , § 2, 2018.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.060 Transportation concurrency level-of-service standards.

Proposed subdivisions shall meet the transportation concurrency level-of-service standards prescribed in Chapter 23.52 . (Ord. 117383 , § 1, 1994.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.062 Unit lot subdivisions

A. The provisions of this Section 23.22.062 apply exclusively to the unit subdivision of land for residential development including attached and detached dwelling units and existing structures containing stacked dwelling units built prior to January 1, 2013, but not individual stacked dwelling units, in all zones in which these uses are permitted, or any combination of the above types of residential development as permitted in the applicable zones. B. Lots developed or proposed to be developed with uses described in subsection 23.22.062.A may be subdivided into individual unit lots. The development as a whole shall meet development standards applicable at the time the permit application is vested. As a result of the subdivision, development on individual unit lots may be nonconforming as to some or all of the development standards based on analysis of the individual unit lot, except that any private usable open space or private amenity area for each dwelling unit shall be provided on the same unit lot as the dwelling unit it serves. C. Subsequent platting actions, additions or modifications to the structure(s) may not create or increase any nonconformity of the parent lot. D. Access easements and joint use and maintenance agreements shall be executed for use of common garage or parking areas, common open space (such as common courtyard open spaces for cottage housing), and other similar features, as recorded with the King County Recorder. For common parking areas and garages, access easements and joint use and maintenance agreements shall include the right to use any required electric vehicle charging infrastructure and the terms of use. E. Within the parent lot, required parking for a dwelling unit may be provided on a different unit lot than the lot with the dwelling unit, as long as the right to use that parking is formalized by an easement on the plat, as recorded with the King County Recorder. F. The fact that the unit lot is not a separate buildable lot and that additional development of the individual unit lots may be limited as a result of the application of development standards to the parent lot shall be noted on the plat, as recorded with the King County Recorder. G. Unit lot subdivision shall not result in an accessory dwelling unit that is located on a different unit lot than the unit lot of the associated principal dwelling unit. (Ord. 127376 , § 11, 2025; Ord. 127211 , § 2, 2025; Ord. 126157 , § 3, 2020; Ord. 125815 , § 1, 2019; Ord. 125272 , § 4, 2017; Ord. 124475, § 1, 2014; Ord. 124378 , § 1, 2013; Ord. 123495, § 2, 2011; Ord. 123046, § 1, 2009; Ord. 122190, § 1, 2006; Ord. 119618, § 1, 1999; Ord. 119239, § 1, 1998.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.064 Filing with Director of Transportation

A. Time of filing 1. A final plat (or final plats, if use of multiple final plats is authorized pursuant to subsection 23.22.054.B) meeting all the requirements of chapter 58.17 RCW and of this Chapter 23.22, shall be filed with the Director of Transportation within seven years of the date of preliminary plat approval. For a preliminary plat of land entirely within the MPC-YT zone, the Director may administratively extend this time period to a maximum of ten years from the date of preliminary plat approval only if the applicant has made substantial progress in development of the subdivision facilities and improvements in the preliminary plat at the time that the extension is granted. 2. Within 30 days of the date of filing of the final plat, unless the applicant consents to an extension of the time period, final plats shall be approved or disapproved by the Director of Transportation or returned to the applicant. This approval shall proceed pursuant to the procedures of this Chapter 23.22 . B. Submittal Requirements. The following shall be submitted for final plat review: 1. A final plat consistent with the technical requirements of Section 23.22.066 and Subchapter V; 2. A complete survey of the section or sections in which the plat or replat is located, or as many sections as may be necessary to properly orient the plat within the section or sections; 3. Complete field and computation notes as provided in Section 23.22.094 ; 4. A title report from a title company licensed to do business in the state showing the ownership and title of all parties of interest in the subdivision and confirming that title of the lands as described and shown on the final plat is in the name of the owners signing the certificate required in Section 23.22.068 ; 5. A guarantee deposit in an amount established by the Director of Transportation sufficient to cover the expense of the City in checking the plat, advertising the ordinance, and posting notices. C. Multiple Final Plats. If authorized in the preliminary plat approval, portions of an approved preliminary plat of property entirely within the MPC-YT zone may be processed and approved in more than one final plat filed within the time period specified in subsection 23.22.064.A (including any extension that may be granted pursuant to that subsection). (Ord. 127271 , § 2, 2025; Ord. 123963, § 5, 2012; Ord. 123649, § 1, 2011; Ord. 118409, § 166, 1996; Ord. 118012, § 7, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.066 Technical standards for final plat

A. A final plat shall be 18 inches by 24 inches in size. The accuracy and completeness of the map are the sole responsibility of a registered land surveyor whose seal shall appear on the plat and who shall make field surveys and investigations as necessary to insure that the map is complete and accurate in every detail. The preparation of the final plat shall be by an experienced drafts person and work shall conform to established standards of workmanship. The final plat shall be presented at a scale not smaller than 100 feet to 1 inch and shall contain and show the following: 1. The name of the subdivision; 2. The lines, widths and names of all streets, avenues, places, parks or other public property, and the location of monuments marking the same; 3. The length and direction of all lot lines, also the angles made by lot lines with the street lines; 4. The location of control points and monuments together with all ties; 5. The names of all subdivisions immediately adjacent; 6. The scale and north point; 7. The boundary of the tract as covered by the plat showing courses and distance on the plat; 8. The initial point; 9. All protective improvements and restrictions on uses; and 10. All dedications and all conveyances to a homeowner's nonprofit maintenance corporation in lieu of dedication. B. In the case of a replat, the lots, blocks, streets, alleys, easements and parks appearing on the original plat shall be shown by dotted lines in their proper position in relation to the new arrangement of the plat, and the new plat shall be shown clearly in solid lines to avoid ambiguity. C. The description, dedication, acknowledgment, certificates of the Director of Finance and Administrative Services and County official performing the duties of the County Treasurer, certificates of approval by the Director of Transportation and the Director, and recording certificate must meet standards promulgated by the Director. (Ord. 127271 , § 3, 2025; Ord. 127099 , § 1, 2024; Ord. 124378 , § 2, 2013; Ord. 123963, § 6, 2012; Ord. 123361 , § 383, 2010; Ord. 120794, § 293, 2002; Ord. 118409, § 167, 1996; Ord. 116368 , § 302, 1992; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.068 Certificates required.

Each and every final plat, or replat, of any property to be filed for record shall: 1. Contain a statement of approval from the Director of Transportation as to the survey date, the layout of streets, alleys and other rights-of-way, design of bridges, sewage and water systems, and other structures; 2. Be acknowledged by the person filing the plat before the King County Director of Records and Elections or any other officer who is authorized by law to take acknowledgment of deeds, and a certificate of the acknowledgment shall be enclosed or annexed to the plat and recorded with it; 3. Contain a certification from the proper officer or officers in charge of tax collections that all taxes and delinquent assessments for which the property may be liable as of the date of certification have been duly paid, satisfied or discharged; 4. Contain a certificate giving a full and correct description of the lands divided as they appear on the plat, including a statement that the subdivision has been made with the free consent and in accordance with the desires of the owners. If the plat is subject to a dedication, the certificate or a separate written instrument shall also contain the dedication of all streets and other areas to the public, an individual or individuals, religious society or societies or to any corporation, public or private as shown on the plat and a waiver of all claims for damages against any governmental authority which may be occasioned to the adjacent land by the established construction, drainage and maintenance of the road. The certificate or instrument of dedication shall be signed and acknowledged before a notary public by all parties having any ownership interest in the land subdivided and recorded as part of the final plat. (Ord. 118409 § 168, 1996: Ord. 110570, § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.070 Director's action on final plat

The Director of Transportation shall refer a final plat to the Director who shall review the final plat for substantial conformance to the approved preliminary plat, including any requirements or conditions imposed by the Hearing Examiner, and to the standards established by chapter 58.17 RCW and this Chapter 23.22. The Director shall within ten days furnish the Director of Transportation with a report regarding the conformance of the plat. The Director of Transportation shall review the final plat for the following: A. That the proposed final plat bears the certificates and statements of approval required by state law and this Chapter 23.22; B. That a title insurance report furnished by the subdivider confirms the title of the land and the proposed subdivision is vested in the name of the owners whose signatures appear on the plat certificate; C. If use of multiple final plats is not authorized in the preliminary plat approval pursuant to subsection 23.22.054.B, that the facilities and improvements required to be provided by the subdivider have been completed, or alternatively, except as otherwise provided in subsection 23.22.070.E, that the subdivider will provide a bond in a form approved by the City Attorney and in an amount commensurate with the cost of improvements remaining to be completed, conditioned upon the construction and installation of improvements within two years of final approval of the plat; D. If use of multiple final plats is authorized in the preliminary plat approval pursuant to subsection 23.22.054.B, that the facilities and improvements required by the preliminary plat approval as conditions to final plat approval have been completed, or that the subdivider will provide a bond or other security in a form approved by the City Attorney and in an amount commensurate with the cost of improvements remaining to be completed, conditioned upon the construction and installation of improvements within a time period to be fixed by the Hearing Examiner; E. In the case of any final plat of property in the MPC-YT zone, whether or not multiple final plats are used, if there are facilities and improvements required by the preliminary plat approval as conditions to development of all or part of the subdivided property, but not as conditions to final plat approval, that have not been completed at the time final plat approval is sought and the subdivider will not provide a bond or other security for completion of those improvements as set forth in subsections 23.22.070.C and 23.22.070.D, then: 1. the subdivider has submitted to the Director of Transportation and the Director of Transportation and the Director of Transportation has approved a phasing plan that designates the particular facilities and improvements that must be completed as conditions to specified types or levels of development within particular areas of the final plat, consistent with the preliminary plat approval; and 2. each owner of any property where development is to be conditioned under the phasing plan has executed and delivered in recordable form a covenant against that property in favor of the City, to be recorded upon final plat approval, by which the owner agrees, on behalf of itself and its successors in interest and assigns, to construct the facilities and improvements required by the preliminary plat approval as conditions related to development on that property and not to construct any structure unless the facilities and improvements required by the preliminary plat approval have been completed to the extent required for such structure by the phasing plan approved by the Director of Transportation pursuant to subsection 23.22.070.E.1; F. That the map is technically correct and accurate as certified by the registered land surveyor responsible for the plat. (Ord. 127271 , § 4, 2025; Ord. 123963, § 7, 2012; Ord. 118409, § 169, 1996; Ord. 118012, § 8, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.072 Review of final plat

A. Pursuant to the requirements of RCW 58.17.150, the Director of Transportation shall not modify the conditions or requirements made in the approval of a preliminary plat when making recommendations on a final plat without the consent of the subdivider. B. If the Director and the Director of Transportation determine that the requirements of this Subtitle II are met, the Director of Transportation shall certify that a proposed final plat meets the requirements of chapter 58.17 RCW and this Chapter 23.22. C. If either Director determines that the requirements of this Chapter 23.22 have not been met, a final plat shall be returned to the applicant for modification, correction, or other action as may be required for approval. (Ord. 127271 , § 5, 2025; Ord. 123963, § 8, 2012; Ord. 118409, § 170, 1996; Ord. 118012, § 9, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.074 Determination of final plat

A. The Director of Transportation shall determine: 1. Whether a final plat is in substantial conformance with the approved preliminary plat; 2. Whether the requirements imposed when the preliminary plat was approved have been met; 3. Whether the bond, if required by the City, is sufficient in its terms to assure completion of improvements; 4. Whether the covenant described in subsection 23.22.070.E.2, if required, has been executed in form and substance acceptable to the Council; and 5. Whether the requirements of state law and the Seattle Municipal Code that were in effect at the time of preliminary plat approval, or such other requirements as provided in Section 22.800.100 , have been satisfied by the subdivider. B. The Director of Transportation shall approve, disapprove, or return the proposed final plat. If the Director of Transportation approves the plat, the Director of Transportation shall inscribe and execute the Director of Transportation's written approval on the face of the plat, and the Director of Transportation shall transmit the original plat to the King County Recorder for filing, and forward one copy to the Director and one copy to the County Assessor. At least one copy of the approved final plat shall be retained in the files of the Director of Transportation. (Ord. 127271 , § 6, 2025; Ord. 124873 , § 2, 2015; Ord. 124378 , § 3, 2013; Ord. 123963, § 9, 2012; Ord. 123649, § 2, 2011; Ord. 118409, § 171, 1996; Ord. 118012, § 10, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.078 Resubmission

A. Any final plat disapproved by the Director of Transportation or returned to the applicant may, at the subdivider's option, be resubmitted for approval upon satisfaction of the following conditions: 1. The subdivider has corrected those deficiencies of the final plat, attachments to it, or improvements, any or all of which caused the final plat to be returned or disapproved; 2. The final plat is resubmitted within the time period specified in subsection 23.22.064.A (including any extension that may be granted pursuant to that subsection) or within six months from the date of disapproval, whichever is later; 3. The final plat was not disapproved with prejudice against resubmission; 4. The subdivider has not accepted any proffered refund of filing fees paid for individual lots. B. Any subdivision, the final plat of which is disapproved for reasons of nonconformance with the approved preliminary plat and any requirements or conditions attached to it, may be submitted as a preliminary plat, and shall be considered a new and separate application for all intents and purposes. (Ord. 127271 , § 7, 2025; Ord. 123963, § 10, 2012; Ord. 123649, § 3, 2011; Ord. 118012, § 11, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.092 Registered land surveyor.

A survey of every proposed subdivision and the preparation of preliminary and final plats of the subdivision shall be made by or under the supervision of a registered land surveyor who shall certify on the plat that it is a true and correct representation of the lands actually surveyed. All surveys shall conform to standard practices and principles for land surveying. (Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.094 Computations—Notes.

A. The surveyor shall furnish the Director of Transportation with a full set of survey notes which notes shall clearly show: 1. The ties to each permanent monument; 2. At least three (3) durable, distinctive reference points or monuments; 3. Sufficient data to determine readily the bearing and length of each line; 4. The base meridian referred to. B. A traverse of the boundaries of the subdivision and all lots and blocks shall close within an area of one (1) foot in five thousand (5,000) feet. C. Primary survey control points shall be referenced to section corners and monuments, and corners of adjoining subdivisions, or portions of subdivisions shall be identified and ties shown. (Ord. 118409 § 172, 1996: Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.096 Permanent control monuments.

A. Permanent control monuments shall be established at: 1. All controlling corners on the boundaries of the subdivision; 2. The intersections of centerlines of roads within the subdivisions; 3. The beginning and ends of curves on centerlines; 4. All block corners. B. Permanent control monuments may be placed on the offset lines. The position and type of every permanent monument shall be noted on all plats of the subdivision. Permanent control monuments shall be of a type approved by the Director of Transportation. C. Permanent control monuments within the streets shall be set after the streets are graded. In the event a final plat is approved before streets are graded, the security deposit to provide for grading shall be sufficient to pay the costs of setting the monuments estimated by the Director of Transportation. D. Each lot corner shall be marked by a three-quarter (¾) inch galvanized iron pipe, twenty-four (24) inches in length, or approved equivalent, driven into the ground. (Ord. 118409 § 173, 1996: Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.098 Property contiguous to water.

If any land in a subdivision is contiguous to a body of water, a meander line shall be established along the shore at a safe distance back from the ordinary high water mark. Property lying below and beyond the meander line shall be defined by distance along the side property lines extended from the meander line. If the thread of a stream lies within a subdivision or forms the boundary of a subdivision, such thread shall be defined by bearings and distances as it exists at the time of the survey. (Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.100 Design standards

Except as provided in Section 23.22.106 , design of all subdivisions shall conform to the standards set forth in this Section 23.22.100 : A. Streets and alleys 1. All subdivisions shall be served by one or more streets providing adequate ingress and egress to and from the subdivision. 2. New streets within each subdivision shall conform to the City's thoroughfare and circulation plans and shall provide for the continuation of streets that serve the property contiguous to the subdivision. Streets serving lots on two sides shall be at least 60 feet wide unless a narrower street is warranted by special physical circumstances as determined by the Director, in consultation with the Director of Transportation, or as specified in the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. 3. Street intersections shall be as nearly at right angles as practicable and in no event shall the angle formed be less than 30 degrees. 4. A cul-de-sac shall be designed according to the Right-of-Way Improvements Manual to provide a circular turnaround at the closed end. A tee or other reasonable alternative may be authorized by the Hearing Examiner in lieu of the turnaround. Cul-de-sac streets shall not exceed 450 feet in length and the right-of-way shall be at least 50 feet wide, except under special circumstances a lesser width is permitted. 5. Street networks shall provide ready access for fire and other emergency vehicles and equipment, and routes of escape for inhabitants. 6. Alleys shall be at least 16 feet wide plus such additional width as shall be necessary for an adequate turning radius. B. Blocks. Blocks shall be designed to promote traffic safety and ease of traffic control and circulation. Blocks shall be identified by letters or numbers. C. Lots 1. Every lot shall be provided with convenient pedestrian and vehicular access to a street or to a permanent appurtenant easement that satisfies the requirements of Sections 23.53.005 and 23.53.006 . 2. Lots shall be numbered with reference to blocks. 3. Every lot, except unit lots and lots proposed to be platted for individual live-work units in zones where live-work units are permitted, shall conform to the following standards for lot configuration, unless a special exception is authorized under subsection 23.22.100.D: a. If a lot is proposed with street frontage, then one lot line shall abut the street for at least 10 feet; and b. No lot shall be less than 10 feet wide for a distance of more than 10 feet as measured at any point; and c. No proposed lot shall have more than six separate lot lines. The lot lines shall be straight lines, unless the irregularly-shaped lot line is caused by an existing right-of-way or an existing lot line; and d. If the property proposed for subdivision is adjacent to an alley, and the adjacent alley is either improved or required to be improved according to the standards of Section 23.53.030 , then no new lot shall be proposed that does not provide alley access for vehicles, except that access from a street to an existing use or structure is not required to be changed to alley access. Proposed new lots shall either have sufficient frontage on the alley to meet access standards for the zone in which the property is located or provide an access easement from the proposed new lot or lots to the alley that meets access standards for the zone in which the property is located. D. Special exception. The Director's recommendation on a proposed subdivision, as a Type II special exception decision, may modify the standards of subsection 23.22.100.C.3, if the applicant demonstrates that the proposed plat meets the following criteria: 1. The property has one of the following conditions not created by the applicant: a. Topography, natural obstructions, configuration of existing lot lines prior to platting, existing platting patterns, or street alignment that prevent the platting of one or more lots according to the standards of subsection 23.22.100.C.3; b. Location of existing principal structures that are retained on a lot existing prior to the proposed platting require a platting configuration of one or more lots that cannot reasonably meet the standards of subsection 23.22.100.C.3; c. Location of existing easements or feasibility of access to portions of the property prevents the configuration of proposed plat lines that meet the standards of subsection 23.22.100.C.3. 2. Modification of the standards of subsection 23.22.100.C.3 shall be the minimum necessary to allow platting of lots that each contain a building area for development meeting the development standards of the zone in which the proposed plat is located. 3. Lots created under the special exception standards of this subsection 23.22.100.D shall not have a configuration that requires a variance from setbacks and yard requirements of the Land Use Code or a variance or exception from Chapter 25.09 for any development that may be proposed on the lots. E. Design Standards for Pedestrian Access and Circulation. Design of sidewalks and private sidewalk easements for pedestrian access and circulation shall meet the standards of the Seattle Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. F. Drainage, Storm Sewer and Utility Easements. 1. Easements for drainage channels and ways shall be of sufficient width to assure that they may be maintained and improved. Easements for storm sewers shall be provided and shall be of sufficient width and in proper location to permit future installation. Utility easements shall be in accordance with plans and specifications prepared by the appropriate City department. 2. Easements for electric, telephone, water, gas and similar utilities shall be of sufficient width to assure installation and maintenance. G. Underground Utility Installation. Subdivisions located adjacent to subdivisions having underground utility lines shall provide underground utility lines including but not limited to those for electricity, telephone, CATV and street lighting. (Ord. 127099 , § 2, 2024; Ord. 126157 , § 4, 2020; Ord. 124378 , § 4, 2013; Ord. 123809, § 1, 2012; Ord. 122615 , § 2, 2007; Ord. 122205, § 4, 2006; Ord. 121477, § 1, 2004; Ord. 119239, § 2, 1998; Ord. 118794, § 4, 1997; Ord. 118409, § 174, 1996; Ord. 110570, § 1, 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.102 Improvements.

A. Streets, Bridges and Other Construction. All streets, bridges, drains, culverts and other structures and facilities in dedicated areas shall be constructed in accordance with plans and specifications prepared or approved by the Director of Transportation. B. Street Grading and Surfacing. All dedicated streets shall be graded to their full width with adequate drainage provided prior to acceptance for public use. Grades shall be established by the Director of Transportation and all roadways shall be surfaced according to plans and specifications prepared or approved by the Director of Transportation. C. Water and Sewers. Water supply facilities adequate to provide potable water from a public supply to each lot within a subdivision shall be installed in conformity with standards adopted by the Director of Seattle Public Utilities. Each lot shall be provided with a sanitary sewer system connection approved by the Seattle-King County Health Department and the Seattle Public Utilities unless the agencies determine that the lots can be adequately served with private septic tanks. All connections shall conform to applicable City regulations. D. Service Mains and Fire Hydrants. Prior to the construction of any structure in the subdivision, service mains and fire hydrants shall be installed in accordance with plans and specifications prepared or adopted by the Director of Seattle Public Utilities and in accordance with requirements and standards of the Seattle Public Utilities and the Fire Department. (Ord. 118409 § 175, 1996: Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)

Seattle Mun. Code § 23.22.106 Exceptions.

Exceptions from the design standards and improvement requirements set forth in this subchapter may be authorized by the Hearing Examiner in those instances where it is deemed that hardship, topography or other factual deterrent conditions prevail, and in such manner as it considers necessary to maintain the intent and purpose of the regulations and requirements. Approval by the Hearing Examiner of a preliminary plat on which variations and exceptions are clearly indicated shall constitute authorization of the variations and exceptions. (Ord. 118794 § 5, 1997: Ord. 118566 § 1, 1997: Ord. 110570 § 1(part), 1982.)
Source: Seattle Municipal Code (Municode library)URL: https://library.municode.com/wa/seattle/codes/municipal_codeFetched: 7/25/2026