Street, Alley and Pedestrian Improvements

See also: Environmental Review (SEPA), Street Improvement Exceptions

What Is It?

Our Land Use Code requires that streets and alleys adjacent and leading to lots being created, developed, or redeveloped, be improved or brought up to the minimum conditions specified in the code and Seattle Department of Transportation’s (SDOT) Right-of-Way Improvements Manual. 

These improvements include items such as:

• Installing sidewalks, curbs, curb ramps, accessible crossings, drainage, or street trees
• Surfacing streets or alleys with paving or gravel
• Providing a signed agreement to help pay for future street or alley improvements
• Designing your project so access to the site won't be affected by future street or alley improvements
• Additional structure setbacks from property lines next to streets or alleys
• Dedicating property to the City for future street or alley widening

When improvements are required by the Land Use Code, SDOT reviews and permits the construction of those improvements.

In addition to the requirements for street and alley improvements contained in the code, additional street and alley improvements may be required through the environmental review process.

• SDOT Permits and Services

Read the Code

• Land Use Code Requirements for Streets, Alleys and Easements, Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 23.53
• Street and Sidewalk Use, SMC 15
• SDOT Right of Right-of-Way Improvements Manual Seattle Streets Illustrated 

Proposed Changes

None