Parking - Location, Size & Number of Spots
See also: Paving, Parking & Car Storage Rules
What Is It?
We regulate parking spaces for motor vehicles, such as a car or truck, on private property.
Our parking standards apply to:
- All parking located inside or outside of a structure
- Temporary and permanent parking
- Parking that is provided voluntarily or is required by the Land Use Code
- Off-site parking (parking on another property)
For parking in the street, please coordinate with Seattle Department of Transportation.
What Permits Do You Need?
You need a permit to create any parking. Depending on the number of parking spaces you wish to create, location of the parking, and associated grading or paving, you may need different permits:
- Subject-to-field-inspection permit for one single-family parking space
- Construction or grading permit for up to 40 parking spaces
- Environmental review (SEPA) to create more than 40 parking spaces
- Curb cut permit to create a driveway to parking
Research the Code
Seattle’s Building Code (SBC) requires that parking be accessible to people with disabilities. Seattle’s Land Use Code regulates the number of required parking spaces, parking size and location, driveway width, slope, maneuvering space, sight triangles, and curb cuts. If your parking space involves grading or paving, you’ll need to follow the Grading Code. If you are parking on a site with an environmentally critical area, additional restrictions may apply.
- Seattle Building Code, SBC Chapter 11, Section 1106
- Seattle Land Use Code, SMC 23.54
- Seattle Grading Code, SMC 22.170
- Environmentally Critical Area Ordinance, SMC 25.09
Should You Hire A Professional?
Permits to establish parking require detailed drawings. If you can’t draw a site plan, you may wish to hire a professional. If grading is necessary to create your parking, you may need a licensed engineer.
- Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements
- Tip 103A, Site Plan Guidelines
- Tip 502, Grading Regulations in Seattle