Vivinavi

Street Use Monthly | October 2024

Winter's Coming: Keep Sidewalks Safe and Clear—Here's How!



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Get Ready for Winter: Keep Sidewalks Safe and Clear 

A clear sidewalk leads to a green compost bin and rake near a pile of yellowed leaves next to the curb.

As the rainy season starts in Seattle, it’s important for everyone to help keep our sidewalks and streets safe and easy to use. Whether you own a business, a home, or work as a contractor, taking care of the vegetation around your property is a key step in getting ready for the colder months. By keeping sidewalks clear, we can help everyone get around safely, especially those who use wheelchairs and other mobility aids. 

*Why It Matters* 

Clear sidewalks are important for safety. Overgrown plants and fallen leaves can make walking harder and dangerous, especially when it's wet or icy. Keeping sidewalks free of obstacles helps prevent slips and falls, making it easier for everyone to get around, including those with mobility challenges. 

*Steps to Take* 


* *Trim and Prune:* Make sure that any vegetation, like tree branches, overhanging sidewalks is trimmed back. Branches should be at least 8 feet above the sidewalk and 14 feet above the street to allow clear passage for people and vehicles. Keep in mind that you'll need a permit to cut limbs that are 2 inches or greater in diameter.
* *Leaf Removal:* Regularly rake and remove fallen leaves from sidewalks and gutters. Leaves can be slippery, and when left to accumulate, they may block gutters, leading to flooding and icy patches. Dispose of leaves in your green waste bins rather than sweeping them into the street.
* *Clear Gutters:* Ensure that gutters are clear of leaves and debris. Blocked gutters can cause rainwater to overflow, creating hazardous conditions on sidewalks and streets, particularly at curb ramps. 

*Be a Good Neighbor* 

Talk to your neighbors about working together to keep your community safe. If you know someone who might struggle to maintain their sidewalks and gutters, offer a helping hand. Whether it's pruning a tree or raking leaves, a little extra effort can make a big difference in keeping everyone safe. 

*Community Effort* 

By working together, we can help everyone get around our city safely during winter. It’s not just a good idea—it’s also the law to keep the area between your curb and property line clear and in good shape.  

Let’s all do our part to get ready for winter. By trimming plants and keeping sidewalks clear, we make Seattle safer and easier for everyone. Thanks for being a caring part of our community! 





Spotlight


An illustration of hands of diverse skin tones reaching toward icons representing different modes of travel.

Opportunity to join Seattle’s Transportation Equity Workgroup [ https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2024/10/16/apply-for-transportation-equity-workgroup-25-27/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]



Neatly trimmed trees and greenery behind a small fence along a sidewalk with a person wearing an SDOT safety helmet and vest nearby.

SDOT Crews Tackle Overgrown Vegetation Across Seattle [ https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2024/10/15/sdot-crews-tackle-overgrown-vegetation-across-seattle/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]





Mayor Harrell and other local leaders with shovels ceremonially break ground to celebrate the start of construction with a Rapid Ride bus behind them.

Construction Under Way on RapidRide J Line Project from University District to Downtown Seattle [ https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2024/10/08/rapidride-j-line-project-construction-begins/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]



A diverse group of people representing residents and City employees stand with golden shovels to celebrate the start of a construction project.

Georgetown to Downtown Safety Project Breaks Ground [ https://sdotblog.seattle.gov/2024/10/30/georgetown-to-downtown-safety-project-breaks-ground/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]







Street Use Updates

Renew Your 2025 Annual Vehicle Permits

As we get ready for the new year, it's time to renew your Annual Vehicle Permits for 2025! These permits are essential if you want to do short-term construction work in the right-of-way. Here’s what you need to know to make sure the renewal process goes smoothly and on time. 

*The Application Process* 


* *Submit Your Application*: You must apply for the permits via the Seattle Services Portal. Ensure all information is accurate and complete before submitting your request.
* *Receive Your Permits*: After submitting your application, you'll receive an email with instructions to access a PDF document listing all your permits.
* *Display Proper Documentation*: Each vehicle must have a printed permit inside while working in the right-of-way. 

It's important to apply for your Annual Vehicle Permits early to avoid interruptions to your work. These permits need to be renewed every year. Be sure to submit your applications soon to get your permits for 2025. 

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Brighten Your Street with Decorative Tree Lighting

As winter approaches and the days get gloomier, putting up decorative lights on our street trees can lift everyone's spirits! Before you start, here’s what you need to know about decorating Seattle's street trees. Our goal is to make our communities brighter while keeping our trees healthy and ensuring everyone’s safety. 

Here’s the good news! 


* You don’t need a permit if your tree lights stay up for less than 3 months. 

* You also don’t need a permit if you’re using a ladder that’s shorter than 14.1 feet to put up or take down the lights. 

* However, if you want to keep the lights up for more than 3 months (but no longer than 3 years), you will need to get a permit. 

We want to make sure that lights are installed and maintained safely, and that our trees stay healthy. If you need a permit, the City Arborist will check the installations after the lights go up and come down. 

Remember: all installations must be high enough so that people can walk on the sidewalks and streets without any issues. They also need to meet national electrical standards and codes. 

There are also some important rules to follow to protect our trees. For example, trees should have a trunk diameter of at least 4 inches, and you cannot trim branches just to hang lights. Make sure to string the lights loosely so the branches can expand. Also, never attach light fixtures, wires, or other devices to the trees with wire, duct tape, or masking tape. 

Let’s brighten our neighborhoods while being responsible and caring for our trees and fellow residents. If you have any questions, you can call us at 206-684-5253 or the City Arborist's office at 684-TREE (8733). 

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Plan Ahead: Holiday Construction Moratorium Deadlines

With the busy holiday season coming up, it's important to prepare for the Holiday Construction Moratorium in Seattle. This rule affects construction in the Downtown Retail Core, Pioneer Square, and Chinatown-International District (CID). It's essential for project owners and managers to know the deadlines and rules for getting exceptions. 

*Understanding the Moratorium* 

The goal of the Holiday Construction Moratorium is to support local businesses by minimizing disruptions during the busiest shopping and dining times of the year. It also helps manage traffic flow in these high-demand areas. Here’s what you need to know: 


* *Downtown and Pioneer Square*: Construction stops from Thanksgiving Day through New Year's Day. 

* *Chinatown-International District*: Restrictions start three weeks before the Lunar New Year and end three weeks after, a total of six weeks. The Lunar New Year date varies each year, so check the calendar! 

*Submitting Exception Requests* 

If you need to perform construction work during these periods, you must submit an exception request. Here are the key deadlines: 


* *Downtown and Pioneer Square*: Requests were due by September 30.  

* *Chinatown-International District*: All requests must be submitted by December 1. 

Missing these deadlines means your request will not be considered. Work without an exception that began before the moratorium could be asked to halt.  

If you miss these deadlines, your request won't be reviewed. Without an exception, any work that started before the moratorium may need to stop. 

*How to Request an Exception* 

To apply for an exception, you must provide: 


* A completed Holiday Construction Moratorium Exception Request form [ https://www.seattle.gov/documents/Departments/SDOT/Services/Permits/Holiday_Moratorium_Form_FILL.pdf?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]. 

* A site plan detailing your work area. 

* Traffic Control Plans (TCP) to ensure safety and access. 

Submit your documents via email to sdotconstructionhub@seattle.gov or mail them to us. 

Seattle Department of Transportation - Street Use Division

700 5th Ave

Suite 2300 

P.O. Box 34996, 

Seattle, WA 98124-4996 

ATTN: Holiday Construction Moratorium  

There are no fees for submitting an exception request, but regular permit fees still apply. 

Application and Permit Review Timelines

You can find the current timelines for applying for and reviewing common Street Use permits on our Permitting Timelines web page. This will help you see how long it usually takes to get an approved permit. We update these timelines at the start of each month.

 

View Street Use Permit Timelines [ https://www.seattle.gov/transportation/permits-and-services/permits/permitting-customer-service-support?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery#estimatepermit ]

 

Keep in mind that some permits, like Right-of-Way (ROW) Construction and Minor Utility permits, can follow two different paths. This depends on whether outside reviewers, like Seattle City Light (SCL) or private utilities, are involved, leading to different timelines for each path.





News from Our Partners

*Seattle Design Commission Wants You!*" Mayor Bruce Harrell is searching for a new Urban Planner and At-Large member to join the Seattle Design Commission. This is your chance to help shape the design of city projects like parks and community centers. If you have experience in publicly funded development or city planning, don't miss out! Send in your resume and letter of interest by November 22, 2024, and be part of something big for Seattle's future. [ https://buildingconnections.seattle.gov/2024/10/03/urban-planner-and-at-large-members-sought-to-join-the-seattle-design-commission/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] "

*Join the Pike Place Market Historical Commission and help shape its future.* "The commission is looking for new members, including a market merchant, a district resident, and an at-large member. Share your passion for preserving this iconic Seattle landmark by ""submitting your application by November 4. ""Learn how you can contribute to the future of Pike Place Market today! [ https://frontporch.seattle.gov/2024/10/07/the-pike-place-market-historical-commission-seeks-members-for-the-commission/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]" 

*Coming Soon: Seattle City Light's 2025-2026 Rate Changes.* "Starting January 2025, residential bills will go up by about $4 monthly, while businesses will see a 4% to 7% increase. Explore the new time of use rate option launching mid-2025, which could help you save during off-peak hours. ""Learn more about these changes and how they support Seattle's climate and energy goals in this informative blog post [ https://powerlines.seattle.gov/2024/10/15/how-the-2025-2026-rate-increases-will-affect-you/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] "

*Seattle's waterfront is going green! *"Discover how maritime electr""ification is turning our port into one of the cleanest and most energy-efficient in North America. This shift not only cuts down on greenhouse gas emissions but also boosts job creation. Learn about the power of teamwork as public and private groups join forces to lead Seattle into a sustainable future. [ https://powerlines.seattle.gov/2024/10/21/maritime-electrification-in-seattle-a-path-to-a-sustainable-future/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ] "

*The Equitable Development Initiative 2024 is now accepting proposals*. "This is your chance to secure funding for projects that fight displacement and boost local development. Submit your proposal by November 19 and help shape a better future for our city. Don't miss the opportunity to make a positive impact in neighborhoods at risk [ https://dailyplanit.seattle.gov/equitable-development-initiative-2024-request-for-proposals-now-open/?utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery ]."

 












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*Phone: 206-684-2489 (CITY)*

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