Temporary use in Seattle can be split between two different categories based on ownership of the installation location. Private property installations are handled via the City’s Building Department (DPD) & generally receive approval quicker than activities on public land, which must be permitted via SDOT in a process that can take up to three months. Depending on your design you may wish to seek out a private host as these permits can also be more open ended while permits for public property are limited to what the City has dealt with in the past; festivals, parades, cafes, intersection painting, etc.
Use on private property
- Temporary non-destructive installation of 4 weeks or less (type I) or under 6 months (type II)
- Cost: Type I - Min. $272 Type II - Min. $363
- Review Time: Varies based on scale (Same day up to 1 Month)
- More info: CAM 206
Use on public property
- Block Parties and Street Closures - Special Activities Event Permit
- Festival Street - Reoccurring street closure with less than 300 attendees and no vendors.
- Intersection Painting
More Info about Block Parties: CAM 2500
Cost: base fee of $232. Increases when review by other departments is required. (Ex. the fee for the Seattle Design Festival was $1200)
Review Time: Must submit plans/application 30 days in advance of event
More info about Festival Streets: CAM 2504
Cost: Based on size and number of events. base fee of $232.
Review Time: submit plans/application 30 days prior to initial event.
More info about Intersection Painting: CAM 2506
Cost: $232
Review Time: Requires approval of 60% of neighbor ing homeowners. 10 business days