Paving

See also: Parking - Location, Size & Number of Spots

What Is It?

A brown woman with short dark hair thinking about a truck and paving machine for a driveway.Pavement is a hard surface that slows down or prevents stormwater from seeping into the soil. Areas considered pavement include:

  • Parking lots
  • Walkways
  • Patios
  • Driveways
  • Formal planters
  • Storage areas

Paving materials (also known as “hard surface”) include:

What Permits Do You Need?

A grading permit is required if you add or replace 750 square feet (75 feet by 10 feet) or more of paving. If you resurface existing paving you do not need a grading permit. If you remove existing paving and replace it, a grading permit is required once you reach the 750 square feet limit. If you do need a grading permit and you are applying for a building permit, your grading activity will be included as part of your building permit.

If you want to pave in or near an environmentally critical area, please contact the Applicant Services Center for coaching. 

Research the Code

Should You Hire a Professional?

You may want to hire a professional to help you get your permit. If your project has over 5,000 square feet of new or replaced paving, you are required to hire a civil engineer.

Construction and Inspections

Nathan Torgelson, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.