Applicants for emergency repairs due to landslides, earthquakes or other disasters that cause structural damage receive priority handling of their permit requests.

Emergency repair permits are normally limited to the minimum deemed necessary to repair the structural damage caused by the disaster, or in the case of landslides, to contain the landslide and stabilize the slope. More extensive repairs may require further review, including a more comprehensive consideration of Enviromentally Critical Area (ECA) issues, and will not be approved on an emergency/priority basis. If it is necessary to inspect the site to confirm the emergency status, that will also occur on a priority basis.

In an earthquake situation, DPD may inspect a structure to determine whether or not it can remain occupied. The property owner will need to involve a licensed structural engineer to determine actual conditions and make appropriate recommendations for repairs.

Following a landslide, the property owner will need to involve a licensed geotechnical engineer to determine site conditions and make appropriate recommendations for slope stabilization and repairs. In many cases a slide will involve one or more adjacent properties. This will require multiple permits but can be reviewed as one set of plans.

Minimum Emergency Permit Application Requirements

• Two sets of plans, each including a site plan and all construction details
• A geotechnical engineer's report for landslide damage (2 copies)
• A structural engineer's report for earthquake damage (2 copies)
• Structural calculations (if needed) signed and stamped by a licensed structural engineer
• Address(s), legal description(s) and King County tax assessor's parcel numbers(s)

Permit Application Procedures

1. Bring all application materials to the DPD Applicant Services Center (location & hours).
2. Intake staff will screen your application materials for completeness and ensure your address(s) is/are established in DPD's computer system. Your proposal will be reviewed at this time by one of our geotechnical or structural engineers who may request additional information, may determine that a site visit is needed to confirm the emergency, or may approve your application.
3. Once approved by a DPD structural engineer or geotechnical, your permit application will be processed and routed for review by the most expeditious means.

Additional information and coaching specific to your site may be obtained by visiting a permit specialist or permit leader at the DPD Applicant Services Center, or by calling (206) 684-8850, Mon. - Fri., 1 p.m.-4:15 p.m., and asking to speak to a permit specialist.