Applicant Services Center
See also: Public Resource Center, Microfilm Library, Codes
What Is It?
The Applicant Services Center (ASC) is the hub of SDCI's services where we provide most services virtually. Through the virtual ASC, you can:
- Get free assistance via live chat for simple questions
- Get a free 20-minute video coaching session with a permit specialist or land use planner
- Get a free 15-minute video coaching session with a geotechnical engineer, mechanical engineer, or drainage reviewer
- Get, change, or verify an address
- Determine your project development site with a permit specialist
Your virtual assistance options:
Chat directly with staff:
- Click the “Hi. Need help?” circle in the lower right to get started. Answer a few questions and we’ll connect you with the expert who can best help you.
- Available Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. and Tuesdays and Thursdays, 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
- Depending on the complexity of your topic, we may convert your live chat into a video coaching session to better answer your question.
- See the chat tips and instructions to get the most out of your chat session.
We serve chat and video coaching requests on a first-come, first-served basis for each topic. Wait times can be up to an hour. If you can’t wait, close the chat and it will automatically be converted to an email request for assistance. We’ll respond to those within 2 business days.
Submit a help ticket at any time. Staff will respond to your inquiries by email within 2 business days.
Other Online Services
Send a question by email:
Use our online portal:
- Seattle Services Portal (apply for a permit, schedule an inspection, pay fees, submit a public comment, get a trade license, etc.)
- Make a Complaint (submit a housing, land use, construction, noise, or code complaint)
Schedule a conference or coaching appointment:
Support Hours
You can contact staff directly via phone, email, or chat. If your application is already being reviewed, please contact your assigned reviewer directly. You can find your assigned reviewer by logging into the Seattle Services Portal.
Customer Service:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Code Compliance Phone Hours:
- Code violation complaint line, (206) 615-0808
- Renting in Seattle help line, (206) 684-5700
- RRIO help line, (206) 684-4110
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Chat Hours:
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Information Desk:
For customers who need language assistance or technical assistance accessing the Virtual ASC, we have an SDCI information desk on the 4th floor of the Seattle Municipal Tower.
Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, Thursday: 10:30 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.
Other Agency Permits & Approvals
For some projects, you will need to coordinate with other City and County agencies to get additional permits and approvals. Common agencies you may need to work with are:
- City Light – to install temporary power connections or permanent electrical service (which may include a vault requirement)
- Department of Neighborhoods – for work in historical districts or historical buildings, and if you are demolishing a building that is 50 years old or older
- Licensing – to open a new business in Seattle or to conduct business in Seattle (even if your office is not within the city)
- Seattle & King County Public Health Food Protection Program – for handling food in your restaurant, food cart, or café
- Seattle & King County Public Health Plumbing – to install interior plumbing systems for your kitchen, bathroom, or utility room
- Seattle Department of Fire – for special events, sprinklers, fire alarms, and emergency access to some types of properties
- Seattle Department of Transportation – for curb cuts and driveways, planting in the right-of-way, or paving streets and alleys
- Seattle Parks and Recreation – if you are building a development that abuts a public park, or if you are putting in an access across a park or boulevard
- Seattle Public Utilities – to confirm you have an adequate water supply, adding drainage and waste water connections, or putting in access to new garbage containers