Code Compliance

What Is It?

SDCI's Code Compliance division enforces community standards in all neighborhoods. We ensure that all rental housing is registered, code-compliant, and that landlords follow our tenant protection regulations for the renters who make up more than half of Seattle's residents. We also monitor the City’s vacant buildings, enforce zoning regulations, protect trees and environmentally critical areas, verify electrical contractor licensing, and ensure construction work is permitted.

We more than 40,000 complaint line contacts each year. Complaints included issues like:

  • Emergency relocation
  • Deposit return
  • Unlawful evictions
  • Housing standards
  • Land use violations
  • Construction without permits
  • Vacant and unfit buildings
  • Noise
  • Junk storage
  • Shoreline
  • Tree-cutting
  • Tree Service Provider Regulations
  • Weed overgrowth

Who We Are

Our staff includes technicians who take in complaints and perform property research, administrative support staff, a property owner and tenant assistance group, inspectors, inspection and compliance support analysts, a legal liaison, a grant manager, and case managers who work with building, electrical, and mechanical violators and property owners.

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
Contact Us

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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.