Our Fees Are Changing
As of January 16, 2023, our hourly rate and permit fees were updated. For more information about these changes, view How to Estimate and Pay Fees.
Street Mural Permits
Permit Counter Temporary Closures
To protect the health and safety of our staff and customers, and to help mitigate the impact of COVID-19, we closed our public-facing customer service counters on Monday, March 16, 2020. Our counters remain closed until further notice. This includes both the Street Use and the Traffic and Parking permit counters at the Seattle Municipal Tower on floors 23 and 37. We are still processing permit applications.
You can submit applications for all permit types online through the Seattle Services Portal.
Our staff will be available to provide application coaching and assist with issuing permits by phone or e-mail.
How do I get a permit for a street mural?
Street murals are a great way to bring your community together and show off the work of local artists. If you are interested in painting a crosswalk, please refer to the Community Crosswalks page of SDOT's Pedestrian Program.
Step 1 - Talk with your community
Work with members of your community to secure funding for the project, and approach local artists to ask if they'd like to be involved.
Check out these resources for design guidance and funding:
- The Neighborhood Matching Fund at the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods provides funding opportunities for neighborhood improvement projects
- 4Culture provides funding and support for the cultural work that makes King County vibrant
- Urban Artworks provides opportunities for underserved youth and contemporary artists to create public works of art
- SEEDArts connects professional artists with developers and community groups to design, fabricate, and install artworks in public spaces
Step 2 - Draw your plan
Use the site plan template available here.
Step 3 - Apply for your free permit
You can apply for this permit on the Seattle Services Portal. Use the button on the right to sign in!
Under "Create New" select "Permits-Street Use" and navigate to and select the "Long Term Use" and "Private Structures/Uses" record type. Follow this guide for more detailed instructions.
Required documents:
- Site plan
- Copies of proposed artwork
- Certificate of insurance (refer to CAM 2102)
- Historic/Landmark District Certificate of Approval (if in an historic district)
For additional information on intersection murals, refer to CAM 2506.
Step 4 - Paint away!
Once you've got your permit, invite your neighbors to help paint! Enjoy your community's new artwork, and share it with us at @SeattleDOT on Twitter.