Deconstruction

This page provides information about what, why, and how to deconstruct buildings. For the purposes of this page, demolition refers to the removal of the entire structure, although in some cases the foundation may remain to stabilize a site.  Deconstruction, the systematic disassembly of buildings to maximize reuse, is gaining momentum as an alternative to demolition. Deconstruction has multiple benefits, such as capturing useful wood for incorporation into new buildings, avoiding stormwater and dust impacts from demolition, and sending less material to landfill.

Permitting

For information on permitting and deconstruction, see Tip 337 Demolition and Deconstruction and view the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections Residential Deconstruction site.

Deconstruction Incentive Pilot Program

Starting in October 2022, Seattle Public Utilities, along with SDCI, started a pilot deconstruction incentive program to increase deconstruction projects and build familiarity with the process, gather data, and identify innovations. Deconstruction has multiple benefits such as reduced greenhouse gas emissions, reduced waste disposal, job creation, reduced stormwater pollution, and reuse of valuable building materials.

The pilot program provides the following incentives:

• Residential Deconstruction: $4,000 per house
• Residential Garage: $500 per garage
• Commercial Deconstruction: $6,000 per commercial project

Eligible projects:

• Are wood-framed buildings
• Must use an approved deconstruction contractor
• Must be associated with the complete removal of a building
• Require a demolition permit before work begins. Projects classified as alterations are not eligible.
• Historic landmarks are eligible, however, additional criteria will apply

Fill out a brief application to be included in the pilot. Applications will be reviewed and selected within approximately 7 business days from application date.

As a further incentive, Seattle City Light will fast track deconstruction projects for electrical disconnects.

Potential additional worker training funds are available. Please contact Kahreen Tebeau for more information at Kahreen.tebeau@seattle.gov.

Approved Deconstruction Contractors

The following contractors have met minimum requirements established by Seattle Public Utilities for becoming an approved deconstruction contractor. The list of companies is not an endorsement by the City of Seattle.

Dedicated Deconstruction
Contact: Noel Stout
Phone: (206) 853-7451
Email: noel.dedicated@gmail.com
Lic. No. DEDICDL891R1

RE-USE Consulting
Contact: Dave Bennink
Phone: (360) 201-6977
Email: re-use@comcast.net
Lic. No. DECONSL873J3

Seattle Deconstruction & Salvage
Contact: Patrick Bennion
Phone: (206) 399-8289
Email: plb@oldgrowthindustries.com
Lic. No.: BENNICL901D6

Sledge Seattle
Contact: Ben Pearson
Phone: (206) 290-1773
Website: www.sledgeseattle.com/
Email: ben@sledgesea.com
Lic. No. SLEDGSL829JQ

Videos and Case Studies