Clearing and grading (STE) permits

This application is for all land disturbing activities on a development site, such as clearing, grading, excavation, and installing drainage improvements. Examples include, but are not limited to, driveways, sidewalks, drainage connections, and trenching.

When you’ll need a permit

A clearing and grading (STE) permit is required if the project meets any of the following thresholds.

Land-disturbing activity

The project includes 7,000 square feet or more of land-disturbing activity

Cut or fill yardage

The project includes 50 cubic yards or more of cut or fill

Impervious surface

The project includes 2,000 square feet of new impervious surface (concrete, asphalt, gravel, etc.), replaced impervious surface, or new plus replaced impervious surface

Storm drains, pipes, and ditches

The project includes the construction or modification of a 12-inch or larger diameter storm drain or ditch or receives runoff from a 12-inch or larger diameter drainage pipe or ditch

Site value

The project involves the redevelopment of an existing high-use site of more than $100,000 in value

Hazard area

The project is next to a flood hazard area, erosion hazard area, steep slope or landslide or seismic hazard area, or critical drainage area as defined by the 2021 edition of the  King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM)

Sensitive area

The activity occurs in a sensitive area, or its buffer regulated area under SMC Title 15

Cut and fill vertical depth

The project includes cutting more than 4 feet in vertical depth and filling with 3 feet in vertical depth

Challenging features

Projects with other challenging topography or features identified by the Engineering Review Manager as requiring additional evaluation or design

Water quality requirements

All construction activities must also provide best management practices to protect water quality.

When to apply

For most construction projects, you’ll need to apply for an STE permit before applying for a building permit application or as part of the subdivision approval process.

Relevant codes and guidelines

This permit is based on SeaTac Municipal Code (SMC) 13.190.050, 13.190.055, and KCSWDM 1.1.1. 

How to apply for a permit

Step 1.Open an account

Create an account on our permitting portal to submit an application.

Step 2.Start your application

Choose “Apply,” then go to the Engineering Permits section and start the clearing and grading (STE) permit application.

Step 3.Respond to the questions

Follow the prompts to answer the questions.

Step 4.Upload the required documents

This step includes uploading a plan set and a bond quantity worksheet. Depending on the scope of work, your project may also require a geotechnical or technical information report.

The plan set should:

Step 5.Submit your application

Send your application through the portal.

Step 6.Understand the review process

Permit Center staff will review your application to make sure it’s complete and determine your fees.

Reviews include checking your application and engineering drawings for compliance with:

  • City ordinances
  • Standard plans and specifications from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) and American Public Works Association (APWA)
  • King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM)
  • King County Road Design and Construction Standards
  • Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD)

Step 7.Pay intake fees

We’ll notify you by email when it’s time to pay your intake fees. Return to the portal to pay the fees. We cannot consider your application complete or start reviews until you pay.

Step 8.Check review progress

It takes about 4 – 6 weeks to complete the first review cycle. You can check review progress in the “Your Items” section of the portal.

Step 9.Confirm your approval and pay fees

After reviews are complete, you’ll receive an email confirming your permit approval, the fees due, and any additional information you’ll need to submit.
Return to the portal to provide any additional information and pay fees.

Step 10.Make a copy of the permit

After receiving your permit, print a copy of the permit and approved plans to keep on-site for inspections.

Step 11.Schedule a pre-construction meeting

Before starting any work, request a pre-construction meeting.

Step 12.Post a bond

Except for new single-family homes, all developments must post a bond before we’ll issue a permit.

We calculate bonds at 120% of the construction cost. Check the Bond Quantity Worksheet(XLS, 104KB) for details.

You can post a bond by:

  • Depositing cash with our City
  • Providing a letter from a bank or lending institution setting aside or guaranteeing the bond amount
  • Providing a paper bond from an insurance agency

Step 13.Pay permit fees

You’ll need to pay permit fees once we issue your permit. We calculate permits fees based on the value of the work or the estimated construction cost. See our fee schedule(PDF, 910KB) for details. 

Yes, if your project doesn’t include a building or structure (e.g., surface parking lot) but meets or exceeds the thresholds, you’ll need a clearing and grading permit.

Single-family homes, additions, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs) don’t need a separate clearing and grading permit if you submitted equivalent plans for an associated building (BLD) permit(PDF, 1MB).

Contact Us

Phone

206-973-4750
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