When Do I Need to Obtain a Clearing and Grading (STE) Permit?

A clearing and grading (STE) permit is required based on City of SeaTac Municipal Code SMC13.190.050, 13.190.055, and the King County Surface Water Design Manual KCSWDM 1.1.1 if the project meets any of the following thresholds: 

1. The project includes seven thousand (7,000) square feet or more of land-disturbing activity,
2. The project includes fifty (50) cubic yards or more of cut or fill,
3. The project includes two thousand (2,000) square feet of new impervious surface (concrete, asphalt, gravel, etc.), replaced impervious surface, or new plus replaced impervious surface,
4. 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,
5. The project involves the redevelopment of an existing high-use site of greater than $100,000 in value,
6. The project is adjacent 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 KCSWDM,
7. The activity occurs in a sensitive area, or its buffer regulated area under SMC Title 15,
8. The project includes cutting more than 4' in vertical depth and filling with 3' in vertical depth,
9. Projects with other challenging topography or features identified by the Engineering Review Manager as requiring additional evaluation or design.

In addition, all construction activities must provide best management practices to protect water quality.

For most construction projects, the STE permit application is submitted prior to the Building Permit application or as part of the Subdivision approval process.

Also, a Clearing and Grading (STE) Permit is required when the construction does not include a building or structure but meets or exceeds the above-referenced thresholds (e.g., surface parking lot).

All single-family dwellings, additions, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units are exempted from the requirement for a separate Clearing and Grading (STE) permit if equivalent plans are submitted with the associated building (BLD) permit. See example plans here.

How to Apply for a Clearing and Grading (STE) Permit.

• To submit an application, an account is required on our portal which is located at lama.seatacwa.gov.
• Once logged into the portal choose the Apply box, go to the Engineering Permits section, and start the Clearing and Grading (STE) permit.
• Follow the prompts to respond to the questions.
• Upload the required documents which will include a plan set, and a bond quantity worksheet. Some projects may require a geotechnical or technical information report depending on the scope of work. The plan set should include a site plan showing the existing and revised contours of the property, engineering plans showing the drainage system, and must be prepared and stamped by a Washington State Licensed Professional Civil Engineer.
• Use the portal to submit your application.

The application and engineering drawings are reviewed for completeness and compliance with City Ordinances, WSDOT/APWA Standard Plans and Specifications, King County Surface Water Design Manual (KCSWDM), King County Road Design and Construction Standards, and the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD).

What Happens Next?

• Permit Center staff will review the submittal for counter completeness and assess required fees.
• You will receive notification intake fees are ready to be paid.Return to the portal to pay fees. The application is not considered complete, and reviews will not begin until fees are paid.
• First review cycle generally takes 4 – 6 weeks to be completed. Review progress can be monitored in the Your Items section of the portal.
• Once the first review cycle has been completed the applicant will receive an email with next steps.
• After all reviews are approved the applicant will receive an email to inform them of the approval, the fees due and any additional information required to issue the permit.
• Return to the portal to respond to request for additional information or pay fees for permit issuance.
• After permit is issued print a copy of the permit and approved plans to have available on site for inspections.
• Once the permit is issued, please remember to use the portal to request a Pre-Construction Meeting before any work begins.
• All developments except new single-family residences must post a bond before permit issuance. Bond amounts are calculated at 120% of the construction cost based on the information provided on the Bond Quantity Worksheet. Bonds can be in the form of cash deposited to the city, a letter from a bank or lending institution setting aside or guaranteeing the bond amount, or a paper bond purchased from an insuring agency. 
• All permit fees must be paid at permit issuance. Permit fees are calculated on the value of the work or the estimated construction cost per the City of SeaTac fee schedule.