A formal decision on the meaning, application or intent of any development regulation in Seattle's Land Use Code or Environmentally Critical Areas Regulations is known as an "interpretation."  Examples include questions of how structure height or setback is properly measured, or how a proposed use should be categorized. 

An interpretation may be requested by any party during the official comment period for a specific project.  The request must be made in writing, submitted prior to 5 p.m. on the appeal deadline indicated, and accompanied by a $1,500 fee, payable to the City of Seattle.  (This fee covers the first six hours of review.  Additional hours will be billed at $250.) 

Interpretations on some issues may also be requested later, during the appeal period, if the project decision is appealed.  Failure to request an interpretation can preclude raising the issue on appeal. 

Requests for interpretation should be submitted to:

DPD Code Interpretation and Implementation Group
700 Fifth Ave., Suite 2000
P.O. Box 34019
Seattle, WA 98124-4019

Questions?
If you have questions about the interpretation process, contact the DPD Public Resource Center, (206) 684-8467 (location and hours).