SEPA Review

What triggers a State Environmental Policy Act Review (SEPA)?

• The construction or location of any single-family residential structures of more than 30 dwelling units (31+)
• The construction or location of any multi-family residential structures of more than 60 dwelling units (61+)
• The construction or demolition of a commercial building (office, school, warehouse, retail, etc.) with more than 30,000 square feet of gross floor area
• The construction of a parking lot of more than 90 parking spaces
• Any fill or removal of earth material at or over 1,000 cubic yards
• Any above ground fuel tanks that would require a Fire Department permit. Any underground tanks of 10,000 gallons or more
• The demolition of a recognized historic structure (single family residential and commercial)

If a project is located in the Urban Residential (UR), Urban Mixed (UM) or Urban Light Industrial (ULI) zones -- Metro Everett, additional exemptions from SEPA review are provided:

• The construction of up to 200 dwelling units
• Mixed-use development (must include residential)
• Commercial development up to 65,000 square feet, excluding retail development

What triggers public notice of a development application exempt from SEPA?

When development proposals are exempt from SEPA review (see above) but exceed the minor new construction minimum thresholds in WAC 197-11-800(1)(b), public notice that a development application has been submitted must be posted on the property. Two signs, each at 24" x 36", must provide the following information:

• Name of applicant
• Address of property
• Written description of the request
• City staff contact
• Site plan
• Where the application can be reviewed

The following table identifies the current SEPA exemption thresholds and the former that require posting a public notice on the site of the proposed development.

To find out more about the SEPA process, call 425-257-8810 (press option 3) and ask to speak with the planner on duty, or email.