DPD CAMs - Environmentally Critical Areas—Yard & Setback, Steep Slope and Wetland Buffer Variances

Client Assistance Memos (CAMs)

CAM 330, Environmentally Critical Areas—Yard & Setback, Steep Slope and Wetland Buffer Variances


City of Seattle regulations for environmentally critical areas (ECAs) include a provision authorizing the Department of Planning and Development (DPD) to allow a 25% reduction—up to a maximum of 5 feet—in yard or setback requirements for front or rear yards on a lot in existence as a legal building site prior to Oct. 31, 1992, when necessary to maintain the full width of a riparian management area, or steep slope area buffer, or wetland buffer. ECA regulations are contained in the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC), Chapter 25.09.

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Date Revised:	05/09/2006