Getting Started

For land use applications, including but not limited to subdivisions, binding site plans, and conditional use permits, a pre-application conference is required unless waived by the director, in accordance with Sequim Municipal Code section 20.01.110.

Pre-application conferences are not required for Type A-1 permits (building permits, sign permits, boundary line adjustments, etc.). Applicants are welcome to request a preapplication meeting for these permit types on a time available basis.

These conferences allow staff the opportunity to address feasibility of the proposed project and provide feedback to you, the applicant. There is a cost associated with the pre-application conference for both Community Development and Engineering reviews that must be paid prior to the meeting being scheduled.  

Applicants can expect to receive the following from the pre-application meeting:

• A link to the portal for the land use application that lists the requirements for a completed application, as well as the application.
• A general summary of the procedures to be used to process the application.
• The references to the relevant code provisions or development standards that may apply for approval of the application.
• Information on all applicable application fees in effect at the time for the project as proposed.

The requirements come from our Municipal Code. We also strive to ensure consistency with the Comprehensive Plan and Master Plans.

The applicant must submit a completed preapplication conference request application and a preliminary sketch or conceptual design that illustrates the applicant’s generalized ideas of the proposal. The sketch or conceptual design must include the following:

• Approximate lot lines and configurations
• General site topography
• Proposed vehicle access to the site
• Proposed location of utilities
• Any other information that may assist the City in its preliminary review. Please view our preapplication checklist prior to submittal to ensure requirements are met. 

Final drawings are discouraged at this pre-application stage. The information included in the submitted materials should be of sufficient detail for the City to adequately review the proposed project and provide constructive feedback. 

Now that you have discussed your project with Staff, you probably have a broader understanding of what to expect. The question now is, what's next?

As outlined in step 1, we will let you know which type of application is needed for your project. From there, it is up to you, the applicant, to submit a complete application through our portal.

_{*Can recommend only. Final decision is made by City Council in accordance with RCW 35A.63.170 and 35.79.030}

Determining fees can be a complicated process. There are multiple fees associated with the project along the way, and from this point on, there will be fees. Please see SMC 3.68 for our fee chart.

Once you have received preliminary approval of your land use application, you are ready to submit for site construction. This step involves the construction of all necessary infrastructure for your development, including but not limited to: street and frontage improvements, utility infrastructure, stormwater facilities, etc. 

Site construction permits are processed by the Public Works Department and are subject to SMC 15.06, Title 12, 13, and 18.82. 

For more information about the site construction process, please reach out to Public Works directly.

After an applicant’s site construction permit has been finalized, meaning that all work has been completed and signed off on, applicants that are proposing any sort of land division/lot adjustment (Binding Site Plan, Boundary Line Adjustment, Subdivision, etc.) will need to apply to finalize the project prior to recording with the Clallam County Auditor’s office. The final application submittals and fees will vary based on your project type, but typically this is a plat of some sort that must be signed off by both Community Development and Public Works prior to recording. Recorded documents without the necessary City of Sequim signatures will not be deemed valid. 

Upon recording of the Final Plat, the development becomes an official development of record with lots that are ready for building construction to begin.

As previously mentioned in Step 1, pre-application conferences are not required for the A-1 permit process, which is where building permits fall. Permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, and more. Our permit applications have a checklist that will let you know what is needed for your project.

We review our plans to the most recently adopted Washington State Building Code and the Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington to ensure they are checked for consistency with planning and public works requirements.

TIMELINES FOR APPLICATIONS:

Applications can expire. If an applicant has been notified that more information is needed, such as plan resubmittal or fees due, they have 120 days to act. If no action is taken after that time, the application will be cancelled, the project will need to be re-applied for, and fees will have to be paid again. The applicant will lose their original spot in the queue and will 

TIMELINES FOR PERMITS:

A permit will expire if no work has commenced within 180 days from the date of issuance. 

Once issued, a permit is valid for two years and is eligible for a one year extension at 50 percent of the original building permit fee.

The Building Official can grant an extension to over the counter permits of 180 days for no cost if the request is made in writing and the permit has not yet expired. 

There is a $500 penalty fee for working without a permit.

More guidelines are outlined in SMC 15.04.

Inspections  occur at all times in the process and are vital because they ensure that buildings are being constructed in compliance with all applicable codes and regulations. In addition, they can help identify defects or issues early on, and ensure that buildings are being constructed using sustainable methods and materials.

When you are ready for an inspection,  you can request one directly from the portal, as long as you are listed as a contact on the permit. Inspection requests must come into the portal by noon the day prior to the requested day.

No building inspections occur on Mondays.

Please reach out to Staff if you have any questions.