Due to revenue shortfalls and staff reductions in recent years, the Seattle Department of Planning and Development is taking longer to review medium-size construction projects.

DPD says its goal is to review most medium-sized projects within two weeks. But as of May 2, the next available appointment for construction intake was nine weeks away. Appointments for construction presubmittals were five weeks out, and appointments for other types of reviews ranged between one week to three and a half weeks.

A medium-sized construction project could include a second-story addition, tenant improvements that involve a change of use or a basic two-story house.

DPD said it is meeting its goal to review simple projects within 48 hours and do an initial review of complex projects within eight weeks.

Bryan Stevens, spokesperson for the department, said DPD wants to complete 80 percent of all medium construction projects within two weeks but is currently only completing 40 percent. He said this is due to the volume of applications for such projects and layoffs at the department.

During the recession, DPD went from 450 employees to less than 300, and officials said the change has had a huge impact, affecting all areas of the department.

Stevens said the appointments help DPD manage its workload. Without them, all applications would take longer to complete, he said. Given a choice between longer waits for appointments and longer review times, he said the agency prefers the former. “We want to make sure we still complete the reviews on time.”

DPD's Priority Green program, which expedites permits for green projects, is not affected. Multifamily and commercial projects that target LEED gold or at least 4-star Built Green can get an expedited initial review that is two weeks faster than normal: six weeks rather than eight. Single-family and townhouse projects that meet Built Green 4-star or LEED silver are also expedited.

DPD is adding additional appointment slots and recommends applicants call to see if appointments have become available due to cancellations.

DPD has a list of steps to complete before scheduling an intake appointment. These steps include bringing a preliminary assessment report, including a site visit report, to the appointment and being prepared to pay all intake fees.

For more advice, visit www.seattle.gov/dpd/Permits/Appt_Times.pdf.