What is a Seattle Master Use Permit (MUP), and when is it required?

Answered by AskBaily Editorial · Updated

Short answer

A MUP is Seattle's design-review + SEPA environmental + zoning entitlement wrapper. It's required for most multi-family work, townhouses, substantial additions in single-family zones, any project triggering a SEPA threshold under WAC 197-11, and most Design Review Board-reviewed projects. A MUP adds 6-24 weeks on top of the building permit clock and is filed through the Seattle Services Portal.

In detail

A MUP is Seattle's design-review + SEPA environmental + zoning entitlement wrapper. It's required for most multi-family work, townhouses, substantial additions in single-family zones, any project triggering a SEPA threshold under WAC 197-11, and most Design Review Board-reviewed projects. A MUP adds 6-24 weeks on top of the building permit clock and is filed through the Seattle Services Portal.

This answer is part of AskBaily's seattle regulatory knowledge base. For deeper context — including current code-section references, agency contact details, and recent policy changes — see the [seattle city hub](/seattle) or [the /ask hub](/ask) for related questions.

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