This checklist covers submittal requirements for clearing and/or grading work meeting the minimum thresholds
for a permit in Shoreline Municipal Code (SMC) 20.50.320, such as grading work in or near critical areas, changing the existing grade by four feet or more, or replacing impervious surfaces up to a certain size. If removing trees without any grading, please apply for a Tree Removal permit instead (unless six or more trees will be removed).

Clearing and grading applications may several City workgroups, so your questions may need different staff expertise. Here’s where to start:

• For critical area or tree removal questions: Look at SMC 20.50 (Subchapter 5) or contact a planner to learn about rules that may apply to your project, such as work permited in or near critical areas or mutiple tree removals (six or more trees will be removed).
• For engineering questions: If you’re unsure about the City’s code requirements for drainage or clearing and grading regulations, submit an Engineering Development Question Form. A development review engineer will follow up and walk you through the requirements.

Required Documents

• Permit Application and Critical Areas Worksheet     
• Submittal Fee
  • Please reference the City’s fee schedule for current application fees.
• Construction Drawings – scaled drawings showing the proposed work (site, architectural, civil, structural, landscape/tree, and other applicable plans). For this permit type, you must include: 
  • Site Plan – shows project locations, property boundaries, setbacks, and key site features. Include information on building and hardscape coverage calculations.
  • Civil Engineering Plans – includes details on grading, utilities, and drainage.
    • Note: For small projects, the civil engineering plans and the site plan may be combined into the same drawing.
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP)
  • Refer to Section 21 of the EDM to determine the Surface Water Project Classification for your project and provide a SWPPP as follows:
    • SWPPP Handout for small impact projects.
    • SWPPP Short Form for medium impact projects.
    • The Department of Ecology’s SWPPP template for large impact projects. 
• Tree Worksheet

Additional Documents (Possibly Required)

• Arborist Report
  • A certified arborist may be required to prepare a professional evaluation to include the
    anticipated effects of proposed construction of the viability of trees on site, provide a hazardous
    tree assessment, develop plans for supervising and/or monitoring implementation of required
    tree protection or replacement measures, and/or conduct a post construction site inspection.
• Critical Areas Report(s)
  • Required for projects in or near environmentally critical areas, such as steep slopes, streams and wetlands. 
• Cross Sections
  • Required if grading work is proposed.
  • At least three (3) views are required: one in each direction, showing the existing and proposed
    contours, as well as the horizontal and vertical scale.
• Declaration of Covenant – Stormwater Facilities
  • Required for any project that proposes on-site stormwater facilities. Refer to Chapter 4.9 of the City’s Engineering Development Manual. The draft form does not need to be notarized or signed.
• Geotechnical or Soils Report
  • Required for projects with fill or excavation of 500 cubic yards or more, when sites contain or are adjacent to slopes that are 15% or steeper, or when using certain storm drainage designs.
  • A geotechnical report or soils evaluation could be a required component of a critical areas report for certain types of environmentally critical areas.
• Landscaping Plan
  • Required if new landscaping or tree replacements are required. May be combined with the site
    plan for smaller projects.
  • Tree retention and protection plan must show:
    • Tree retention details, including location, size, species, critical root zone and condition of
      all existing trees on the property.
    • Identification of trees to be retained, trees to be preserved, and location of planted trees.
    • Graphic representation and written description of proposed tree protection measures
      and tree and vegetation planting details.
  • New landscaping plans must show:
    • Location, size and spacing of all proposed plantings at maturity.
    • Plant schedule that includes the plants’ common and botanical names and the planting
      size and quantity to be planted with a certified and registered landscape architect,
      contractor or nurseryman.
    • Planting details for ground cover, shrubs, trees, and street trees.
• Surface Water Report
  • Required for projects proposing 2,000 square feet or more of new and replaced hard surfaces. The report must follow the guidelines in Appendix C of the City’s Engineering Development Manual.