The DPD Microfilm Library is a storehouse for historical records of development permits (and related documents) and plans for Seattle properties (1890s-present). The Microfilm Library is located in the Public Resource Center (location & hours).
The following documents or files are maintained in microfilm form by address, approximately 4-6 weeks after a permit has been issued:
- Construction plans* and permits
- Electrical plans and permits
- Mechanical permits
- Certificates of Occupancy
*Original plans for single family residences built before 1974 are not available.
All of the following documents or files are maintained in microfilm form by address, approximately 12 months after the permit is issued:
- Threshold environmental determinations
- Master Use Permit files, including variances, special exception, shorelines permits, conditional uses and short plats
- Council Land Use files, including rezones, subdivisions, Council conditional uses, and Major Institution Master Plans
Hard copies of the above items are available for viewing prior to them being microfilmed.
You may email us at dpd_microfilm@seattle.gov with the address you are interested in obtaining records for before coming in to our office. Staff will be able to inform you whether we have any film for the address, or if it is covered under another address. While we cannot provide you with information on the specific documents available, we let you know if we have plans or other documents available to view and get copies of. You may also leave us a message at (206) 233-5180.
The Microfilm Library provides 11"x17" paper copies of plans for $1 per sheet, and permits for $.25 per sheet. Diazo (microfiche) copies are available for $5 each.
