Road standards variance and drainage adjustment requests

What is the purpose of a road standards or drainage adjustment variance?

Variances from road or drainage standards must be documented and may be granted provided that granting the variance will produce a compensating or comparable result which is in the public interest, and meet the objectives of safety, function, fire protection, and maintainability based upon sound engineering judgment.

Granting any variance that would be in conflict with the requirements of any other King County Code will require a separate review and approval process.

How much will it cost?

See DDES' current fee schedule for an estimate.

Where can I get an application?

• Refer to the following packets for application materials:
  • Road Standards Variances Packet
  • Surface Water Drainage Manual Adjustment Packet
• Request an application packet by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600 or
• Pick up an application packet at DDES in Renton (see map and directions).

What is the timeline for processing this type of request?

Decision type 1: 120 days.
Decision type 2 if in conjunction with a short plat application.

Notes / Comments

For more information:

• Bulletin #34a: Road Variances*
• Bulletin #34b: Surface Water Design Manual Variances or Adjustments*
• King County Road Standards 
• Surface Water Design Manual 

Legal authority

Chapter 9.08 (PDF*, 174KB) and Chapter 14.42 (PDF*, 276KB) of the King County Code

Administered by

DDES Building Services Division and Land Use Services Division

Contact

For questions, please contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600.

*Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. See helpful hints for assistance.

To request this information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY Relay:  711.