DDES news release archive for 2008

Roof safety urged with heavy snowfall
Use caution when clearing snow. Snow mixed with rain falling on the deep, heavy snow already around the region is creating a potential hazard for King County residents. The rains and snow mixture may create growing snow loads on rooftops, which could cause safety hazards such as structural collapse or sliding snow (link to King County Office of Emergency Management news release).  

DDES, Alternative Dispute Resolution, and property owner partnership paves way for tree house permit process and environmental stewardship
Innovation and cooperation among King County's Department of Development and Environmental Services, a Fall City property owner and King County's Alternative Dispute Resolution has produced two agreements which allow a property owner to apply for permits for elaborate tree houses along the Raging River that will serve as bed and breakfast facilities.  

Extended hours for DDES services as agency moves to four-day workweek
DDES to close on Fridays starting next month. King County residents will have more access to staff and services at the Department of Development and Environmental Services (DDES) under a new department work schedule to debut next month that will close the office one day each week but extend operating hours.  

Community Environmental Health programs now located at DDES building
Permit customers have one-stop shopping: Plumbing and Septic System review staff from the Environmental Health Division of Public Health - Seattle & King County are now co-located with King County's Department of Development and Environmental Services in Renton. 

DDES receives high marks for staff professionalism
King County's Department of Development and Environmental Services has received high customer satisfaction results from a recent survey measuring permit customer satisfaction. 

DDES offers free workshop for first-time residential building permit applicants
DDES is offering a workshop on Nov. 20, 2008 to prospective building permit applicants and property owners who intend to build one or more single family homes or do remodels in unincorporated King County in the coming year.  

Fee amnesty program for unlawful development
DDES offers property owners fee amnesty program for unlawful development (October 1, 2008 through April 1, 2009). 

King County Fire Marshal lifts burn ban
King County Fire Marshal lifts burn ban on Friday, September 5, 2008, at 8 a.m. 

King County calls a burn ban
King County called a Phase 1 burn ban to take effect at 8 a.m. Thursday, July 17, 2008. 

Appeals Court ruling on Critical Areas Regulations clearing limits
Questions and answers about the Appeals Court ruling on Critical Areas Regulations clearing limits (link to Executive Sims' news release)