Alleys

Maintaining Alleys in Seattle

SDOT has limited funds to repair and maintain the City's road network. The overall need for maintenance and repairs well exceeds our allocated budget. Because paving needs are so great, we prioritize the repair of streets by their classification

• Arterial Streets - The first priority for repair are arterial streets. Arterial streets have the highest traffic volumes and carry transit and freight. These streets keep the City moving. Streets within the arterial network are generally ranked by pavement condition and prioritized for repair.
• Non-Arterial Streets - Next on the prioritization list are non-arterial streets. While a few streets are selected for major maintenance repairs each year, the City's primary response for non-arterial streets in need of repair is pothole patching.
• Paved Alleys - Alleys improved to City standards with asphalt or concrete are considered part of the City's street system and are maintained by the City. Currently, if a paved alley is damaged to the extent that there is a safety or mobility problem, the City will make a spot repair (e.g. a pothole repair.) There is no City funding available to make more extensive repairs.
• Unpaved Alleys - Alleys which are not paved to City standards (e.g. dirt and gravel alleys) are not funded for any maintenance, repair, or improvements by the City. Adjacent property owners can maintain or make improvements to the alleys at their expense. All work requires a Street Improvement Permit.

Visit our Street Classifications Map to learn what functions our streets can serve.

Many parts of Seattle have paved alleys. Why are some alleys paved and mine is not?

Most paved alleys are constructed when adjacent houses or businesses are built. The City's land use codes govern the types of public improvements (streets, sidewalks, alleys, storm drains, etc.) that are required when a development is proposed. The requirements vary based on the underlying land zoning, proposed use of the building, and number of lots proposed for development. The cost of the public improvements is born by the initial developer.

The Department of Construction and Inspections administers the City's land use code and can help you understand it.

How do I start an alley improvement project?

You should contact our Street Use permitting team because improving an unpaved alley can be a complex project. Our staff can guide you through the process and help you decide if you want to move forward.

Any improvements you make will need a Street Use permit. As you go through the permit process, we will help make sure that your project does not negatively affect nearby properties.

If you want to improve your alley, we encourage you to talk with your neighbors. They might want to join the project, which would allow you to share the costs of the improvements.