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State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA)
SEPA
SEPA stands for the State Environmental Policy Act. This act was adopted by the state in 1971 and requires cities like Des Moines to evaluate the environmental impacts of proposed development. Certain minor developments such as new single family residences are normally exempt from SEPA, while major development proposals such as new warehouses must undergo an environmental analysis and comply with procedural requirements of SEPA.
The process begins with an environmental checklist which is submitted with a development permit application. The checklist is an evaluation of the proposal's environmental impacts to wildlife, soils, land use, transportation, housing, and other environmental factors. Based on the extent of these impacts, a decision is made to either prepare an environmental impact statement (EIS) or issue a determination of nonsignificance (DNS). If measures are required to mitigate the impacts, an MDNS is issued. Local codes require the environmental determination to be posted on the site prior to the issuance of the development plan.
The public may make comments on SEPA determinations within 14 days following the posting of the notice. In addition, SEPA determinations may be appealed within 10 days following the end of the comment period.
For more information on SEPA and the City's procedures regarding environmental evaluations, please call Planning Services at (206) 870-7576.
SEPA FORMS
Complete SEPA Packet - 442 kb PDFIndividual Components:
Note: SEPA forms are in Adobe Acrobat (PDF) format.
You will need to download and install the free reader to read these files.
To download the Acrobat Reader click here.
