POD Storage Container Policies In Public Right Of Ways

The Laurelhurst Blog has received many inquires about the policies of POD storage containers, found in front of homes or in driveways. 

Neighbors said:

We are concerned about a POD in the neighborhood that is partially blocking oncoming traffic and is hard to drive around when cars are parked on both sides of the street in the neighborhood. We believe it has been there for over 6 months.  It would be great if the POD were removed after such a long time on the street and to provide better safety and visibility for drivers.  

We have done some research on a POD that has been on our street taking up parking and sticking out in the roadway and learned that a storage unit can stay in the street up to 120 days if the person to whom the unit belongs has a street-use permit and that the permit can be renewed for more time with an increase in cost. How do we find out if the resident has a permit and for how long?

There’s been a PODS container between NE 45th and NE 44th for months now - seems like at least six, although we believe longer.  It is tough to drive around it when the street has a lot of cars.   

We are wondering about how the POD process works. There have been several on the streets around us, one for seems like 8 months, blocking oncoming traffic and using up a lot of parking.

The Laurelhurst Blog contacted Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) regarding a particular pod one block off  of NE 45th Street and  SDOT verified that the POD was on the street past the permitted timeframe.  The POD renter did have a permit.

SDOT added:

The permit-holder was issued a Simple Right of Way management permit that typically does not include scheduled inspections because there is no mobility impact to the right of way (as opposed to a Street Improvement/Utility Major Permits project such a large development construction project where a Traffic Control Plan is required when a lane of travel is impacted in the right of way).  

The inspector for the area spoke with permit-holder about issue. The permit-holder indicated they intended to extend the permit, however when the inspector returned the container had been removed.

SDOT added that there is no cost for a permit, which can be issued for 30 days and extended to 120 days, in 10 day increments, with unlimited renewals.

The Seattle City Code SMC15.04 states:

When residential dumpsters or storage containers are placed in the public right of way, a permit is required before delivery and placement.  Be sure to discuss this with any third party involved in arranging for a dumpster or container. You will need a completed permit application as well as a site plan to apply for your permit. Your container must be in a legal parking space, either paid or unpaid, in front of your property. Be sure to consult with your container company to confirm the space needed for delivery.

And here is a detailed document on policies for storage containers and dumpsters.

(photo courtesy)

Take Survey On Sand Point Way NE Project

The City is seeking feedback, through Friday, on the Sand Point Way corridor, where 16,000 vehicles travel daily, along with many bus routes.

The information says:

In 2017, Seattle Department of Transportation completed a transportation study to identify potential corridor enhancements along Sand Point Way NE.  

In 2016, residents from the community submitted a request to fund sidewalk improvements along Sand Point Way NE. This request was driven by the lack of continuous sidewalks, and the safety concerns within the corridor, which led to a transportation study. 

Now they want to hear from those who live, work and play along Sand Point Way NE in order to gather feedback on local conditions, opportunities and potential challenges along the street. Share your thoughts in our online survey 

Go here for more information.

Neighbors Remind Drivers To Slow Down During School Traffic Hours

The Laurelhurst Blog has received emails from several parents and neighbors asking cars to slow down, especially since neighborhood schools are back in session.

One parent wrote:

I'm sitting at the Laurelhurst Elementary school parked at NE 45th Street and would like to remind drivers to slow down with our various neighborhood schools starting up again and kids and parents walking, biking and driving to school.  

Particularly around Laurelhurst Elementary is a high traffic area, with school starting at 7:55a and a middle school bus pick up at Sun Park, 47th Avenue NE and NE 47th Street at 8:15am.  

There are many kids out at this time so please be aware and drive slowly. Neighborhood roads can become congested and sometimes drivers fly down the NE 45th Street hill. 

Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) offers these tips:

• Put your phone and all other distractions away while driving. On the road, off the phone. Learn about the statewide distracted driving law.
• Is there a school in your neighborhood? Remember all school zones have a 20 MPH speed limit when children are present in the morning and afternoon. As of last year, all residential (non-arterial) streets have a speed limit of 20 MPH all day, every day.
• Keep a look out for yellow school buses. When the red lights flash and the stop sign paddle is activated, vehicles on both sides of the road must come to a complete stop until the bus begins moving again.
• Have you talked with your child about how he or she will get to school this year? Having a conversation about safety, the rules of the road, and routes to school is essential toward increasing their awareness of traffic safety.
• Talk to staff at your child’s school for resources about the safest routes for students to walk and bike to school.
• If you have a child who will be biking to school, make sure they are properly equipped with a helmet, bike light, and reflective gear to ensure their safety. Have a conversation about the road rules while biking and the safest route to school 

SDOT’s webpage on traffic enforcement in school zones provides information on the term of "when children are present” on their website: 

• School children are walking within the marked crosswalk.
• School children are waiting at the curb or on the shoulder of the roadway to cross at the marked crosswalk.
• School children are present or walking along the roadway, either on the adjacent sidewalk or on the shoulder.

For more information go here.