Floating Residences

See also: Floating Residences Code, Shoreline Master Program Code, Shoreline Master Program Update

Seattle's shoreline regulations limit residential uses on the water. In addition to liveaboards on conventional recreational vessels, the City recognizes four types of floating residences. These are:

• Floating homes, Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 23.60A.202
• Floating on-water residences (FOWRs), SMC 23.60A.203
• House barges, SMC 23.60A.204
• Vessels containing dwelling units (VDUs), SMC 23.60A.214

City regulations specify how floating residences can be used and where they can be located (see code links above). Many of Seattle's floating residences are uniquely constructed, and it may not be clear which of the above categories applies to a particular residence on the water. For questions regarding a specific floating residence or liveaboard craft, please contact SDCI. Have the verification or registration number ready so we can assist you.

As part of the Shoreline Master Program updates in 2015, owners of existing floating residences are required to complete a one-time verification process to remain on the water. Each verified residence is assigned a unique 3-digit number. Owners must keep their verification records current, which includes updating the City about any changes in ownership or location. These requirements do not apply to liveaboards on conventional recreational vessels (CRVs) as defined in the Shoreline Master Program. 

• Tip 229, Residential Use of a Floating Home, House Barge, Floating On-Water Residence, or Vessel with a Dwelling Unit
• Tip 229A, Shoreline Permitting Requirements for Floating on Water Residences (FOWR) and House Barges
• Tip 250, Best Management Practices in Seattle's Shoreline District

Rules to Follow

In order to comply with the Seattle Municipal Code, floating residence owners must: 

• Display a City-assigned, unique identification number.
• Obtain SDCI authorization before starting any exterior repair, remodel, expansion, demolition, rebuild, or replacement (SMC 23.60A.020, Floating Residences Code, Tip 209, Application Requirements for Shoreline Permits, and Tip 209A, Shoreline Substantial Development Exemptions Application Instructions).
• Follow City of Seattle best management practices (BMPs) while in the shoreline and over-water to minimize impacts on the aquatic environment (SMC 23.60A.152, SMC 23.60A.155, and Tip 250, Best Management Practices in Seattle's Shoreline District).
• Before moving a floating residence, make sure the new location is compliant with City regulations for marinas with floating residences (SMC 23.60A.200 and SMC 23.60A.202).
• Notify the City of Seattle within 60 days when you move your residence to a new tax parcel, new marina, or new slip within the same marina (see the Floating Residences Code webpage for instructions).
• Notify the City of Seattle within 60 days of any change in ownership or contact information for the owner (see the Floating Residences Code webpage for instructions).
• Do not use your floating residence as a short-term rental (under 30-days). Short-term rentals are considered a commercial use and are prohibited in all over-water locations, and in nearly all of Seattle’s shoreline district.

Read the Code

• SMC 23.60A, Seattle Shoreline Master Program Regulations

• Tip 229, Residential Use of a Floating Home, House Barge, Floating On-Water Residence, or Vessel with a Dwelling Unit
• Tip 229A, Shoreline Permitting Requirements for Floating on Water Residences (FOWR) and House Barges
• Tip 250, Best Management Practices in Seattle's Shoreline District