Latecomer Agreements in Seattle

http://www.seattle.gov/util/engineering/developmentservicesoffice/latecomeragreements/

Steps to create a new Latecomer Agreement

1. The city identifies a utility improvement requirement for development project. Eg: storm drainage

2. The developer applies for Latecomer Agreement

• Application Form (doc) and Fee

3. The Latecomer Agreement is developed by SPU during review of project plans. Additional information is required from the developer.

• Cost Estimating Worksheet
• Assessment Reimbursement Area Parcel Roll

4. Latecomer Agreement Contract is signed

5. SPU notifies parcels within the assessment reimbursement area of upcoming Latecomer Agreement

6. Utility is constructed, and final construction costs are documented

• Final Construction Costs Worksheet

7. Final construction costs are reviewed and accepted by SPU.

8. Latecomer Agreement Contract is updated.

9. Developer pays SPU the Recording Fee for each benefiting parcel that will be encumbered. In other words: all the parcels that will eventually use the new utility (and share in its cost)

10. SPU records Latecomer Agreement with King County.

11. SPU notifies benefiting parcels of finalized Latecomer Agreement and records encumbrances with King County. See Reimbursement Payments from Benefitting Parcels for the reimbursement payment process.

NOTES:

How long does a Latecomer Agreement last?

The state law requires utility Latecomer Agreements to last for 20 years. If the Agreement expires and a benefitting parcel has not made a reimbursement payment, the benefitting parcel will not be required to pay the reimbursement.

Reimbursement Payment

The charge, in the amount of the pro rata share, collected by the City from benefitting parcel owners who connect to or use the water, drainage, or sewer facilities that were constructed or improved under the terms of a utility Latecomer Agreement and who did not contribute to the costs of the facilities. See Reimbursement Payments from Benefitting Parcels for the reimbursement payment process.