Have an ECA Property? Here's What You Need to Know:

What is an ECA?

In Seattle, Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) are defined and regulated to protect environmentally sensitive land. These zones include:

• Steep Slopes (typically 40% grade or greater)

• Wetlands

• Shorelines & Stream Buffers

• Wildlife Habitat Areas

• Liquefaction-Prone or Landslide-Risk Zones

These areas are protected to prevent erosion, preserve habitat, and reduce risks to life and property. If your home sits within one, any construction, landscaping, or even minor improvements are subject to city review and permitting.

The design potential

Owning an ECA property might feel restrictive—but it actually opens the door to some of the most rewarding and site-responsive design opportunities. At SHD, we specialize in unlocking that potential. We design landscapes that work with the land, not against it—focusing on:

• Custom Retaining Walls to stabilize slopes and create usable outdoor space

• Erosion Control Solutions that meet code and protect your investment

• Native Planting Strategies that thrive in tough conditions and support local ecology

• Sensitive Grading & Drainage Plans to maintain slope integrity and manage water sustainably

Our goal? To create landscapes that are as enduring as they are beautiful—while making sure every square foot is working for you.

what about permits?

Permitting is often the biggest hurdle in ECA projects—but it's also where experience pays off. Any work in or near an ECA typically requires additional documentation, reviews, and city approvals. This includes:

• ECA Exemptions or Relief requests

• Geotechnical reports

• Critical area reviews

• Drainage plans and erosion control measures

We’ve guided dozens of clients through this process, collaborating closely with geotechnical engineers, surveyors, and the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) to make sure designs are both code-compliant and efficiently approved.

If you’re planning a landscape update on a sloped or environmentally sensitive property, we’re here to help you do it right—from permitting to planting.