Businesses move all the time. An autobody and mechanic outgrows their current space, a cafe reopens in a new location across town, or a medical office finds a space with better accessibility and parking.
But what about businesses that are forced to move? Publicly funded construction projects, like roads, utilities, or government buildings, may necessitate that businesses move out of the spaces they occupy.
In Washington State, major infrastructure projects like the Sound Transit Light Rail have forced many small businesses to reestablish elsewhere. When this happens, it’s frustrating and concerning for business owners like you. How can you just up and move? Especially if you rely on heavy machinery like medical equipment, hydraulic lifts, or commercial stoves and ovens.
Luckily, Sea Con helps businesses and commercial tenants relocate. Not only can we make the move itself fast and easy, but we know how to navigate the red tape and requirements around the threat of condemnation due to eminent domain to help you get the reimbursement you need.
What Is Business Relocation Assistance?
Moving comes with a lot of expenses. When your business has heavy equipment, it becomes even more difficult and costly to move. It can cost thousands to move, and that doesn’t include the costs to find a new location, perform any required renovation or modification needed, and fully reestablish your business.
When you are forced to move, it’s not fair that you, the business owner, foot the bill. That’s why there are relocation assistance programs, like the Federal Uniform Relocation Act and the Washington State Uniform Relocation Act. These programs provide reimbursement for actual moving costs and funding to help your business reestablish itself. In addition, they set standards for compensation for your existing property. In this article, we’ll focus on two specific programs:
The Federal Uniform Relocation Act
The Federal Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act (URA) is a law that protects individuals and businesses when their property is taken for a federally funded project, such as highway construction, transit expansion, or public facilities. For small businesses, the URA provides important benefits if you’re required to move: you may be reimbursed for actual moving costs, receive help finding a new location, and qualify for limited financial assistance to get your business up and running again — typically capped at $25,000 to $40,000. The goal of the URA is to reduce the financial burden and disruption that relocation can cause, and to make sure you’re treated fairly throughout the process.
The Washington State Uniform Relocation Act
The Washington State Uniform Relocation Act offers strong protections for small businesses that are displaced by public projects, even when no federal funding is involved. This includes reimbursement for moving expenses, help finding a new location, and financial support to reestablish your business. As of 2025, Washington significantly increased the reestablishment assistance cap to up to $200,000 for eligible businesses, recognizing that relocation can be especially challenging for small operations. The state also provides advisory services to guide you through the process and help minimize downtime or revenue loss.
Who Qualifies for Relocation Assistance?
Business owners, as well as tenants leasing commercial spaces that are acquired for public projects at the federal, state, or local level are eligible for relocation assistance. You must be forced to leave to qualify — if you negotiate a settlement or voluntarily leave, you won’t be eligible for relocation assistance.
The Federal Uniform Relocation Act is specifically for businesses impacted by federally-funded projects. To qualify for this relocation assistance, affected businesses must be occupying the space at the time of acquisition, and the displacement must be permanent. It’s important to note that the federal agency acquiring your business must notify you of your rights and provide guidance throughout the process.
The Washington State Uniform Relocation Act provides assistance for businesses relocating due to state or local public projects, even if there is no federal funding. To qualify, your business must be displaced as a direct result of an agency acquisition or action. Again, this displacement must be permanent and the agency is required to notify you.
Washington State’s program also includes assistance for adjacent property owners that suffer economic harm due to the displacement of businesses around them. This doesn’t necessarily include payments. However, the agency may be required to provide signage, alternative access to your property, or advice on resource and aid programs.
How Sea Con LLC Supports Displaced Businesses
Sea Con LLC offers business relocation services both for businesses voluntarily moving, and those forced to move due to eminent domain. We have experience working with government agencies and know how to help you navigate the requirements and documentation for reimbursement.
In addition, we can help you identify a new site with feasibility studies, estimate costs and develop a budget, and create a timeline for your move. After that, we can help with permitting, physical relocation, and set-up in your new location.
We have strong relationships with relocation organizations, such as the International Right of Way Association, and can advocate for our clients to ensure you get the assistance you need. While Sea Con LLC is not a right-of-way agent, lawyer, or government agency, we are experienced commercial general contractors who specialize in making your move as easy as possible.
Get in touch to learn more about our business relocation services.
