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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Seattle
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Seattle.
One-story detached accessory buildings under 120 sq ft (roof area) with slab-on-grade foundation
Fences under 8 feet high with no concrete/masonry elements over 6 feet
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing)
Platforms, walks, driveways under 18 inches above grade
Roofing replacement on detached one- and two-family houses (if not changing building envelope)
Painting, cleaning, insulating existing buildings
Installing kitchen cabinets
Decks under 18 inches above grade (Note: Seattle requires permit for decks over 18 inches)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings under 120 sq ft (roof area) with slab-on-grade foundation
- Exempt Fences under 8 feet high with no concrete/masonry elements over 6 feet
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing)
- Exempt Platforms, walks, driveways under 18 inches above grade
- Exempt Roofing replacement on detached one- and two-family houses (if not changing building envelope)
- Exempt Painting, cleaning, insulating existing buildings
- Exempt Installing kitchen cabinets
- Exempt Decks under 18 inches above grade (Note: Seattle requires permit for decks over 18 inches)
Note: Verify exempt work classification with SDCI before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan with property details
- Construction plans (architectural, structural, MEP)
- Project scope information
- Pre-application documentation (if applicable)
- Zoning verification
- Building code
- Seattle Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with local amendments)
- Permit validity
- Permit expires if no inspection is passed within a specified period.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must meet specific requirements and may have restrictions.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration, bond, and a current City of Seattle business license throughout construction.
Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 2-3 weeks for simple permits; 8 weeks for complex permits initial review.
- 01 Research property information, zoning, and permit history using SDCI GIS Map.
- 02 Submit Building & Land Use Pre-Application for most projects.
- 03 Attend Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV) if required for land use, new construction, grading, or ground disturbance over 750 sq ft.
- 04 Request optional application screening for construction projects.
- 05 Schedule electronic intake appointment through Seattle Services Portal.
- 06 Upload all documents by 7:00 AM on appointment day.
- 07 Pay fees within 48 hours of fee notification.
- 08 Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required.
- 09 Obtain permit upon approval and fee payment.
Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for simple permits; 8 weeks for complex permits initial review.
Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Varies by permit type
02
Plan check fee
Included in intake fees
03
Permit fee formula
Based on valuation of work
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade
05
Reinspection fee
May apply for failed inspections
Payment required within 48 hours of fee notification through Seattle Services Portal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Seattle Services Portal (online)
- (206) 684-8900 (24-hour automated line) (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call before 7:00 AM for same-day inspection; after 7:00 AM for next-day inspection.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
- Time windows
- Inspector availability varies by project type.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: site, foundation, subfloor, structural, framing, insulation, final.
Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Seattle permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Seattle, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Seattle.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Seattle, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Seattle, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Varies by permit type. Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation of work. Plan check fee: Included in intake fees.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Seattle, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Seattle, WA, follow these steps: 1. Research property information, zoning, and permit history using SDCI GIS Map. 2. Submit Building & Land Use Pre-Application for most projects. 3. Attend Pre-Application Site Visit (PASV) if required for land use, new construction, grading, or ground disturbance over 750 sq ft. 4. Request optional application screening for construction projects. 5. Schedule electronic intake appointment through Seattle Services Portal. 6. Upload all documents by 7:00 AM on appointment day. 7. Pay fees within 48 hours of fee notification. 8. Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required. 9. Obtain permit upon approval and fee payment.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Seattle, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Seattle, WA typically run 2-3 weeks for simple permits; 8 weeks for complex permits initial review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Seattle, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Seattle, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings under 120 sq ft (roof area) with slab-on-grade foundation; Fences under 8 feet high with no concrete/masonry elements over 6 feet; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing); Platforms, walks, driveways under 18 inches above grade; Roofing replacement on detached one- and two-family houses (if not changing building envelope); Painting, cleaning, insulating existing buildings; Installing kitchen cabinets; Decks under 18 inches above grade (Note: Seattle requires permit for decks over 18 inches). Note: Verify exempt work classification with SDCI before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Seattle, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Seattle, WA via: Seattle Services Portal, (206) 684-8900 (24-hour automated line). Call before 7:00 AM for same-day inspection; after 7:00 AM for next-day inspection..
last verified April 2026
source Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) ↗
entry id permits/washington/king/seattle
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.