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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for King County
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated King County.
Similar to state exemptions
- Exempt Similar to state exemptions
Note: Contact DPER for specific unincorporated area exemptions.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Cover sheet with property information
- Site plan with critical areas
- Civil engineering plans
- Architectural plans
- Structural plans
- Mechanical/plumbing plans
- Energy code compliance forms
- Water and sewer certificates (or Public Health approval for well/septic)
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with King County amendments
- Permit validity
- Varies by permit type.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by permit type and complexity.
- 01 Verify property is in unincorporated King County
- 02 Verify proposed use is allowed per KCC 21A.08
- 03 Check prerequisites: Public Health approvals (septic, well, gas piping), Critical Areas Alteration Exception, Drainage Adjustment, Flood Permits, Historic Preservation Approval, Roads Variances
- 04 Prepare documents: cover sheet, site plan, civil engineering plans, architectural plans, structural plans, mechanical/plumbing plans, energy code compliance forms
- 05 Submit application online or in-person
- 06 Pay fees at intake
- 07 Multi-department plan review
- 08 Permit issuance upon approval
Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and complexity.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Contact DPER (phone)
- Schedule online (if available) (online)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM
Typical sequence: Varies by project type
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated King County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated King County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated King County.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated King County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated King County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Verify property is in unincorporated King County 2. Verify proposed use is allowed per KCC 21A.08 3. Check prerequisites: Public Health approvals (septic, well, gas piping), Critical Areas Alteration Exception, Drainage Adjustment, Flood Permits, Historic Preservation Approval, Roads Variances 4. Prepare documents: cover sheet, site plan, civil engineering plans, architectural plans, structural plans, mechanical/plumbing plans, energy code compliance forms 5. Submit application online or in-person 6. Pay fees at intake 7. Multi-department plan review 8. Permit issuance upon approval
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated King County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated King County, WA typically run Varies by permit type and complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated King County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated King County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Similar to state exemptions. Note: Contact DPER for specific unincorporated area exemptions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated King County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated King County, WA via: Contact DPER, Schedule online (if available).
last verified April 2026
source King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER) - Permitting Division (now part of Department of Local Services) ↗
entry id permits/washington/king/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review (DPER) - Permitting Division (now part of Department of Local Services) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.