City Building Permits

Burien, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Burien, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington King County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Burien.

Department: Community Development - Permit Center
Website: https://www.burienwa.gov/business/community_development/permit_center

Online Permit Portal

Open MyBuildingPermit.com

Platform: MyBuildingPermit.com • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Information

Application Process

Access MyBuildingPermit.com
Create account
Select Burien as jurisdiction
Complete online application forms
Upload PDF plans and supporting documents (paper submission will NOT be accepted)
Pay fees online
City staff reviews application
Receive permit upon approval

Typical processing time: Varies by permit type.

Source: Community Development - Permit Center

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Burien.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans (PDF format)
Supporting documents (PDF)

Permit validity: Varies by permit type.
Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration and a Burien business license.

Fees

Payment note: Online payment through MyBuildingPermit

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Per state building code exemptions

Important: See MyBuildingPermit tip sheets for exemption details.

Inspections

How to Schedule

MyBuildingPermit.com (online)

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
MyBuildingPermit Tip Sheets
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development - Permit Center before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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