Seattle, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Seattle.

Department

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)

Address

Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104

Phone

(206) 684-8600

Email

sdci@seattle.gov

Website

https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for simple permits; 8 weeks for complex permits initial review.

Source: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Seattle.

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

Permit validity

Permit expires if no inspection is passed within a specified period.

Building code

Seattle Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with local amendments)

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.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Varies by permit type

Plan check fee

Included in intake fees

Permit fee formula

Based on valuation of work

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade

Reinspection fee

May apply for failed inspections

Payment note

Payment required within 48 hours of fee notification through Seattle Services Portal

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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)

Important: Verify exempt work classification with SDCI before proceeding.

Inspections

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 inspection sequence: Typical sequence: site, foundation, subfloor, structural, framing, insulation, final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Seattle Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with local amendments)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Chat Support
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in King County