Cut through the red tape. Everything you need to know about getting a building permit in Seattle — fees, timelines, required documents, and how to avoid the most common rejections.
STEP 1 — DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Not every project requires a permit. Here's what you need to know for common project types.
Includes single-family homes, houses with detached or attached accessory dwelling units (ADUs), duplexes, small stacked flats (6 or fewer units), townhouses, and row houses.
Adding 7 or more housing units (excluding townhouses and rowhouses). Examples include large apartment and condo buildings.
Building a detached accessory dwelling unit (DADU) using pre-approved DADU plans from ADUniverse.
Expanding or renovating an existing house beyond what a subject-to-field-inspection permit covers.
Expanding or renovating existing commercial space beyond what a subject-to-field-inspection permit covers.
A specific type of construction permit for projects that can be inspected in the field without extensive prior plan review.
Auto-fill your construction permit - subject-to-field-inspection permit →STEP 2 — HOW MUCH WILL IT COST?
Fees in Seattle are based on project valuation, type, and square footage. These are the current standard fees.
| Category | Fee Type | Amount | Unit | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fee schedule data coming soon. | ||||
STEP 3 — HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE?
From application to final inspection — here's what to expect at each stage in Seattle.
The City formally accepts the permit application.
The City conducts the first review of the application.
The City reviews the application and issues a notice of required updates or corrections.
The applicant updates their plans and resubmits the application to the City.
The City issues the permit once all issues are resolved.
STEP 4 — WHAT DO I NEED TO SUBMIT?
Gather these documents before applying to avoid delays. Required items are marked with ✓.
AVOID THESE PITFALLS
Learn from the most common mistakes that cause delays and rejections — so yours doesn't end up on this list.
Common mistakes data coming soon.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS
What credentials must your contractor have in Seattle?
Small businesses must have a current City of Seattle business license to be eligible for permit facilitation services.
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