This is PermitBase’s published record for Seattle as of 2026-09-15. It has since been superseded — see the current record. A historical record reflects what PermitBase had verified at that time; it may not capture a real-world change the jurisdiction had made but PermitBase had not yet verified, and it includes any errors we later corrected. Snapshots are never edited retroactively.
Seattle building permits
Seattle, Washington — as published 2026-09-15.
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Construction Permit - Addition or Alteration
Required to add to or alter an existing building in Seattle. Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Construction Permit - Addition or Alteration".
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- A construction permit is required before beginning an addition or alteration
- Work is reviewed against the 2021 Seattle Building Code or the 2021 Seattle Residential Code depending on the structure
- Energy-code compliance is reviewed under the 2021 Seattle Energy Code
Required documents
- Optional
- Optional
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Construction Permit - Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI)
Seattle issues a Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) construction permit for work that can be checked by an inspector in the field rather than through full plan review. It is the permit most small residential jobs in Seattle are issued under.
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- Issued for work SDCI can verify by field inspection rather than full plan review
- Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Construction Permit - Subject-to-Field-Inspection"
Required documents
- Optional
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Refrigeration Permit
Required for installation, addition, repair, replacement and alteration of refrigeration equipment and systems, under section 22.900D.100 of the 2026 Fee Subtitle.
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- A refrigeration permit is required for the installation, addition, repair, replacement and alteration of refrigeration equipment and systems
Required documents
- Optional
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Demolition Permit - Building
Required to demolish a building in Seattle. Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Demolition Permit - Building".
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- A demolition permit is required before a building is demolished
Required documents
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Re-Roof Permit
Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Re-Roof Permit". Required for qualifying roof replacement work in Seattle.
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- A re-roof permit is required for qualifying roof replacement work
Required documents
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Electrical Permit
Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Electrical Permit". Seattle enforces its own Electrical Code, listed on the department's Codes We Enforce (A-Z) page.
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- An electrical permit is required for electrical work within Seattle
Required documents
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Mechanical Permit
Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Mechanical Permit".
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- A mechanical permit is required for mechanical work
- May be submitted as part of a building permit application or separately
Required documents
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Tree Removal
Listed by SDCI under Permits We Issue (A-Z) as "Tree Removal". Seattle enforces a Trees & Codes regime listed on its Codes We Enforce (A-Z) page.
Reviewed 2026-09-15 · Source
Requirements
- Tree removal is regulated by SDCI and may require authorisation before removal
Required documents
- Optional
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-15.
Fee schedules
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Seattle building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.