You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-16.
Tukwila building permits
Tukwila, Washington — as published 2026-09-16.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
Required for construction in Tukwila under the 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC as adopted at TMC 16.04.020, with locally adopted exemptions for small sheds and low fences.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the 2021 International Building Code or 2021 International Residential Code, each with Washington statewide amendments
- Electrical work is to the 2023 National Electrical Code, a newer edition than the rest
- Applications are processed as Type 1 decisions under TMC Chapter 18.104
- A pre-application meeting is required for some permit types
Required documents
- RequiredDevelopment permit applicationDevelopment permit application, filed through the city's online permit portal; email Permits@TukwilaWA.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. Show full citationHideTUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. TMC 16.04.250(A) provides that "Permit and plan review fees applicable to all development permits shall be in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council." So no amount is printed here - the schedule is a Council resolution, published separately and changed separately. Ask the Permit Center for the current schedule. THREE FEE RULES ARE IN THE CODE AND DO APPLY: work begun before the necessary permits are obtained is "charged double the fee established in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council"; the Building Official may refund "not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done under a permit"; and a re-inspection fee may be charged at an hourly rate where work was covered without inspection or was not ready. |
Shed or Detached Accessory Structure
Tukwila exempts the smallest detached accessory structures from a building permit, but all three conditions in the exemption have to be met.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Exempt only if one story, floor area not exceeding 120 square feet, and used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use
- The structure must be "outside of and entirely separated, as prescribed by Code, from any existing building on the premises"
- Zoning setbacks and lot coverage still apply even where a building permit does not
Required documents
- RequiredDevelopment permit applicationDevelopment permit application, filed through the city's online permit portal; email Permits@TukwilaWA.gov
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. Show full citationHideTUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. TMC 16.04.250(A) provides that "Permit and plan review fees applicable to all development permits shall be in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council." So no amount is printed here - the schedule is a Council resolution, published separately and changed separately. Ask the Permit Center for the current schedule. THREE FEE RULES ARE IN THE CODE AND DO APPLY: work begun before the necessary permits are obtained is "charged double the fee established in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council"; the Building Official may refund "not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done under a permit"; and a re-inspection fee may be charged at an hourly rate where work was covered without inspection or was not ready. |
Affordable Housing Permit Fee Reduction
Tukwila publishes a fee reduction for dwelling units built or substantially improved to affordability targets. The reduction covers building, mechanical, electrical and plumbing permits.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- The property owner must request the reduction IN WRITING and BEFORE permit submittal
- Two or more bedrooms at an 80% affordability target: 40% fee reduction
- Two or more bedrooms at a 60% affordability target: 60% fee reduction
- Any size unit at a 50% affordability target: 80% fee reduction
- The affordability target is a percentage of King County median family income, adjusted for family size, as reported by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
- "Substantial improvement" means repair, reconstruction or rehabilitation costing more than 50 percent of the building's assessed value
Required documents
- RequiredA written request for the fee reductionA written request for the fee reduction, submitted before permit submittal
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. Show full citationHideTUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. TMC 16.04.250(A) provides that "Permit and plan review fees applicable to all development permits shall be in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council." So no amount is printed here - the schedule is a Council resolution, published separately and changed separately. Ask the Permit Center for the current schedule. THREE FEE RULES ARE IN THE CODE AND DO APPLY: work begun before the necessary permits are obtained is "charged double the fee established in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council"; the Building Official may refund "not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done under a permit"; and a re-inspection fee may be charged at an hourly rate where work was covered without inspection or was not ready. |
Verify a Contractor Licence
Washington contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Registration is a STATE record; Tukwila does not issue it.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Check contractor registration with Washington State Labor & Industries
Required documents
- OptionalNo city document requiredNo city document - check the state register
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. Show full citationHideTUKWILA'S PERMIT FEE AMOUNTS ARE NOT IN ITS MUNICIPAL CODE, AND THE CODE SAYS SO. TMC 16.04.250(A) provides that "Permit and plan review fees applicable to all development permits shall be in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council." So no amount is printed here - the schedule is a Council resolution, published separately and changed separately. Ask the Permit Center for the current schedule. THREE FEE RULES ARE IN THE CODE AND DO APPLY: work begun before the necessary permits are obtained is "charged double the fee established in accordance with the permit fee schedule adopted by resolution of the City Council"; the Building Official may refund "not more than 80% of the permit fee when no work has been done under a permit"; and a re-inspection fee may be charged at an hourly rate where work was covered without inspection or was not ready. |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
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 Tukwila building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.