City permit hub

Seattle home permit guides

Plain-language guidance for common repairs and upgrades handled by Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections.

5 detailed cited rules5 of 20 project types reviewed

City permit tools

Move from the first question to a closed permit.

These tools keep the same Seattle context while you verify the authority, find the official record, check the contractor and save final proof.

01 / PLANBuild a Seattle Permit BriefStart with the property and complete scope 02 / APPLYOpen official portal routesApplication, fees and inspection links 03 / VERIFYFind the official permit recordMatch scope, permit holder and status 04 / HIRECheck the contractor handoffLicense, insurance, permit and contract proof 05 / CLOSEFinish the permit fileTrack inspections and final status

Common projects

What are you planning?

Open a cited local decision or continue through the official routing workflow.

Roof replacement

Seattle publishes a permit exemption for qualifying roof-covering replacement when no structural or building-envelope work is included. Decking, structure, insulation, sheathing and protected-site conditions can move the work outside the exemption.

Rule citedRead finding

Bathroom remodel

Seattle publishes a narrow construction-permit exemption for qualifying minor repairs and alterations costing no more than the stated threshold in any six-month period. Plumbing, electrical, structure and other regulated work can still require permits.

Rule citedRead finding

Kitchen remodel

Seattle publishes a dedicated house-addition and remodel permit path and distinguishes work that does not need a permit. Separate finishes from structure, layout, occupancy and connected trades.

Rule citedRead finding

Fence installation

Seattle publishes a construction-permit exemption for qualifying fences under eight feet, with a lower limit for masonry construction. Property lines, sight distance, retaining function and protected-site rules remain separate.

Rule citedRead finding

Shed or accessory structure

Seattle publishes a construction-permit exemption for qualifying small one-story accessory structures under 120 square feet. Location, utilities, environmentally critical areas and use still require confirmation.

Rule citedRead finding

15 project types remain in research. They do not receive standalone pages or local yes-or-no claims until project-specific official evidence is reviewed. You can still build a research brief and take the complete scope to the issuing authority.