Where to apply and look up permits in Seattle
- Apply for a permitSeattle Services Portal ↗services.seattle.gov/portal/
- Look up a permitSDCI permit and property records ↗web.seattle.gov/dpd/edms/
- FeesOfficial fee schedule ↗www.seattle.gov/construction-and-inspections/permits/how-much-will-your-permit-cost
- Open dataSeattle building permit dataset ↗data.seattle.gov/Built-Environment/Building-Permits/76t5-zqzr
Most projects in Seattle need a permit. Minor repairs or alterations costing $6,000 or less in a 6-month period are usually exempt, but any work on load-bearing supports or the building envelope, or that reduces egress, light, ventilation or fire resistance, needs a permit.
Small projects can qualify for a Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) permit, such as nonstructural commercial interior alterations that don't change use or occupancy. STFI permits get minimal plan review, are generally issued within about 48 hours, and pay only 40% of the plan review fee. Applications, payments and record searches by number go through the Seattle Services Portal.