Building Permits in Seattle, WA
Check permit requirements for home improvement projects in Seattle. Select a project type below to see local requirements, estimated fees, and how to apply.
Recent permit activity in Seattle
We track 31,517 permit records from Seattle's official open-data feed, updated 3 days ago. Filed by 886 different contractors.
Thinking about a project? Check what permits have already been pulled on a property — data is current to 3 days ago. Useful for buyers vetting a listing, or homeowners curious about their neighbors' renovations.
Key Exemptions in Seattle
These projects typically don't require a building permit in Seattle:
Cosmetic bathroom renovations do not require a permit in Seattle, WA.
Small at-grade patio slabs under 120 square feet are typically exempt from building permits per IRC R105.2 (extended via local amendment). The slab must be at-grade (not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade) and not part of an accessible route.
Freestanding decks not exceeding 30 inches above grade are exempt in Seattle, WA.
Replacing an existing driveway in the same footprint with no changes to the curb cut is generally exempt from permit requirements.
Replacing a fixture in-kind does not require a permit in Seattle, WA.
See all rules by selecting a project type below, or use our free lookup tool for a personalized answer.
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Seattle Building Department
Permit Guides
Read our in-depth guides for common home improvement projects: