Permit Center

Construction permits

Cover site development, building construction, renovations, and tenant improvements. Types include:

• Building, Electrical, Fire, Mechanical, Plumbing
• Public Works (Right of Way), Signs, Special Events
• Wireless (Construction + Eligible Facilities Modifications)

Visit the Construction Permit Portal for details and applications.

Land use permits

Ensure property use and development comply with zoning and code requirements before construction. Types include:

• Critical Areas, Design Review, SEPA, Shoreline
• Subdivisions, Tree Permits, Variances
• Wireless (Substantial Change + Macrofacilities)

Visit the Land Use Permit Portal for details and applications.

Grading permits

Grading may require either a Right-of-Way Permit (access roads, utilities, common areas) or a Construction Permit (private property work like foundations or retaining walls). See the Grading Checklist for details.

Tree permits

Tree work as part of a Development Permit doesn’t require a separate Tree Permit. Include the Tree Permit application form with your Development Permit application. Additional fees apply.

Special event permits

See the Special Events permit page for more information.

Pre-application meetings give the City’s Development Review Team a chance to review your project before you apply — covering permit requirements, fees, timelines, and applicable regulations. Check if your permit type requires one.

How to schedule

• Meetings are held Tuesdays at 1:30 and 2:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis
• Submit your application and documents at least 11 days in advance (by Friday at 4:00 PM)
• The fee must be paid before scheduling

Apply via the Land Use Permits portal and include a completed Pre-application Meeting Checklist.

1. Log in to the online portal
2. Choose your permit type and subtype
3. Apply document standards and attach documents
4. Make a payment

Required forms

• Revision-Deferred Submittal Form — for permit revisions
• Correction-Incomplete Submittal Form — for responding to permit corrections
• Affidavit in Lieu of Contractor Registration — for construction completed by a homeowner
• Owner Affidavit and Hold Harmless — required for land use applications

How to schedule

Building, Fire, and Public Works: Schedule online by 5:00 PM for next-day availability.
Planning: Requires at least 3 business days’ notice.

Schedule your inspection here →

• Step-by-step instructions
• Off-hours inspection request form

Permit expirations and extensions

Permits may expire if work is not started or required inspections are not scheduled within required timeframes. See the expirations and extensions document for details.

Contact an inspector (6:30–7:30 AM only)

After 7:30 AM, inspectors are in the field with limited phone/email access.

Building inspections

• Mon–Thu: Bill Centen — (206) 431-3678
• Fri: Pete Frederickson — (206) 561-2607

Electrical inspections

• Mon–Fri: Jim Benner — (206) 571-1266

Public Works/Engineering inspections

• Mon–Thu: Eric Pritchard — (206) 702-5769
• Tue–Fri: Scott Moore — (206) 431-2443

To view property information, see the Property Research page.

To see permits currently under review or recently issued, see the Development Review map.

For project notices, see the Public Notice and Participation page.

Annual Permit Performance Report 2025