Permitting Process Overview
Research and Resources

The first step in any project is research. We provide online resources and services at the Seattle Municipal Tower to help you conduct your research as efficiently as possible.

 First Step - Zoning and Property Information
Every project requires you to have information about your property's zoning. Due to DPD's current volume of business, finding this information online is by far the fastest method of obtaining it. At our Research website, you will find the GIS map tool. Type in your address, click on the menu items (at left) that you want information about, and click 'Search.' The resulting map with layers should give you detailed information about your property.

You can find information about the various City of Seattle zones by looking at our online zoning maps, downloading our zoning charts from the Publications website, and by reading our Frequently Asked Questions section on Zoning.

Finding out the permit history of your property is also a key piece of information. Check our Microfilm Library for help with historical permit information.

 Second Step - Finding What Type(s) of Permits You Need
Once you know your project's zoning designation, you can begin to collect information that will help you through the permitting process. The best place to find information about the various types of permits is online at our Permit home page (click on "Single Family," "Commercial," or the option that best suits your project), or by reading through our Client Assistance Memos (CAMs) - which are our version of the "cliff notes" for the codes. From these two sources, you should be able to find out what type of permits you need.

Having trouble? Call our Applicant Services Center at (206) 684-8850 to get some guidance. Also, if you have a question about a Land Use issue, you can submit it using our online Land Use Q & A feature.

 Third Step - Filling Out Forms
The CAMs and Permit website will help you determine which forms you will need to fill out for your project. The sooner you read through the forms and gain an understanding of the information we'll require, the more smoothly your project is likely to progress.

 Fourth Step - Call Us and Make an Intake Appointment
Once you have all your information and forms together, you should call us to set up an appointment for screening or permit submittal. Meeting about your specific project with our staff will help you finalize the details and timeline for your project. Call our Applicant Services Center at (206) 684-8850 during busines hours.

Please note, we open late (at 10:30 a.m.) on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Our phones are available at 8 a.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays, and our phones close at 5 p.m. every day.

 Don't Forget
Nearly every project that arrives for our review requires the input from several other City of Seattle agencies. Don't forget to check in with the other City departments to make sure your project will fulfill their criteria, as well as ours.

The websites and telephone numbers for general information at other City of Seattle agencies include:

 

Last Updated: Feb. 23, 2010