If you have a simple construction project that does not require extensive plan review, you may be able to speed up your permit application, review, and issuance process by getting a Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) permit, instead of going through the traditional Plan Review process.
STFI permits need only limited review, have quick turnaround times, and cost less. Plan Review permits require more in-depth review and may include discretionary elements, such as variances, or reviews for shoreline or environmentally critical areas (ECAs).
Projects that qualify for the STFI process and the their application requirements are summarized in CAM 316, Subject-to-Field-Inspection Permits.
Examples of types of projects that typically can be processed as a STFI permit:
- Roof repair
- Foundation repair if the foundation is not designed as a retaining wall
- Demolition of a building on a site with more than two buildings
- Ground-level additions up to 750 square feet, with a limited structural beam span
- Structural alterations to an existing single-family house under certain limits
- Detached structures less than 750 square feet with a limited structural beam span
Examples of types of projects that typically cannot be processed as a STFI:
- New construction of a single-family house
- Major structural renovation of a single-family house
- Commercial tenant improvements which modify the exits
- Second story and two-story additions to single-family houses
- Major ground disturbance in a critical area (such as a steep slope)
- Shoreline substantial development
- Variances
- Projects that require routing to other City departments
- Repairs to a nonconforming structure built without permits
If you think your project might qualify for STFI, be sure to read CAM 316, Subject-to-Field-Inspection Permits, for more detailed information, and for a more thorough listing of the projects that do and do not qualify for STFI permits.
Be Prepared
Find forms for many of our STFI permits on the Forms website. Download the forms you need and fill them out in advance.
