Several increases in Seattle’s development permit fees were recently approved by the Seattle City Council as a part of DPD’s 2007 budget. The changes were made to cover costs and will go into effect Jan. 1, 2007.

New construction fees: no changes to fee rates for new construction. However, the Building Valuation Data Table used to calculate the value of construction projects for fee purposes has increased in response to the rise in construction costs. The permit fee increases range from approximately 2.6 percent to 4.6 percent, depending on the type of construction. For a wood frame single family residence, the permit fee will increase by approximately 2.6 percent. For a Type V-1Hour apartment building with sprinklers, the fee will rise approximately 4.6 percent.

There will be similar increases for alteration permits, based on the Building Valuation Data Table.

Permit fees for elevators, boilers and refrigeration will increase by approximately 6.75 percent.

Land use fees: no major changes for 2007, same initial fees to cover a set amount of hours, and the same hourly rate for extended review.