Building Permit Renewals
What Is It?
Construction, demolition, mechanical, and grading permits typically expire 18 months after the issue date. However, you can renew these permits up to 30 days before the expiration date. You can reestablish your permit if it has been expired for less than one year.
You can renew or re-establish your permit if:
- Any land use permit associated with your building permit has not expired
- You can’t start or finish the work you got your permit for because of circumstances beyond your control such as litigation, appeals, strikes, or other causes
If you apply for renewal or reestablishment more than 18 months after a new or revised edition of the building codes goes into effect:
- We must determine that your current permit complies, or can be modified to comply, with the current codes
- The work you got your permit for must be substantially underway and moving ahead at a rate we approve of. This means that work such as excavation, inspections, and installation of framing, electrical, mechanical, and finish work is being completed on a continuing basis.
If your site is located in an environmentally critical area, such as a steep slope or wetland, we may also ask for:
- Proof the excavation contractor has liability insurance, if we requested it during the original permit application
- A letter of certification from the geotechnical engineer of record for your site conditions
How Much Does it Cost?
The renewal or reestablishment of development permits and/or separate mechanical permits is one-and-a-half times our hourly fee.
How Long Does it Take?
We try to issue renewal or reestablishment permits within 48 hours after you apply.
Steps to Get
Apply for all renewals and reestablishments online at the Seattle Services Portal.