Inspections and Opening
Get Final Inspections and Licenses
Fire Inspection
All fire alarms, sprinkler systems, and other safety systems need inspection by the Seattle Fire Department.
Restaurants with 100+ people need an Assembly Permit.
- When to Schedule: 3 weeks in advance
- Inspection Cost: $379 and up
Electrical Inspection
- When to Schedule: When you or your electrical contractor are ready
- Inspection Cost: None
Mechanical Inspection
- When to Schedule: When you or your mechanical contractor are ready
- Inspection Cost: None
King County Plumbing and Gas Inspection
- When to Schedule: At least 24 hours before you want to have the inspection. Most inspections are done within 24 hours, but an inspector will contact you if they can’t do the inspection on the day you requested
- Inspection Cost: None, included in permit cost
Retail Food Service
Step 1: Food Service Operating Permit
If you are going to sell food, get this permit after your Food Service Plan is approved and construction is done. You will need to get an operating permit before you schedule your Preoperational Inspection.
- When to Apply: Apply at least 30 days before your pre-operational inspection
- Permit Cost: $425-$1,337
Step 2: Food Service Preoperational Inspection
Complete the Final Pre-Operational Inspection Guide (PDF). Check your Food Service Plan approval letter to make sure you followed instructions. Make sure you meet Health Department standards. If you got a plumbing permit, make sure that inspection is done. Once you have taken these steps, you are ready to schedule your food service pre-operational inspection.
- When to Schedule: At least one week in advance
- Inspection Cost: No extra cost for the first inspection. If you don’t pass your first inspection, it costs $486 for a re-check, with extra time after that charged at $243 per hour
Final Building Inspection
Once you have passed inspections for your other permits, and once all your permit fees are paid, you can get a Certificate of Occupancy. Call the SDCI Inspection Request Line (206) 684-8900) for a final inspection.
- When to Schedule: 1-2 days in advance
- Inspection Cost: None
Liquor and Cannabis Board Inspection
If you sell alcohol, the Washington State Liquor and Cannabis Board will visit within 6 weeks of opening. They help you understand liquor laws, check signs and licenses, and make sure you are operating safely.
Signs and licenses must be displayed and are free with your liquor license.
Outdoor Dining
If you got a permit for an outdoor dining area, you do not need to schedule an inspection. You can start using the location when it is installed.
- When to Schedule: You do not need to schedule. A City inspector will come on a set schedule based on when you got your permit
- Inspection Cost: No charge for first inspection; $358 per hour if more inspections are needed
Promote Your Business
Getting ready to open your new business? It's time to let people know about it!
Here's how you can spread the word in your neighborhood:
- Say hello to nearby businesses
- Talk to your neighborhood business group. They might help you spread the word
- Share news about your business on neighborhood social media groups like Nextdoor or Facebook
Small business owners can get 10 free hours of help with a professional to make a marketing plan. Sign up today!
Sign Up for Permit Coaching
See if you qualify for Commercial Space Permit Coaching for free help with location research, understanding what repairs or updates might be required to use a location for your business, and help with your building permits.