Construction Without a Permit

See also: Land Use Code

What Is It?

You need to get a permit for most construction projects that involve:

• new construction
• alteration or remodeling
• demolition of a building or structures
• a change of use or occupancy on a property (for example if you are changing an office to a restaurant)
• work in an environmentally critical area, such as a steep slope, potential slide, and/or a known slide requires a permit and inspections (this includes any construction, demolition, and tree or vegetation removal)
• grading (excavating, moving, or adding soil to your property)

We may issue a stop work order against you if you start a building, addition, or remodeling project without a permit. If you build without a permit or fail to get a final inspection approval, we may fine you or take other enforcement action against you.

What It Isn’t

This page does not cover projects that do not need a permit; see Do You Need a Permit? You can find a list of permit exceptions in the Seattle Residential Code and the Seattle Building Code.

Rules to Follow

Our ordinances require that you get a construction permit for projects that involve new construction, renovation, or alterations of buildings.

If you need help determining if you need a construction permit for your project, contact us through the SDCI Services page to get free 20 minute coaching from a permit specialist. You will need:

• the address
• a sketch showing existing structures on the property, with dimensions and distances to property lines
• a proposal of your project

Read the Code

• Seattle Residential Code, sections R105.1, R105.2, and R106
• Seattle Building Code, sections 106.1, 106.2, and 108

• Electrical Code
• Energy Code
• Grading Code
• Mechanical Code
• Side Sewer Code
• Stormwater Code

Fines

If you build without a permit, you may be fined up to $500 per day.