Building Permit Revisions
What Is It?
When you make changes to the approved work during construction, you must first get approval from SDCI. Our building inspector may approve changes for work that does not reduce the structure's strength or cause fire and life safety issues. Our building inspector will tell you if you need to revise your approved construction plans.
A building permit revision allows you to submit plan changes to an issued construction, demolition, mechanical, or site work permit. There are two types of revisions: major and minor.
A major revision requires you to reapply for a new permit. Examples of major revisions:
- Substantial changes in the scale of the structure
- Substantial changes in the structural design, such as changing from wood form to reinforced concrete
- Change in the type of construction
- Changes in occupancy that require extensive changes to the construction and life safety design of the structure
- Moving the structure on the site, resulting in a totally new layout
- A totally new design
Revisions that don’t meet the criteria above are considered minor. You can receive approval for minor revisions with a post-permit submittal.
Rules to Follow
You can submit revisions as long as the permit has not expired or been finaled.
How Much Does It Cost?
You must pay for one hour of review time when you submit your revision. You pay any additional hourly review fees when you pick up your permit.
How Long Does it Take?
We try to finish the initial review within two weeks.
How long it takes to get the final permit depends on how complex your project is and how many corrections, if any, you need to make.
Steps to Get a Revision
Determine if you need a revision. Talk to your building inspector about proposed changes to determine if you need a revision. You should discuss changes before making them so the project is not unexpectedly delayed by additional drawings and approval.
Determine your revision type. If you do need a revision, talk with your reviewer to find out if it is a minor or major revision.
Major revisions. Follow the steps outlined for your permit type to reapply.
Minor Revisions. Follow the steps below. Note: Plans are submitted online.
- Complete the required forms, including a new Statement of Financial Responsibility if the property owner or financially responsible party has changed since the permit was issued
- Prepare a summary letter explaining the changes, including supporting documentation
- A set of the revised plan sheets only, minimum size 18” x 18”
- Highlight or cloud the changes on the revised sheets
- A set of revised structural calculations, if applicable
- Apply online at the Seattle Services Portal