Permits for a Business Remodel Project
Design and Plan
Why Hire a Professional?
Hiring an architect and a contractor might cost a lot at first, but in the end, it can save you lots of time and money. Find an architect who has experience with small business projects in Seattle. They will know about City and County requirements.
You must hire an architect if your project location is bigger than 4,000 square feet, or if it affects important things like fire exits, walls, or stairs.
Design Your Location to Save Money
The way you design your location can change what kind of permits you need. Some things that might need more permits include:
- Adding windows might mean you need to follow new energy code rules
- Moving walls or ceilings could mean changes to fire alarms or sprinklers
- Changing how people exit the building could mean more rules to follow
Hire a Contractor and Create Schedule
After your design is ready, hire a contractor to do the building work. A professional contractor who has experience with small business projects in Seattle can help you through your project.
When you have a contractor, talk about the construction schedule with them. Make sure you both know which permits they will apply for and which ones you will need to take care of.
You can find more information about hiring a contractor from Washington State Labor & Industries.
Get Permits
We recommend applying for all the permits you need at about the same time. You might not need all of the permits listed below. For example, if you’re not serving food, you can skip the Food Service section.
Getting Approval for Historic Locations
If your business is in a historic or landmark building in Seattle, you need a Historic Preservation Certificate of Approval from the Seattle Department of Neighborhoods before you get other permits.
There are historic districts in areas of Ballard, Sand Point, Fort Lawton, North Capitol Hill, Pike Place Market, Pioneer Square, the Chinatown-International District, and Columbia City.
Talk with the Historic Preservation Program staff to make sure your plans follow the rules.
- How Long It Takes: 4-6 weeks or longer for some projects
- Permit Cost: Starts at $25 and goes up with project costs
Construction Permits
You will need a building permit from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). Your contractor can help with this. Apply through the online portal.
- How Long It Takes: 6-12 weeks for review, depending on the project
- Permit Cost: Varies based on project cost; recent small business projects average about $7,000 in total construction permit and inspection costs
Electrical Permit
Most projects need an electrical permit. An electrical permit is for changes you are making to wiring or other electrical changes.
- How Long It Takes: Same day for most projects
- Permit Cost: $52.45 plus more costs per project
Mechanical Permit
You need a mechanical permit for if you are making changes to heating, cooling, or venting systems.
- How Long It Takes: 2-9 weeks
- Permit Cost: Cost is usually included in the Construction Permit costs
Fire Alarm, Fire Sprinkler, and Kitchen Hood Suppression Permits
You need a permit for adding or changing fire alarms or sprinklers.
If you are installing a new kitchen or making changes to the kitchen range and hood, then you need a kitchen hood suppression permit. You get these permits from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI).
Once you apply, SDCI will send your plans and drawings to the Fire Department. They will check your plans to make sure they are safe.
You might also need permits from King County Plumbing and a certificate from Seattle Public Utilities that shows there is enough water. For new sprinkler systems, you may need to do a "hydrant flow test" to check if enough water will flow through the system in case of a fire.
- How Long It Takes: Up to 5 weeks
- Permit Cost: $400 per hour for staff time
Plumbing, Gas, or Backflow Permit
You will need a plumbing, gas, or backflow permit if you are:
- Adding or relocating a sink
- Installing a gas stove
- Installing a backflow preventer
- Making other changes to plumbing or gas systems
Food businesses often need plumbing permits. These photos show a new floor drain being installed so the business could add an espresso machine:
Check the Plumbing and Gas Occupancy and Use guide (PDF) to see if you will need to submit your plans for review before you get your permit. If so, then your plans will need to be prepared by a qualified professional and show the plumbing or gas system. Architectural drawings won’t be accepted. If you have questions, send an email to planreviewinfo@kingcounty.gov.
- How Long It Takes: Same day for some projects; 4-6 weeks for projects that need plan review
- Permit Cost: $132 base fee plus $26 per fixture or outlet
- Plan review cost (if applicable): $264/hour for staff time
Review for Food Service Plans
If your business will have food or drinks, you will need a review from Public Health – Seattle & King County before building or remodeling. If the place was closed for less than 90 days and nothing changes, you might not need a review. Contact them at (206) 263-9566 or email ehfoodandfacilitiesplan@kingcounty.gov.
- How Long It Takes: Average first plan review is 4-6 weeks
- Permit Cost:
- New builds: $1,008
- Remodels: $756
- If your review takes longer than usual (exceeds base time) or if you need to redo the plan and get it reviewed again, extra time costs $252/hour
- Please note that these costs are to get your plan reviewed. Later, before you open, you will pay a separate annual operating permit fee
Other Permits You Might Need
Liquor License
To sell alcohol, you need a Washington state liquor license.
- How Long It Takes: Up to 90 days
- License Cost: $200-$2,000
Sign or Awning Permits
If you have a sign or awning, you may need a permit.
- How Long It Takes: Usually about 2 weeks
- Permit Cost: Starting at $181.40
Outdoor Dining Area
For outside seating in public space, you need a permit from Seattle's transportation department.
- How Long It Takes: About 50 days
- Permit Cost: $1,317 initial, $635 for annual renewal
Street Use Permits
You might need a street use permit if you are…
- Doing construction on or in streets, alleys or sidewalks
- Staging construction equipment or supplies on a sidewalk or planting strip
- Crossing the sidewalk with construction equipment, or need to close a sidewalk or road lane
- Installing anything that extends into or over the sidewalk, street, alley, or public area outside your business. This includes things like security gates, canopies, seating, merchandise displays, etc.
How Long It Takes: 5+ weeks for a long-term permit; 8+ weeks for a construction use permit
Permit cost: Varies; use the fee estimator for your project
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.