Plan Review
Along with construction inspection services, plan review ensures buildings under construction and those being remodeled are in accordance with the Seattle Fire Code and that key safety systems such as fire alarms and fire sprinklers are designed correctly and work properly at the time the building is occupied.
Latest News
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2021 Seattle Code Adoption - The target effective date for the new construction codes in Seattle including the Fire Code is delayed to no sooner than early 2024. The City of Seattle started accepting applications using the 2021 Washington Codes on July 1, if they are accompanied by a code modification request. If the request relates to a Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections permit, use the SDCI Code Modification form and submit the request to SDCI. If the request is specific to a Seattle Fire Code approval, use the SFD Code Alternate form. If any part of a project is approved under the 2021 codes, all of the project must use the 2021 codes.
- The Seattle Fire Code has pre-implemented 2021 and 2024 provisions related to Energy Storage Systems (ESS). Learn how to submit plans that comply with these code requirements in our ESS Information Sheet and Administrative Rule 12.01.2022.
How to submit your plans
Fire protection system plans must be submitted electronically to the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI). See CAM 5002, Electronic File Standards: Shop Drawings for Fire Protection Systems, for additional information. SDCI has provided additional resources in the Services Portal Help Center including information on how to submit e-plans. A small number of projects request code alternates or approval to use alternate means and methods.
Plan Review and Inspection Fees
Fees for plan review are separate and in addition to any SDCI fees. Seattle Fire Plan Review fees are collected by cashiers at SDCI or online when you pay for SDCI permits.
| Plan Review | Fee |
|---|---|
| Building plans and fire protection system designs | $305 per hour (one hour minimum) |
| Development-Related Fee (applied only to projects receiving a construction or phased construction permit) | 15% of the Development Fee Index calculated from project value as specified in Table D-1 for 22.900D.010 |
$305 per hour, with a one-hour minimum and thereafter in quarter-hour increments.
The length of time to review a plan will vary with the size and complexity of the project. Plans that are unusual, request a variance, or have errors or omissions, are likely to incur a higher fee as a lengthier plan review will be required. The range of fees provided below is expected to cover most projects. As plans differ, the fees may be less or more than the ranges indicated below.
Estimates of the range of time it may take to review types of plans.
| Description | Estimated Range for Review | |
|---|---|---|
| Hours | Fee | |
| Minor Tenant Improvement - Fire Alarm | 1 hour | $305 |
| Minor Tenant Improvement - Fire Sprinkler | 1 hour | $305 |
| 4 Story Mixed Use or Residential - Fire Alarm | 2 - 3 hours | $610 - $915 |
| 4 Story Mixed Use or Residential - Fire Sprinkler | 4 - 8 hours | $1,200 - $2,440 |
| 6 - 7 Story Mixed Use - Fire Alarm | 2 - 4 hours | $610 - $1,220 |
| 6 - 7 Story Mixed Use - Fire Sprinkler | 5 - 15 hours | $1,525 - $4,575 |
| High Rise - Fire Alarm | 6 - 12 hours | $1,830 - $3,660 |
| High Rise - Fire Sprinkler | 12 - 18 hours | $3,660 - $5,490 |
Fees are collected by SDCI when you pay for permits and/or receive your approved plan set.