How Much Will Your Permit Cost?

The cost of your permit is based on several factors:

  • The size and complexity of your project
  • The value of the work you are doing
  • Additional permits required for your project
  • How long it takes us to review your application and plans
  • Inspection fees
  • Technology fees

Tools for Estimating Fees

Note: If your project qualifies as a Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit, you will only need to pay 40% of the plan review fee calculated in the Fee Estimator spreadsheet.

2026 Fee Code

2025 Fee Code

2024 Fee Code

Send us a question if you need help estimating your permit fees. Be sure to provide detailed information for the best estimate of your permitting costs. 

When Are My Fees Due?

When you need to pay fees depends on the type of permit.

Building Permits

This category includes all types of construction, demolition, mechanical, and grading permits. This does not apply to tenant improvement (blanket) or standard plan permit.

  • If your permit requires plan review. You must pay 75 percent of the total plan review and permit fees when your permit application is accepted. We calculate your final fees, including hourly fees, after we complete our reviews. You must pay all final fees before we can issue your permit.
  • If your permit qualifies as a subject-to-field inspection. We issue some simple building permits with minimal review within 48 hours of when you submit your application. All plan review and permit fees are due when we issue the permit.
  • If your permit requires inspections. Our final fees include building and site inspection costs, but not special inspection fees. Projects with special inspections have additional chargers.

Land Use Permits

  • You must pay the minimum fee when your application is accepted. Minimum fees differ based on your land use permit type; see Land Use Application Requirements.
  • We invoice regularly for hourly review fees that exceed the minimum fee; invoices are due when you receive them.
  • We calculate final fees after we complete our reviews. You must pay all final fees before we can issue your permit.

Equipment Permits

This category includes boiler, electrical, elevator, refrigeration, and side sewer permits. You can apply for these permits through the Seattle Services Portal without an appointment. All plan review and permit fees are due when we issue the permit.

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Construction and Inspections

Brooke D. Belman, Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: P.O. Box 34019, Seattle, WA, 98124-4019
Phone: (206) 684-8600
Phone Alt: Violation Complaint Line: (206) 615-0808
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SDCI issues land use, construction, and trade permits, conducts construction and housing-related inspections, ensures compliance with our codes, and regulates rental rules. SDCI is committed to an antiracist workplace and to addressing racism through our work in the community.