Permit Timelines and Support

How to Estimate Permit Timelines

We want to help you plan your construction projects efficiently. Use the links below to view our updated permit timeline data and estimate how long your approval process might take:

Understanding Permit Metrics

This line chart shows both the current and historical trends for how many days it takes for us to approve most permits. We show this from when we receive an application to when the permit is ready to issue.

"Most" refers to the 75th percentile of applications. This means that 75 percent of permits are approved within the number of days shown on the chart.

  • Days Under City Control
  • Days Under Applicant Control
  • Total Days

Why the Metrics Don’t Add Up

When planning project schedules, you might expect the "Total Days" to equal the sum of the other two metrics. However, "Days Under City Control" and "Days Under Applicant Control" do not add up to the total. If you add them together, they will not match the final number.

This happens for two main reasons:

  • Each metric is calculated independently using a group of permits from the same quarter and permit type.
  • Each value represents a different set of permits, not a single permit moving through the system.

Because these metrics track groups of permits, they are not meant to be added together. You should not add them to estimate your project timelines. Instead, look at the "Total Days" metric by itself. This number will help you plan and keep your project on schedule.

Getting Additional Help

Traffic Permits

Whether you have a general question or need specific permit assistance, our Traffic Permits team is here to help. Find the right contact information below to get the support you need.

Street Use Permits

Stay compliant with local regulations and keep your project moving efficiently with our Street Use support team.

  • General Inquiries
  • Coaching Appointments: Schedule a virtual or phone coaching session. We offer appointments Monday through Friday, 10:30 AM to noon and 1 PM to 3 PM. Email or call us to schedule. Please include your name, email address, permit number and specific questions so we can prepare.
  • Assigned Reviewers: Email your reviewer if you need clarification on corrections, have questions during the technical review or need a status update outside of posted timelines.
  • Assigned Inspectors: Email your inspector to change a job start date after the initial inspection, ask inspection questions or schedule an on-site meeting.
  • Mailing Address: Send Street Use documents, including bonds and indemnity agreements, to SDOT Street Use, PO Box 34996, Suite 2300, Seattle, WA 98124-4996.

In-Person Services

We offer limited in-person support to help you drop off documents, get in-language help and get technical coaching for the Seattle Services Portal.

  • Location: Seattle Municipal Tower, 700 Fifth Ave, fourth floor.
  • Hours: Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 10:30 AM to 3 PM.

Transportation

Angela Brady, Acting Director
Address: 700 5th Ave, Suite 3800, Seattle, WA, 98104
Mailing Address: PO Box 34996, Seattle, WA, 98124-4996
Phone: (206) 684-7623
684-Road@seattle.gov

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The Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) is on a mission to deliver a transportation system that provides safe and affordable access to places and opportunities for everyone as we work to achieve our vision of Seattle as a thriving, equitable community powered by dependable transportation.