Seattle Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Seattle’s Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) issues construction, land use, grading, and related permits inside Seattle city limits. A Seattle mailing address outside the city is not enough to establish jurisdiction; use the city parcel and permit tools before submitting an application. Incorporated cities elsewhere in King County issue their own building permits.

Seattle building permits and the Seattle Services Portal

Most Seattle permit applications are submitted through the Seattle Services Portal. Start by researching the property, zoning, permit history, common project requirements, and applicable checklists. The portal supports new applications, payments, record searches, permit status, and access to records for trade, construction, and land-use permits. SDCI says most permit activity from 2005 to the present can be searched by address or project number.

Inspections, zoning, code compliance, and occupancy

SDCI requires inspections specified by the permit, including construction, mechanical, electrical, site-development, and other specialized inspections. Most inspections can be scheduled online or through SDCI’s automated line at (206) 684-8900; inspection support is (206) 684-8950. Land-use review applies Seattle Municipal Code Title 23, while construction work is reviewed under the applicable Seattle building and construction codes.

Before most new buildings or structures are occupied, SDCI must issue a Certificate of Occupancy. Seattle’s official occupancy guidance explains that a change in occupancy classification generally cannot occur until the building official issues the certificate, and fire-final approvals may be part of the closeout process.

Official contact information

SDCI lists its Construction and Inspections office at 700 5th Ave, Suite 2000, Seattle, Washington 98104. The general phone is (206) 684-8600. Use the Seattle Services Portal for a permit search, application, payment, or inspection request, and contact SDCI directly when a project involves zoning, land use, critical areas, or a certificate of occupancy question.