Bathroom remodel permits in Kirkland: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a bathroom remodel permit in Kirkland, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Kirkland Planning and Building Department.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Kirkland's source.
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in Kirkland?
Like-for-like sink/toilet swap without plumbing-line modification is exempt, but tub and shower replacement does require a permit. New/relocated fixtures or new circuits trigger a permit. KMC 21.06.215(4)(C) exempts "Reinstallation or replacement of prefabricated fixtures that do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes." None of this is exempt in a flood hazard area, a critical area or its buffer, or where the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies. KMC 21.06.215: "Permit exemptions shall not apply to areas of flood hazard or city land use critical areas and their required buffers, or locations subject to the construction requirements of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code."
In the source's own words
“Note: Tub and Shower Replacement does require a permit.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
Required submittals
- Floor plan with fixture locations
- Plumbing diagram
- Electrical layout
- Waterproofing detail at tub/shower
Inspection sequence
- Rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- Shower-pan/waterproofing
- Insulation if walls opened
- Drywall
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor · Plumber · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02)
Who can do this work in Kirkland?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Kirkland and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the bathroom remodel permit with Kirkland Planning and Building Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Kirkland bathroom remodel quote.
Notes & caveats
2021 IRC R105.1. GFCI/AFCI required at bathroom outlets per NEC 210.8 + WA amendments. Exhaust fan must vent to exterior (IRC R303). Tile shower waterproofing inspection required (PMG-001 / TCNA-aligned).
Bathroom remodel permit fee estimate in Kirkland
Worked example for a $22,000 bathroom remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $585.40 |
| Plan review | $380.51 |
| Technology surcharge | $33.81 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,006.22 |
Kirkland prices a bathroom remodel's building permit on the value of the work: $113 for the first $2,000 plus $23.62 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $639 for the first $25,000 plus $17.46 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000, then $1,048 for the first $50,000 plus $10.27 for each $1,000 more up to $100,000. Plan review is 65% of that fee, plus the $6.50 state building code fee. For the remodel, plumbing is $30 for each new or moved fixture ($60 at the least, $358 at the most), mechanical $121 for each appliance, new duct system or gas piping ($364 at the most), and the City, not L&I, issues the electrical permit, priced on the value of the electrical work: $83 up to $250, $83 plus $12 for each $100 more up to $2,000, and $331 for the first $2,000 plus $30 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000. A 3.5% technology fee is added to the City's permit and plan review fees (Kirkland Building Services Fees, 2026). Apply via mybuildingpermit.com. Computed from Kirkland's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Kirkland bathroom remodel — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Kirkland Planning and Building Department ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $1,006 for a $22,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Kirkland Planning and Building Department, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Bathroom remodel permits in Kirkland — FAQ
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in Kirkland?
Like-for-like sink/toilet swap without plumbing-line modification is exempt, but tub and shower replacement does require a permit. New/relocated fixtures or new circuits trigger a permit. KMC 21.06.215(4)(C) exempts "Reinstallation or replacement of prefabricated fixtures that do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes." None of this is exempt in a flood hazard area, a critical area or its buffer, or where the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code applies. KMC 21.06.215: "Permit exemptions shall not apply to areas of flood hazard or city land use critical areas and their required buffers, or locations subject to the construction requirements of the International Wildland-Urban Interface Code."
How much does a bathroom remodel permit cost in Kirkland?
For a $22,000 bathroom remodel project, the estimated Kirkland permit fee is about $1,006.22 (building fee $585.40 + plan review $380.51 + surcharges) from Kirkland's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.