Deck permits in Renton: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck permit in Renton, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Renton's source.
When does a deck need a permit in Renton?
A deck is exempt only if 30 inches or less above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route (RMC 4-5-060 §105.2). Above 30 inches a building permit is required; guards are required at walking surfaces over 30 inches.
How long a deck permit actually takes in Renton
30 permits issued in 2022: half were issued within 33 days of application and 80% within 52 (over-the-counter and plan-reviewed together; the City's records do not separate them).
Days from application to issue, measured by Kolmo from City of Renton residential building permits on the City's EnerGov self-service portal (permitting.rentonwa.gov).
In the source's own words
“Sidewalks, decks and driveways not more than thirty inches (30") (762 mm) above grade and not over any basement or story below and which are not part of an accessible route.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-29
What Renton says in its own permit handout
From Building Permits FAQ, published by Renton. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“Do I need a permit? … Deck: a permit is required if the deck is more than 30 inches (30") above grade. "Above grade" includes a perimeter of 5 feet (5') around the deck.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- Site plan with setbacks
- Framing plan w/ ledger detail
- Footing detail
- Guard/handrail detail
Inspection sequence
- Footing
- Framing
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Renton?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Renton and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the deck permit with Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Renton deck quote.
Notes & caveats
Submittals: site plan with setbacks, framing plan with ledger detail, footing detail, guard/handrail detail. Critical-area / geologic hazard overlay (RMC 4-3-050) triggers additional review.
Deck permit fee estimate in Renton
Worked example for an $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $487.50 |
| Plan review | $316.88 |
| Technology surcharge | $40.22 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $851.10 |
A deck over 30 inches above grade, over a story below or on an accessible route needs a building permit in Renton, priced on the value of the work: $44 up to $500, and $119.66 for the first $2,000 plus $22.99 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000. Plan check is 65% of the permit fee, and the $6.50 state building code fee applies. The City adds its 5% technology surcharge to each of these fees (Fee Schedule 2025-2026). Apply via permitting.rentonwa.gov. Computed from Renton'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 deck in Renton — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $851 for an $18,000 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 Renton Community and Economic Development — Development Services, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Deck permits in Renton — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in Renton?
A deck is exempt only if 30 inches or less above grade, not over a basement/story below, and not part of an accessible route (RMC 4-5-060 §105.2). Above 30 inches a building permit is required; guards are required at walking surfaces over 30 inches.
How much does a deck permit cost in Renton?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated Renton permit fee is about $851.10 (building fee $487.50 + plan review $316.88 + surcharges) from Renton's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How long does it actually take to get a deck permit in Renton?
30 permits issued in 2022: half were issued within 33 days of application and 80% within 52 (over-the-counter and plan-reviewed together; the City's records do not separate them). Measured by Kolmo from City of Renton residential building permits on the City's EnerGov self-service portal (permitting.rentonwa.gov).