Bathroom remodel permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a bathroom remodel permit in City of Seattle, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Seattle's source.
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in City of Seattle?
Like-for-like fixture replacement in same location with no plumbing rerouting and no new circuits is sometimes exempt; any relocation, new fixture, or circuit change triggers permits.
How City of Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.56), which City of Seattle adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The Seattle Plumbing Code consists of: (1) all of chapter 51-56 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC) in effect on March 15, 2024, except Sections 51-56-008 and 51-56-0100; (2) amendments and additions to chapter 51-56 WAC adopted by the City Council by ordinance; and (3) Chapter 1, which is composed of all local provisions.”Source ↗verified 2026-04-26
Required submittals
- floor plan w/ 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, electrical-01-or-02, plumbing
Who can do this work in City of Seattle?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Seattle and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the bathroom remodel permit with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Seattle bathroom remodel quote.
Notes & caveats
Construction Subject-to-Field-Inspection + electrical + plumbing + mechanical (exhaust fan circuit + venting). Tile waterproofing inspection required. GFCI/AFCI per WA-amended NEC.
Bathroom remodel permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $22,000 bathroom remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $661 |
| Plan review | $264.4 |
| Technology surcharge | $46.27 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $978.17 |
Subject-to-Field-Inspection typical. Plus electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits. Computed from the City of Seattle fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Seattle 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: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Subject-to-Field-Inspection typical. Plus electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull bathroom remodel permits in City of Seattle every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Bathroom remodel permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in City of Seattle?
Like-for-like fixture replacement in same location with no plumbing rerouting and no new circuits is sometimes exempt; any relocation, new fixture, or circuit change triggers permits.
How much does a bathroom remodel permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $22,000 bathroom remodel project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $978.17 — building fee $661 + plan review $264.4 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.