Deck permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck 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 deck need a permit in City of Seattle?
Permit required if: deck >18in above grade, OR roof deck, OR in an ECA. Decks ≤18in above grade and outside ECAs are exempt. If deck >36in above grade, it counts toward lot coverage. If deck >8ft tall, has long beams, is a roof deck, or in an ECA → Construction Permit (Addition/Alteration); otherwise Subject-to-Field-Inspection.
In the source's own words
“You need a permit to build a deck if it is: More than 18 inches above the ground”Source ↗verified 2026-09-24
Required submittals
- site plan with setbacks
- section / detail drawings
- lot coverage calc if >36in above grade
Inspection sequence
- footing
- framing
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
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 deck 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 deck quote.
Notes & caveats
Most residential decks qualify for Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit. In NR zones a deck more than 18 in above grade meets the setbacks (front and rear 15 ft for one or two units, side 5 ft average and 3 ft minimum, no rear setback on an alley); a deck 18 in or lower may sit in any setback (SMC 23.44.090 Table A and H.1). Architect/engineer stamp typically not required.
Deck permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $597 |
| Plan review | $238.8 |
| Technology surcharge | $41.79 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $884.09 |
Subject-to-Field-Inspection permits pay 40% of plan-review fee from SDCI Fee Estimator. See 2026 Fee Subtitle. 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 deck — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (3).
- 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 permits pay 40% of plan-review fee from SDCI Fee Estimator. See 2026 Fee Subtitle.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull deck 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
Deck permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in City of Seattle?
Permit required if: deck >18in above grade, OR roof deck, OR in an ECA. Decks ≤18in above grade and outside ECAs are exempt. If deck >36in above grade, it counts toward lot coverage. If deck >8ft tall, has long beams, is a roof deck, or in an ECA → Construction Permit (Addition/Alteration); otherwise Subject-to-Field-Inspection.
How much does a deck permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $884.09 — building fee $597 + plan review $238.8 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.