Demolition permits in Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition permit in 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 Seattle's source.
When does a demolition need a permit in Seattle?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which Seattle adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“Seattle Residential Code 2021 International Residential Code, Chapters 2 through 10, 12 through 24, 29, and 44 and Appendices AF, AQ, and AT Chapters 1 and 44, in Attachment I to this ordinance”Source ↗verified 2026-10-02
Required submittals
- Site plan
- Utility disconnect confirmations
- Asbestos survey (pre-1981 structures)
- Erosion / sediment control plan
- Haul route if structure >1500 sqft
Inspection sequence
- Pre-demo (utilities + erosion)
- Mid-demo if multi-day
- Final site stabilization
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Seattle?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Seattle and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the demolition 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 Seattle demolition quote.
Notes & caveats
Disconnect notices required from utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) before issuance. Erosion control plan required where soil is disturbed. Bonded contractor typically required. Site stabilization + capped sewer line at completion.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Seattle demolition — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 5 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Seattle's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Demolition permits in Seattle — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in Seattle?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How much does a demolition permit cost in Seattle?
Where a demolition needs an SDCI permit, the fee is 1.5 times the SDCI base fee, $438, plus the 5% technology fee. Capping the side sewer is a separate Seattle Public Utilities permit, $375 for each line capped (SPU Director's Rule FIN-220.2, 2026).