Demolition permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition 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 demolition need a permit in City of 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 City of Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which City of Seattle adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“Table A for 22.101.010 lists various adopted Seattle editions of construction codes. For each base code that has been adopted by reference, a copy is available in the City Clerk's Office under the listed Clerk File number. Each code consists of the listed portions of the base code, any additional chapters listed as adopted by ordinance, and amendments adopted by ordinance.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-02
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
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 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 City of 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 City of Seattle demolition — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (5).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Demolition fees commonly charged as flat fee or by structure size. State surcharge $6.50 applies.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull demolition 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
Demolition permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in City of 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 City of Seattle?
Current fee per the City of Seattle fee schedule: Demolition fees commonly charged as flat fee or by structure size. State surcharge $6.50 applies.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.