Fence permits in Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence 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 fence need a permit in Seattle?
No permit required if ALL of: ≤8ft tall, no masonry/concrete >6ft, not in a flood zone, not in/near an ECA. NR zones: 6ft standard, up to +2ft architectural features. Sloping sites: max 8ft if avg height between posts is 6ft.
Required submittals
- Scaled site plan (if permit required)
- Section / detail drawings (if permit required)
Inspection sequence
- Final (if permit required)
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 fence 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 fence quote.
Notes & caveats
Fences do NOT count toward lot coverage. ECA proximity (wetland, steep slope) adds restrictions. Architect/engineer stamp typically not required.
Fence permit fee estimate in Seattle
Worked example for a $6,000 fence project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $405 |
| Plan review | $162 |
| Technology surcharge | $28.35 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $601.85 |
Where a fence needs an SDCI permit, it is a value-based building permit, usually subject to field inspection. SDCI prices the building permit on the value of the work through its Development Fee Index: $325 for the first $1,000, plus $1.60 for each $100 more to $25,000 ($709 there), $1.55 per $100 to $50,000 ($1,096.50), $1.50 per $100 to $75,000 ($1,471.50) and $1.40 per $100 to $100,000. A subject-to-field-inspection permit, SDCI's simpler path with no full plan review, is 100% of the index plus a plan review fee of 40% (minimum $116.75), and the permit fee is due at application. The smallest such permit is $292 plus $116.75 for plan review. A 5% technology fee is added to every SDCI fee, and the state building code fee is $6.50 on a residential permit (SMC 22.900; RCW 19.27.085). Computed from Seattle'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 Seattle fence — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (2).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $602 for a $6,000 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 Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Fence permits in Seattle — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in Seattle?
No permit required if ALL of: ≤8ft tall, no masonry/concrete >6ft, not in a flood zone, not in/near an ECA. NR zones: 6ft standard, up to +2ft architectural features. Sloping sites: max 8ft if avg height between posts is 6ft.
How much does a fence permit cost in Seattle?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated Seattle permit fee is about $601.85 (building fee $405 + plan review $162 + surcharges) from Seattle's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.