Fence permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a fence 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 fence need a permit in City of 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
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 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 City of 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 City of 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 | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $601.85 |
Construction Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit when required. See 2026 SDCI 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 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 (Construction Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit when required. See 2026 SDCI Fee Subtitle.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull fence 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
Fence permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a fence need a permit in City of 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 City of Seattle?
For a $6,000 fence project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $601.85 — building fee $405 + plan review $162 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.