HVAC permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a HVAC / mechanical 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 HVAC / mechanical need a permit in City of Seattle?
SDCI requires Mechanical Permit for any equipment install or replacement. WSEC R403 requires Manual J/S/D sizing on new systems.
How City of Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.52), 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 2026-04-26
Required submittals
- equipment specs
- Manual J/S/D for new system
- gas piping diagram if applicable
- electrical permit cross-reference
Inspection sequence
- rough-in / gas pressure test
- final
Contractor specialties needed
hvac, electrical-01-or-02
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 HVAC / mechanical 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 HVAC / mechanical quote.
Notes & caveats
Heat pump: electrical permit for new circuit. Gas line: leak test required. WA HEEHRA rebates available for heat pumps (energy.wa.gov).
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Seattle HVAC / mechanical — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Mechanical permit + electrical (if new circuit) + plumbing (if condensate to drain).) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull HVAC / mechanical 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
HVAC permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a HVAC / mechanical need a permit in City of Seattle?
SDCI requires Mechanical Permit for any equipment install or replacement. WSEC R403 requires Manual J/S/D sizing on new systems.
How much does a HVAC / mechanical permit cost in City of Seattle?
Current fee per the City of Seattle fee schedule: Mechanical permit + electrical (if new circuit) + plumbing (if condensate to drain).. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.