Kitchen remodel permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a kitchen remodel 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).
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in City of Seattle?
Cosmetic-only refresh exempt. Most full kitchen remodels touch electrical (new circuits for dishwasher/disposal/microwave) and plumbing (sink/dishwasher), so plan on Construction Permit (Subject-to-Field-Inspection if no structural change) plus electrical, plumbing, mechanical permits.
Required submittals
- floor plan w/ fixture locations
- electrical layout
- plumbing diagram
- WSEC compliance form if envelope/lighting affected
Inspection sequence
- rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- insulation if walls opened
- drywall
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general, electrical-01-or-02, plumbing
Notes & caveats
SDCI typically allows kitchens as Subject-to-Field-Inspection unless structural changes. GFCI/AFCI per WA-adopted NEC. WSEC applies if envelope/lighting modified.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup on the main permits page — 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 (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Subject-to-Field-Inspection if no structural change. See 2026 SDCI Fee Subtitle.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
