Kitchen remodel permits in Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a kitchen remodel 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 — the office that issues the permit at your address, the mapped areas on the lot, and a layout of the room, cited to Seattle's source.
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in 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.
How Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which 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
- 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 contractor · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02) · Plumber
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 kitchen remodel 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 kitchen remodel quote.
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.
Kitchen remodel permit fee estimate in Seattle
Worked example for a $35,000 kitchen remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $864 |
| Plan review | $345.60 |
| Technology surcharge | $60.48 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,276.58 |
Where a kitchen remodel needs an SDCI permit, it is usually a subject-to-field-inspection permit unless the structure changes. 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. 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). A $40,000 remodel comes to about $1,390. SDCI, not L&I, issues the electrical permit: $26.28 for each new or altered branch circuit up to 25 amps and $43.80 for 30 to 50 amps, plus a $55.48 administrative fee, minimum $105.12. Plumbing and gas piping permits come from Public Health – Seattle & King County, which sets and collects their fees. 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. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your kitchen remodel in Seattle — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address and whether the lot is in a critical area or a flood hazard area, which Seattle's rule turns on; you can lay out the room there too.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 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 $1,277 for a $35,000 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
Kitchen remodel permits in Seattle — FAQ
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in 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.
How much does a kitchen remodel permit cost in Seattle?
For a $35,000 kitchen remodel project, the estimated Seattle permit fee is about $1,276.58 (building fee $864 + plan review $345.60 + surcharges) from Seattle's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.