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).
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Seattle's source.
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.
How City of Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), 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
- 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
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 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 City of 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 City of 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 | $345.6 |
| Technology surcharge | $60.48 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $1,276.58 |
Subject-to-Field-Inspection if no structural change. 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 kitchen remodel — 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 (Subject-to-Field-Inspection if no structural change. See 2026 SDCI Fee Subtitle.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull kitchen remodel 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
Kitchen remodel permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
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.
How much does a kitchen remodel permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $35,000 kitchen remodel project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $1,276.58 — building fee $864 + plan review $345.6 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.