Plumbing permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a plumbing 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 plumbing need a permit in City of Seattle?
WAC 51-56 requires plumbing permit for installation, replacement, or relocation. Like-for-like faucet replacement exempt. Seattle sewer side-sewer permits issued separately by SPU.
Required submittals
- fixture count + DFU calc
- water heater specs
- sewer line plan if site work
Inspection sequence
- rough-in / pressure test
- final
Contractor specialties needed
plumbing
Notes & caveats
Water heater: T&P relief, expansion tank if pressure >80psi. Sewer line: SPU side-sewer permit required for any work in ROW.
Plumbing permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $6,000 plumbing project (plumbing permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $150 |
| Plan review | $97.5 |
| Technology surcharge | $7.5 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $259.5 |
Plumbing permit fees by fixture count. Standard residential ~$80-$250. Computed from the City of Seattle fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Seattle plumbing — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (3).
- 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 (Plumbing permit fees by fixture count. Standard residential ~$80-$250.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Plumbing permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a plumbing need a permit in City of Seattle?
WAC 51-56 requires plumbing permit for installation, replacement, or relocation. Like-for-like faucet replacement exempt. Seattle sewer side-sewer permits issued separately by SPU.
How much does a plumbing permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $6,000 plumbing project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $259.5 — building fee $150 + plan review $97.5 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.
