Right-of-way permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way 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 right-of-way need a permit in City of Seattle?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
From City of Seattle's own code
“No person shall plant, remove, or perform major pruning on any street tree without first obtaining a Street Use permit from the Department of Transportation, for street trees under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation as authorized by Section 15.43.010 .”Source ↗verified 2026-05-02
Required submittals
- ROW work plan / sketch
- traffic-control plan if arterial
- certificate of insurance
- bond if required
Inspection sequence
- pre-construction
- subgrade / base
- final ROW restoration
Contractor specialties needed
general
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 right-of-way 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 right-of-way quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city public works, not the building department. Often required as a precondition to a building permit (e.g. addition w/ new driveway). Bond + insurance commonly required. Traffic-control plan for arterial work.
Right-of-way permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $25,000 right-of-way project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $709 |
| Plan review | $709 |
| Technology surcharge | $70.9 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $1,495.4 |
ROW permit fees vary widely by city; commonly $150-$500 for residential driveway/curb cut, plus per-day occupancy if street obstruction. 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 right-of-way — 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 (ROW permit fees vary widely by city; commonly $150-$500 for residential driveway/curb cut, plus per-day occupancy if street obstruction.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull right-of-way 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
Right-of-way permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a right-of-way need a permit in City of Seattle?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
How much does a right-of-way permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $25,000 right-of-way project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $1,495.4 — building fee $709 + plan review $709 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.