Roofing permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a roofing / re-roof 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 roofing / re-roof need a permit in City of Seattle?
Seattle requires re-roof permit for residential (R-3) — even straight tear-off + replace. Some structural-decking-only or repair work may be exempt under SDCI client assistance memo.
Required submittals
- scope description
- manufacturer underlayment + flashing details
Inspection sequence
- mid-roof / underlayment
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Underlayment, ice/water shield at eaves + valleys (IRC R905.1.2). WSEC if removing decking and exposing insulation.
Roofing permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $16,000 roofing / re-roof project (reroof permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $300 |
| Plan review | $195 |
| Technology surcharge | $15 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $514.5 |
Larger or complex re-roof: ~$300 flat. 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 roofing / re-roof — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (2).
- 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 (Re-Roof Permit — flat fee. See 2026 SDCI Fee Subtitle.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Roofing permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a roofing / re-roof need a permit in City of Seattle?
Seattle requires re-roof permit for residential (R-3) — even straight tear-off + replace. Some structural-decking-only or repair work may be exempt under SDCI client assistance memo.
How much does a roofing / re-roof permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $16,000 roofing / re-roof project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $514.5 — building fee $300 + plan review $195 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.
