Side sewer permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a side sewer 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 side sewer need a permit in City of Seattle?
Side-sewer permits issued by the local utility (Seattle SPU; King County WTD; per-city utility elsewhere) under 2021 UPC + city utility code. Triggered by new connection, repair >2 ft of pipe, relining (CIPP), or capping at the property line for demolition.
From City of Seattle's own code
“A. It is unlawful to connect any property or premises to a sanitary or combined sewer, or storm drain, or to construct or to make repairs, alterations, additions to, or to abandon, remove, or cap any side sewer or service drain connecting to the sanitary or combined sewer, or storm drain, without first applying for and securing a permit for such work from the Director of Seattle Public Utilities and without first paying the fee as prescribed by Director's Rule.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-06
Required submittals
- site plan with sewer line route
- depth + slope detail
- cleanout locations
- utility locate ticket
Inspection sequence
- pre-cover (open trench)
- air / water test
- final
Contractor specialties needed
side-sewer-contractor
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 side sewer 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 side sewer quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is the sanitary sewer utility, NOT the building department. Side-sewer contractor must hold city-specific side-sewer card (Seattle: SPU side-sewer contractor registration). Inspection by utility, not city building inspector.
Side sewer permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $25,000 side sewer project (plumbing permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $300 |
| Plan review | $195 |
| Technology surcharge | $15 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $516.5 |
Side-sewer permits typically $150-$500; depth-based surcharge in some cities. Utility-issued, not building-permit-issued. 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 side sewer — 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 (Side-sewer permits typically $150-$500; depth-based surcharge in some cities. Utility-issued, not building-permit-issued.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull side sewer 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
Side sewer permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
When does a side sewer need a permit in City of Seattle?
Side-sewer permits issued by the local utility (Seattle SPU; King County WTD; per-city utility elsewhere) under 2021 UPC + city utility code. Triggered by new connection, repair >2 ft of pipe, relining (CIPP), or capping at the property line for demolition.
How much does a side sewer permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $25,000 side sewer project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $516.5 — building fee $300 + plan review $195 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.