Siding permits in Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a siding permit in 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 Seattle's source.
When does siding replacement need a permit in Seattle?
Seattle Residential Code R105.2 item 10 exempts siding replacement from a building permit: "Replacement of siding. This shall not include structural changes, replacement of sheathing or alteration to doors and windows." A permit is needed when the job changes structure, replaces sheathing, or alters doors or windows. Item 10 refers insulation to Energy Code R503.1.1, Exceptions 2 and 3.
From Seattle's own code
“Replacement of siding. This shall not include structural changes, replacement of sheathing or alteration to doors and windows.”Source ↗verified 2026-09-22
Required submittals
- If permit required: WRB + flashing details, fastener schedule, WSEC continuous insulation calc
Inspection sequence
- WRB / flashing inspection (if permit required)
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
Who can do this work in Seattle?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Seattle and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the siding 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 Seattle siding quote.
Notes & caveats
WRB + flashing details inspected if a permit is issued. ECA proximity may trigger additional review.
Siding permit fee estimate in Seattle
Worked example for an $18,000 siding project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $597 |
| Plan review | $238.80 |
| Technology surcharge | $41.79 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $884.09 |
Where residing needs an SDCI permit, it is a value-based building permit, usually subject to field inspection. SDCI prices the building permit on the value of the work through its Development Fee Index: $325 for the first $1,000, plus $1.60 for each $100 more to $25,000 ($709 there), $1.55 per $100 to $50,000 ($1,096.50), $1.50 per $100 to $75,000 ($1,471.50) and $1.40 per $100 to $100,000. A subject-to-field-inspection permit, SDCI's simpler path with no full plan review, is 100% of the index plus a plan review fee of 40% (minimum $116.75), and the permit fee is due at application. The smallest such permit is $292 plus $116.75 for plan review. A 5% technology fee is added to every SDCI fee, and the state building code fee is $6.50 on a residential permit (SMC 22.900; RCW 19.27.085). Computed from Seattle's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your Seattle siding — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (1).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $884 for an $18,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI), handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Siding permits in Seattle — FAQ
When does siding replacement need a permit in Seattle?
Seattle Residential Code R105.2 item 10 exempts siding replacement from a building permit: "Replacement of siding. This shall not include structural changes, replacement of sheathing or alteration to doors and windows." A permit is needed when the job changes structure, replaces sheathing, or alters doors or windows. Item 10 refers insulation to Energy Code R503.1.1, Exceptions 2 and 3.
How much does a siding permit cost in Seattle?
For a $18,000 siding project, the estimated Seattle permit fee is about $884.09 (building fee $597 + plan review $238.80 + surcharges) from Seattle's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.