Window replacement permits in City of Seattle: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)

Everything you need to know about pulling a window replacement 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).

Permit required?
Often no
Permit fee
Like-for-like usually no permit. Structural changes scale with valuation.
Review timeline
· OTC eligible

When does a window replacement need a permit in City of Seattle?

Like-for-like replacement in existing rough opening with U-factor compliance: typically exempt. New opening, enlarged opening, change in egress compliance, or any structural header change requires Subject-to-Field-Inspection permit.

Required submittals

  • if structural change: header schedule, structural detail, NFRC sticker

Inspection sequence

  1. rough-opening (if structural)
  2. final (if permit required)

Contractor specialties needed

general

Notes & caveats

WSEC R402.4 requires replacement windows U-factor ≤0.30 (zone 4C). Egress (IRC R310) preserved on sleeping-room windows.

How to apply

  1. 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup on the main permits page — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
  2. 2. Assemble submittals (1).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI)
  4. 4. Track review (typical: ). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 5. Pay issuance fees (Like-for-like usually no permit. Structural changes scale with valuation.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
City of Seattle resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗