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).
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Seattle's source.
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.
How City of Seattle adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which City of Seattle adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“Table A for 22.101.010 lists various adopted Seattle editions of construction codes. For each base code that has been adopted by reference, a copy is available in the City Clerk's Office under the listed Clerk File number. Each code consists of the listed portions of the base code, any additional chapters listed as adopted by ordinance, and amendments adopted by ordinance.”Source ↗verified 2026-04-26
Required submittals
- if structural change: header schedule, structural detail, NFRC sticker
Inspection sequence
- rough-opening (if structural)
- final (if permit required)
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 window replacement 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 window replacement quote.
Notes & caveats
WSEC R402.4 requires replacement windows U-factor ≤0.30 (zone 4C). Egress (IRC R310) preserved on sleeping-room windows.
Window replacement permit fee estimate in City of Seattle
Worked example for a $8,000 window replacement project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $437 |
| Plan review | $174.8 |
| Technology surcharge | $30.59 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $648.89 |
Like-for-like usually no permit. Structural changes scale with valuation. 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 window replacement — 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 (Like-for-like usually no permit. Structural changes scale with valuation.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull window replacement 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
Window replacement permits in City of Seattle — FAQ
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.
How much does a window replacement permit cost in City of Seattle?
For a $8,000 window replacement project, the estimated City of Seattle permit fee is about $648.89 — building fee $437 + plan review $174.8 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.