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
- rough-opening (if structural)
- 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. 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. Assemble submittals (1).
- 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 (Like-for-like usually no permit. Structural changes scale with valuation.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
