Land-use permits in City of Shoreline: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a land-use / zoning permit in City of Shoreline, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Shoreline Planning & Community Development.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Shoreline's source.
When does a land-use / zoning need a permit in City of Shoreline?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
From City of Shoreline's own code
“Except for subdivisions, master development plans and special use permits for public agency uses or where a different duration of approval is indicated in this Code, vested status of an approved land use permit under Type A, B, and C actions shall expire two years from the date of the City’s final decision, unless a complete building permit application is filed before the end of the two-year term. In the event of an administrative or judicial appeal, the two-year term shall not expire. Continuance of the two-year period may be reinstated upon resolution of the appeal.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-17
Required submittals
- narrative of request
- site plan
- design / elevation drawings if design review
- SEPA checklist (if required)
- mailing labels for public notice
Inspection sequence
- intake completeness
- staff review
- public comment period
- decision (admin or hearing examiner)
Who can do this work in City of Shoreline?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Shoreline and King County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the land-use / zoning permit with Shoreline Planning & Community Development, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Shoreline land-use / zoning quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city planning, not building. Land-use approvals precede building permits and have their own SEPA threshold review. Process timelines run weeks to months; public notice + hearing examiner involvement is common.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Shoreline land-use / zoning — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (5).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Shoreline Planning & Community Development ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Land-use fees vary widely; a variance usually carries an application fee plus cost recovery for the hearing examiner. Apply electronically via eTRAKiT (https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/permit-center-remote-services/register-for-a-professional-etrakit-account).) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull land-use / zoning permits in City of Shoreline every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Shoreline Planning & Community Development, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Land-use permits in City of Shoreline — FAQ
When does a land-use / zoning need a permit in City of Shoreline?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
How much does a land-use / zoning permit cost in City of Shoreline?
Current fee per the City of Shoreline fee schedule: Land-use fees vary widely; a variance usually carries an application fee plus cost recovery for the hearing examiner. Apply electronically via eTRAKiT (https://www.shorelinewa.gov/government/departments/planning-community-development/permit-center-remote-services/register-for-a-professional-etrakit-account).. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.