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Building, fire, and energy codes

Building, fire, and energy codes


Permitting services are available online via this website and MyBuildingPermit.com. For details and information about our location and office hours, see our Customer Service page.


Outdoor burn permits: King County does not issue outdoor burn permits. Please contact your local fire district.

Air quality burn bans: For the status of air quality burn bans, check the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Air Quality Burn Ban Status.

Recreational fire rules

  • Must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit
  • Not grow larger than 3-feet in diameter
  • Be set in a clear spot free from vegetation for at least 10-feet in width
  • Be at least 25-feet from any structure
  • Allow 20-foot high clearance from overhanging branches
  • Be watched at all times by an alert person with equipment capable of putting the fire out

Burning yard waste

King County does not issue burn permits. Contact your local fire district. Restrictions such as burn bans may prevent a fire district from issuing a burn permit. Burn permits cannot be issued in areas designated as urban zones.

King County's Solid Waste Division provides alternatives to burning wood and yard waste. Contact them at 206‑477‑4466.

Department of Local Services, Permitting Division
919 SW Grady Way, Suite 300
Renton, WA  98057

Most of our staff members are working remotely. Most permitting services are available on this website and MyBuildingPermit.com. Some in-person services are now available in our Renton office. For details, see our Customer Service Bulletin.

Ask us a question « Fill out our form to get a response

Customer service: call 206-296-6600 during the following Call Center hours: 9-11 a.m. and 12:30-2:30 p.m., Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday.

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