Do you need a permit?

In general, you need a building permit to change the occupancy of, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or demolish a building or structure.

You don’t need a building permit for…

• A storage shed with a floor area of 200 square feet or less, that is accessory to a residential house or agricultural use
• Fences 6 feet high or less
• Most retaining walls 4 feet high or less
• Replacement of roofing or siding for detached one- and two-family houses
• Uncovered decks that are 30 inches or less above the ground
• Interior finishes (like carpet, hardwood flooring, tile, paint, and wallpaper)
• Window and door replacement-like for like, no structural changes do not require a permit. However, life safety concerns such as basement egress windows should be brought to current code where possible-permit is required.
• Roof-mounted solar photovoltaic panels that weigh less than 4 pounds per square foot on residences

Building Permits, Residential and Non-Residential & Multi-Family

You need a fire system or event permit for…

• Installing, enlarging, altering, or replacing a fire system such as fire sprinklers, alarms, or fire department connection
• Placement of temporary tents or canopies that are larger than 400 square feet and certain special events (see Special Event Permit)
• Firework stands and displays or shows

You may also need an operational permit for business uses such as hazardous storage or assembly.

Fire Permits

You need a grading permit for…

• Grading within a critical area
• Excavations greater than 5 feet deep or 100 cubic yards
• Any fill greater than 3 feet deep or 100 cubic yards
• Creation of more than 2,000 square feet of new impervious surface
• Hazard Tree; If a tree poses an "imminent hazard" to an area frequented by persons, then the tree can be removed without a clearing permit as it is exempt per King County Code chapter 16.82. Imminent hazard means the tree could fail at any moment. If the tree is a "hazard" meaning it has disease, structural defect, lean, etc., and it is not imminent, then the hazard needs to documented by a certified arborist and a clearing permit is required. If you decide to proceed under the imminent hazard provision you should take before and after pictures and keep them as a record of the removal.

Land Use - Clearing and Grading Permits

You need a mechanical permit to install, enlarge, move, or replace mechanical equipment.

Examples:

• Installing a new fireplace or wood-burning stove
• Installing a new furnace, air conditioner, or heat pump

Building - see Residential Mechanical Permit or Non-Residential and Multi-Family Permit handouts.

You need a temporary use permit for uses (gathering/events) that are not otherwise permitted in a given zone. This permit allows the use, if compatible, for limited times and/or frequencies, or allows limited expansion of any use that is otherwise allowed in the zone but that is outside the intended scope of the original land use approval.

Building - see Temporary Use Permits packet