Pre-application meeting for a building permit
What is the purpose of a pre-application meeting?
Pre-application meetings are held between a prospective permit applicant and DDES staff before a permit application is filed.
The purpose of the meeting is to discuss project parameters and site conditions pertinent to review of a permit. The intent of the pre-application meeting is to prepare prospective applicants for the permit process and provide technical guidance to assist customers with the application and review process.
Will I need a pre-application meeting for a building permit?
Mandatory pre-application meetings. For large or complex building permits in unincorporated King County, a mandatory pre-application meeting is required as specified in 20.20.030* of the King County Code (KCC). Typically, this includes any project proposing 5,000 or more square feet of building area and/or site development area.
Additionally, proposals on a parcel that include critical areas such as wetlands, streams, steep slopes, critical drainage basins, landslide hazards, or erosion hazards require a pre-application meeting.
Pre-application meetings are NOT required for single family residential building permits, however, they are available on a voluntary basis.
Voluntary pre-application meetings. A voluntary pre-application meeting may be requested prior to any submittal to discuss general permit processing questions or land use requirements. Voluntary meetings are advised for those who have never made a submittal to DDES.
Voluntary pre-application meetings also are offered on smaller projects, should a customer simply want to carefully prepare before submitting an application.
Limited pre-application meetings. Limited pre-application meetings are intended for those who would like to meet with a limited number of reviewers prior to preparing and submitting an application for a building permit. They are designed for proposals that are extremely limited in scope or very conceptual in nature where an applicant wants the feedback of only one or two DDES review disciplines.
How much will it cost?
DDES' standard hourly rate is charged per each DDES staff member present at the meeting. The meeting and any preparation or follow-up time will be charged at the current DDES hourly rate for each staff member involved.
Where can I get an application?
- Refer to the Pre-Applications - BSD Packet for application materials
- Request an application packet by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600 or
- Pick up an application packet at DDES in Renton (see map and directions).
How do I submit my application?
Schedule an appointment to submit your commercial and/or residential pre-application package with Julie Kubota at 206-296-7245.
What is the timeline for processing a pre-application meeting for a building permit?
Pre-application meetings are usually scheduled within a 30-day time frame from the date of submittal. Limited pre-application meetings can be scheduled within 1 - 2 weeks due to their limited scope.
Legal authority
Section 20.20.030* of the King County Code
Administered by
DDES Building Services Division
Contact
To schedule a pre-application meeting for a building permit, please contact Julie Kubota at 206-296-7245 or e-mail julie.kubota@kingcounty.gov.
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To request information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY 206-296-7217.