Residential building permit

What is the purpose of a residential building permit?

A residential building permit is required in unincorporated King County to construct a new residential building structure or for certain improvements to assure the development is consistent with building codes and other applicable regulations.

What activities require this permit?

A residential building permit is required for:

A new residence, mobile home, or accessory dwelling unit
Any accessory structures such as garages and residential storage structures (detached storage building less than 200 square feet in area are exempt)
Improvements and additions to existing residences or accessory structures
Decks over 30” above grade; retaining walls over 4’ height; and fences over 6’ in height
Heating and air-conditioning systems, fireplaces, woodstoves and other heating devices or ventilation systems
Relocation or demolition of a structure
Changing the use to of a home to a daycare, adult family home or a home occupation.

A basic residential permit also is available for builders who have a previously approved registered plan and intend to construct the same house on one or more building sites (see DDES Customer Information Bulletin #12A, Residential Basics Program*).

Please see related permits administered by other agencies that typically are required with a residential building permit.

How much will it cost?

See DDES' current fee schedule for an estimate.

Where can I get an application?

Refer to the following packets 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?

See Applying for a permit at DDES and Drop-offs: Permits accepted by drop-off or mail*. Note that some permits can be issued over the counter. For an over-the-counter submittal, make an appointment by calling 206-296-6797.

What is the timeline for processing a residential building permit?

Varies depending on permit decision type (refer to King County Code Title 20*).

Notes / Comments

For more information:

Legal authority

Title 16* of the King County Code

Administered by

DDES Building Services Division

Contact

For questions, please contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600.

*Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. See helpful hints for assistance.

To request information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY 206-296-7217.

Types of permits Building Commercial Residential Agricultural Related Land Use Fire related Other applications Other agencies	KING COUNTY HOME \| NEWS \| SERVICES \| DIRECTORY \| CONTACT DDES Department of Development and Environmental Services You're in: DDES » Permit information » Types of permits » Building » Residential print Residential building permit What is the purpose of a residential building permit? A residential building permit is required in unincorporated King County to construct a new residential building structure or for certain improvements to assure the development is consistent with building codes and other applicable regulations. What activities require this permit? A residential building permit is required for: A new residence, mobile home, or accessory dwelling unit Any accessory structures such as garages and residential storage structures (detached storage building less than 200 square feet in area are exempt) Improvements and additions to existing residences or accessory structures Decks over 30” above grade; retaining walls over 4’ height; and fences over 6’ in height Heating and air-conditioning systems, fireplaces, woodstoves and other heating devices or ventilation systems Relocation or demolition of a structure Changing the use to of a home to a daycare, adult family home or a home occupation. A basic residential permit also is available for builders who have a previously approved registered plan and intend to construct the same house on one or more building sites (see DDES Customer Information Bulletin #12A, Residential Basics Program). Please see related permits administered by other agencies that typically are required with a residential building permit. How much will it cost? See DDES' current fee schedule for an estimate. Where can I get an application? Refer to the following packets for application materials: Residential - Addition/Remodels, Decks, Garages, or Sheds Packet Residential - Mobile Home Packet Residential - New Construction - Single Family Packet Residential Swimming Pools Packet 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? See Applying for a permit at DDES and Drop-offs: Permits accepted by drop-off or mail. Note that some permits can be issued over the counter. For an over-the-counter submittal, make an appointment by calling 206-296-6797. What is the timeline for processing a residential building permit? Varies depending on permit decision type (refer to King County Code Title 20). Notes / Comments For more information: Bulletin #7: Mobile Home Permits Bulletin #9: Obtaining a Residential Building Permit* Bulletin #10: Building On or Near Waterfront* Bulletin #12: Residential Permit Process* Bulletin #23: Certified Wood Stoves* Bulletin #29: Drainage Review* Bulletin #35: Permits for Relocating Buildings* Bulletin #36: Mechanical Permits* Bulletin #39: Residential Fire Sprinkler Systems* See related permits See shorelines Legal authority Title 16* of the King County Code Administered by DDES Building Services Division Contact For questions, please contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600. *Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. See helpful hints for assistance. To request information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY 206-296-7217.
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	Updated: Apr. 7, 2008