Real estate professionals
Quick links to information of special interest to real estate professionals:
- Online property research tools
- DDES FAQ
- FAQ specific to property (zoning, setbacks, subdividing, permitted uses)
- Getting started with the permit process
- Critical Areas Designation
- King County Code
- Chapter 21A.08* - Permitted Uses
- Building and land use records requests
A lot of information is readily available online for those in the business of buying and selling properties to perform their own extensive research on buildings and land in King County.
Property research. Use online property research tools to find zoning (allowed use), district (fire, school, water, etc.), planning, and Assessor (property description and valuation data) information on property. Look up property using an address, parcel number or street intersection. Check jurisdiction and zoning instructions are online, and for a list of cities within King County and maps showing city boundaries, go to city maps. For permit information on property in unincorporated King County, see DDES' online permit search.
FAQ. Answers to frequently asked questions about land use and permitting issues in unincorporated King County are available at FAQ. Real estate professionals may find About my property FAQ, which addresses zoning, setbacks, subdividing, and permitted use questions among others, especially helpful.
- Rebuild letter/zoning certification. Those in the real estate industry frequently ask DDES for a rebuild letter or zoning certification. To receive one, only a written request with fee equal to one hour at DDES' standard hourly rate ($140 as of June 1, 2007) is required. Drop off the request and fee to the DDES Cashier or mail to DDES, 900 Oakesdale Avenue SW, Renton, WA 98057-5212 (see map and directions).
Getting started. Free sources for information as well as customized property research options are outlined at Getting started with the permit process.
Critical areas designation. Real estate professionals may be especially interested in critical areas designations (CAD) because they are advantageous to both buyers and sellers of property. A CAD helps to identify buildable areas, is valid for five years, and may be transferred to a new owner. Please see critical areas designations for more information.
King County Code. The entire King County Code is online at www.metrokc.gov/council/code. To find permitted uses for property in a zone district, refer to Chapter 21A.08* of the King County Code.
Requests for records or permit history. See Records Center at DDES to research building and land use permits that have been finalized or closed for property in unincorporated King County.
*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.