Answers to common questions about permits, costs, timelines, and how Fresh Permits can help your project.
Seattle building permit timelines vary by project type. Simple permits like a residential deck may be approved in 2–4 weeks. Residential remodels typically take 4–8 weeks. ADU permits and new construction can take 3–6 months or more depending on complexity and whether design review is required. Submitting a complete application with all required documents is the single best way to avoid delays.
Permit fees depend on the jurisdiction, project type, and estimated construction value. In Seattle, residential permits typically range from $200 for minor work to $5,000+ for major remodels and new construction. Fees usually include a base permit fee, plan review fee (often 65% of the permit fee), and various surcharges. Tacoma and other Puget Sound cities have similar fee structures. Call us at (206) 460-1359 for a free fee estimate for your project.
In most Puget Sound jurisdictions, yes. A building permit is required for any deck that is attached to the house, is more than 30 inches above grade, or covers more than 200 square feet. Even a simple ground-level deck may require a permit in some cities. Seattle requires permits for nearly all decks. The permit ensures your deck meets structural and safety requirements in the building code.
Yes. Both attached ADUs (such as a basement conversion or addition) and detached ADUs (backyard cottages) require building permits in Seattle, Tacoma, and surrounding cities. ADU permits in Seattle involve zoning review, building permit review, and often require separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Seattle has streamlined its ADU process in recent years, but permits still typically take 3–6 months.
If your remodel involves any structural changes, moving walls, relocating plumbing, adding electrical circuits, or changing the footprint of the space, you will need a building permit. Cosmetic updates like painting, replacing cabinets (without moving plumbing), or new flooring typically do not require a permit. When in doubt, contact your local building department or call Fresh Permits at (206) 460-1359.
Permit expediting is a professional service that helps you navigate the building permit process faster and more efficiently. A permit expediter prepares and submits your application, communicates with plan reviewers, resolves corrections, and tracks your permit through the approval process. Expediters have relationships with local building departments and understand exactly what each jurisdiction requires, which reduces the risk of delays and rejections.
Fresh Permits connects homeowners and contractors with experienced permit expediting professionals in the Puget Sound area. Here's how it works: (1) Call us at (206) 460-1359 or fill out our contact form for a free consultation. (2) We assess your project and provide a fee estimate. (3) Our team prepares your application, gathers required documents, and submits to the appropriate jurisdiction. (4) We track your permit through review, handle any corrections, and notify you when it's approved.
Fresh Permits serves the entire Puget Sound region, including Seattle, Tacoma, Bellevue, Olympia, Everett, Redmond, Kirkland, Renton, Kent, Federal Way, Shoreline, and Burien. We also cover unincorporated areas in King County, Pierce County, Snohomish County, Thurston County, and Kitsap County. Each jurisdiction has its own permit process, and our team knows the specific requirements for each.
Yes. Fresh Permits sources permit data directly from city and county building departments across the Puget Sound region. Our permit map and listings reflect actual filed permits with real addresses, permit types, and valuations. However, permit data is only as current as the source — there may be a short delay between when a permit is issued and when it appears in our system.
We update our permit data regularly from official city and county sources. Most jurisdictions are refreshed weekly, with high-volume cities like Seattle and Tacoma updated more frequently. New permits typically appear in our system within a few days of being filed with the local building department.
Yes. Contractors, subcontractors, and building material suppliers can use our permit data to identify new construction and remodeling activity in their service area. Our permit map lets you filter by location, permit type, and project value to find relevant leads. Contact us to learn more about contractor-focused permit alert services.
Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and serious complications when selling your home. Unpermitted work may need to be removed or retroactively permitted, which is often more expensive than getting the permit upfront. It can also create insurance and liability issues. In Seattle, penalties for unpermitted work can be substantial, and the city actively enforces permit requirements.