Start your application. Complete the Building & Land Use Pre-Application online using the Seattle Services Portal. If you are applying for a mechanical STFI permit, you need to upload your plans and contractor information at the time of your application.
- Tip 414, STFI Mechanical Permits for Commercial and Multifamily Residential
Request a pre-submittal conference (optional). We recommend pre-submittal conferences for very complex projects, including buildings with unusual structural systems, substantial alterations, or work in environmentally critical areas or shorelines. Request a pre-application site visit online through the Seattle Services Portal. One-hour pre-submittal conference fees vary based on the type of conference you need.
- Next Available Appointment Times
- Construction Pre-submittal Conference Application
- Tip 318, Building Code Pre-submittal/Code Interpretation Conferences
Get mechanical tech support. We offer technical backup support to answer questions before you apply for a mechanical permit. This service is available on a first-come, first-served basis for walk-in customers at the Applicant Services Center.
Apply for exemptions. You may need an exemption from code requirements if your project is located in an environmentally critical area or near the shoreline. You may also ask for a code modification if you propose to use a code that Seattle hasn’t yet adopted.
- Code Modification or Alternate Request
- Tip 209A, Shoreline Substantial Development Exemptions
- Tip 327A, Environmentally Critical Areas Exemptions, Relief from Prohibition on Steep Slope Development, and Modifications to Submittal Requirements
- Tip 327B, Environmentally Critical Areas - Small Project Waivers
- Tip 343, Opportunities for Flexibility in the Building Code
Prepare your plans. Plans should be to scale and easy to read.
- for simple projects that don’t require plan review
- Commercial Kitchen Hood Worksheet (page dimensions are 24”x36”)
- Tip 103, Site Plan Requirements
- Tip 106, General Standards for Plans and Drawings
Fill out forms.
- Statement of Financial Responsibility / Agent Authorization Form (if needed, see Director’s Rule 5-2003)
- Heating Equipment Sizing Form
Coordinate with other agencies. You may need permits from other City of Seattle departments.
Prepare a complete set of drawings. Include a mechanical plan coversheet, vicinity map, site plan, and plans and elevations. For a detailed list of requirements see Tip 415, below. Also provide an equipment schedule (an example is in Tip 415) and heating and cooling load calculations where applicable. Be sure to list any exceptions you have taken.
- Tip 415, Applicant Responsibilities and Plan Requirements for Mechanical Permits
- Commercial Kitchen Hood Systems
If you are installing a commercial kitchen hood, include the Commercial Kitchen Hood Worksheet as part of your drawing set on a full-size sheet. - Exterior Unit
You need to show the dimensions from the unit to the property line on your plans. You must meet the standards in our noise code. - Units Weighing More Than 400 Pounds
Include structural information when you submit your permit. You need to include calculations by a licensed structural engineer indicating the existing structure is adequate, as well as seismic calculations for unit anchorage. Include your unit seismic anchor details in your drawing set (full-size sheet), stamped by the structural engineer.
Schedule an intake appointment. You can schedule an electronic intake appointment once your screening is approved and you have completed all required preliminary application steps. You must upload all application documents by 7:00 a.m. on the day of your appointment. You do not need to be onsite during your intake appointment. However, you do need to be available for questions. We may call or email you on your appointment day for more information.
Tip: Submit your completed application early to be eligible for an earlier appointment in case of a cancellation. Once you submit your application, we'll add your project to the express lane. This means your application will likely be taken in well ahead of your scheduled appointment. We can usually take in your application within 2-3 weeks after you upload your complete application.
- Next Available Appointment Times
- How to Schedule an Inspection or Appointment
- Frequently Asked Questions About SDCI Review Status and Target Due Dates
- Seattle Services Portal Help Center
- Seattle Services Portal
Pay fees. Approximately 75 percent of your permit fees are due at intake. The fees are calculated based on your project value. You must pay these fees before we will review your plans.
Make corrections and resubmit your plans. Your project reviewer will send you a corrections letter if changes are needed.
- How to Respond to Review Comments
- Video: How to Respond to Corrections
- Resolve a Permit Disagreement
Pay final fees. We will notify you if you need to pay any final fees before we issue your permit.
- Pay Permit Fees Online
- Get an SDCI Permit Fee Statement
- Reprint an SDCI Fee Invoice
Print your permit. We will notify you when we have issued your permit and the documents are available in your Seattle Services Portal. Print the permit and approved plan set.
Display your permit. Place your permit in a visible location on the project site.
Get related permits. You may need to get additional permits or approvals from other departments.
- Seattle Department of Transportation (SDOT) CAM 2102, Certificate of Liability Insurance
Renew your permit.Your permit is valid for 18 months after the issue date. If your project is taking longer than that, you need to apply for a renewal.
- Building Permit Renewals
- Construction Permit Renewal Flyer
Close your permit. Your permit information will be archived in our electronic document management system.
