Seattle Residential Code
Review the city’s residential code for single-family homes, duplexes, and qualifying townhouses.
Read Seattle’s residential codeSEATTLE · KING COUNTY
Planning a remodel in Seattle?
Seattle has its own construction and land-use codes, plus a dedicated tool for researching a property’s permit and site history.
Get a free estimate Or call (425) 633-5160
CITY OF SEATTLE
Codes, permits, and property research
Use the city’s own tools to check the property, understand the review path, and find the right guidance for the proposed work.
Addition or alteration permits
Seattle requires a construction permit for many remodels and additions; the city explains where simpler work may follow a different review path.
Explore addition and alteration permitsZoning and site restrictions
Check land-use requirements and site conditions alongside the building permit path.
Research a Seattle propertyPermit requirements depend on the property and the exact scope. Confirm the applicable path with the city before work begins.
LOOK UP THE PROPERTY
Permits, plans, and project history
Search the address before design work is finalized. Seattle’s site report can reveal zoning and mapped overlays that affect the project path.
Permit & Site History Research ToolSearch by address or map for zoning, site characteristics, permit records, and many historical plans and documents.Seattle Services PortalSearch permit activity, project status, inspections, and available project documents.SDCI services and coachingSeattle offers live chat, help tickets, and short video coaching sessions with permit and code staff.
WHO TO CONTACT
Seattle department contacts
Choose the city team that handles the question you need answered.
SDCI Customer Service
General construction-permit and property questions.
206 684 8600Building, land use, or zoning
Send a question to the relevant SDCI team.
Contact SDCI onlinePermit coaching
Book a short video session with a permit specialist or land-use planner.
View coaching optionsOlder microfilm records and some approved construction plans are handled separately from the Seattle Services Portal. The city’s research page explains how to request them. See the official city page ↗
NEED A HAND?
Feeling overwhelmed by the next steps?
You do not need every detail figured out before reaching out. We can help you talk through the construction scope and plan a useful next conversation.