Residential building permits cover projects involving one- and two-family dwellings.
We also offer an Earthquake Home Retrofit Program, which can assist in upgrading the structural safety of wood-framed houses.
- New House or Large Addition: Construction of a new single-family residence or an addition greater than 3,000 gross square feet of new and/or replaced floor area. (BS)
- Addition - less than 3,000 square feet: The addition of less than 3,000 square feet of attached floor space to an existing dwelling or the addition of a deck, as well as all buildings and structures not attached to the house. (BR)
- Remodel with Structural Work: Any change within an existing dwelling that does not increase the area and roof sheathing that is being replaced or altered. (BU)
- Remodel without Structural Work: Non-structural work that does not increase the area or height of an existing building. This permit usually does not require plan review and can be issued the same day. (BT)
- Demolition: Demolition of the whole or part of any permanent structure, including a house, garage or storage shed. (BE)
Roof maintenance is an important element in the health and longevity of a building. Whether or not your project requires a building permit, building and energy code requirements must be met. This policy outlines the permitting and energy code requirements for roofing projects based on the type of roofing work being done. Learn more about permit and energy code requirements for roofing projects.
King County updated its Construction and Demolition (C&D) ordinance and best practices for C&D. Information on current waste management requirements are available on the county's Construction and Demolition Materials Management webpage. The county's information provides requirements for handling C&D materials, area maps of C&D material processers, transfer stations and more.