Seattle Fence Permits 2026
Seattle fence permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
Seattle Fence permit basics
- Building department: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
- Department URL: https://www.seattle.gov/sdci
- Permit fee typical: $50 - $300 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: 10-25 business days; plan check 6-12 weeks
- Inspections required: 1 inspection (typically just height + setback)
Seattle Fence common issues
Height limits (front yard typically 4 ft, back yard 6 ft), corner lot visibility triangles, HOA approval often required.
Seattle-specific permitting context
Seattle SDCI has strict energy code (Stretch Code). Tree ordinance affects site work. ADU streamlined permitting. WA L&I license required for all contractors.
Climate factors: Mild winters with persistent rain (moss/moisture on roofs); rare snow loads; minimal AC historically but warming trend
Washington licensing for Fence contractors
Washington Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) - required: $117 (initial) + $12K bond + insurance. Board: https://www.lni.wa.gov.
Mechanics lien deadline in Washington: 90 days from last work. Preliminary notice: Pre-claim notice required within 60 days of first furnishing for residential.
Seattle Fence sales tax
Washington sales tax: 6.5% + local (~9.3% combined avg) + 0.471% B&O. WASHINGTON TAXES CONTRACTOR LABOR. Retail Sales Tax applies to total construction contract (labor + materials) on speculative builders. Custom construction taxed differently.
Verify with the Washington Department of Revenue.
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