Seattle Kitchen Remodel Permits 2026
Seattle kitchen remodel permit fees, plan review, and required inspections for 2026.
Seattle Kitchen Remodel permit basics
- Building department: Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
- Department URL: https://www.seattle.gov/sdci
- Permit fee typical: $200 - $1,200 permit fee
- Plan review + approval: 10-25 business days; plan check 6-12 weeks
- Inspections required: 4-6 inspections (electrical rough, plumbing rough, framing, insulation, drywall, final)
Seattle Kitchen Remodel common issues
GFCI placement, ventilation requirements (microwave OTR vs hood), gas line work requires separate permit.
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 Kitchen Remodel 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 Kitchen Remodel 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.
Track Seattle permits with KaamCam
KaamCam jobs have built-in permit tracking - permit number, date issued, inspection schedule, and inspector contact. Auto-reminders before each inspection date. $12 per seat per month. Start a free 7-day trial.