Deck Permit in Seattle, WA (2026)

Everything you need to know about getting a deck permit in Seattle: fees, requirements, exemptions, and direct links to the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).

Verified from official Seattle sources — Last checked April 2026

Quick Facts for Seattle

Permit Fees

Valuation-based. SDCI provides downloadable Fee Estimator spreadsheets. ~75% due at application acceptance, remainder at permit issuance.

Processing Time

Subject-to-field-inspection permits (most standard decks): issued within 48 hours. Addition/alteration permits (complex decks): standard review, currently running up to 4 weeks longer than normal due to November 2024 code transition backlog.

Apply Online

Yes — via SDCI Online Portal

Building Code

2021 Seattle Building Code (based on 2021 IBC with Seattle amendments), effective November 15, 2024

Contact: (206) 684-8600

Do You Need a Deck Permit in Seattle?

Permit Exemption

Decks 18 inches or less above ground: no permit required (unless in an Environmentally Critical Area). Decks over 18 inches above ground require a permit.

If your deck does NOT meet all exemption criteria, you must obtain a permit before construction. Building without a required permit can result in fines, stop-work orders, and required demolition.

Seattle-Specific Deck Rules

Seattle uses an 18-inch threshold (not the typical 30 inches used by most cities)
Decks 36 inches or higher count toward lot coverage limits (35-50% depending on zone)
Setbacks for decks over 18": front 20 ft, sides 5 ft, rear 25 ft (residential zones)
Small lot zones (RSL) have different setbacks: front 10 ft, sides 5 ft, rear 10 ft
Decks over 8 ft tall, with long beams, or roof decks require a full Addition/Alteration permit
Environmentally Critical Areas (ECAs) have additional requirements including pre-application site visits
No architect/engineer stamp typically required for standard deck drawings

How to Get a Deck Permit in Seattle

1

Check if your deck needs a permit

Review the exemption criteria above. If your deck exceeds any threshold, a permit is required.

2

Prepare your plans

You'll need a site plan, deck dimensions, framing details, and footing specifications. Check Seattle's specific documentation requirements.

3

Submit your application

Apply through SDCI Online Portal . Pay the permit fee at submission.

4

Build and schedule inspections

Once approved, post your permit visibly and schedule required inspections (typically footing, framing, and final).

Official Seattle Resources

SDCI Online Portal — Apply for Permits Online Fee Schedule Deck-Specific Requirements
Transparency note: The following items could not be verified from official city sources and should be confirmed directly: Exact dollar amounts — use SDCI Fee Estimator spreadsheet.

Estimate Your Deck Cost

Get an instant cost estimate for your deck project in Seattle.

Deck Cost Calculator

Sources

https://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits/common-projects/deckshttps://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits/how-much-will-your-permit-costhttps://www.seattle.gov/sdci/permits/do-you-need-a-permit

Data verified April 2026. Fees, processing times, and requirements are subject to change. Always confirm current information with Seattle's Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI).