Plumbing Permit in Seattle, Washington (2026)
Without a Plumbing Permit from the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI), you cannot legally install, alter, or repair plumbing systems in your restaurant—and inspectors will issue a stop-work order if unpermitted work is discovered. This permit (also called a plumbing construction permit) requires 32 fields, carries government filing fees of $250–$1,500 based on project scope, and takes 10–15 business days for issuance after submission. Key facts:
- 32 total fields — ApronPrep auto-fills 27
- $250–$1,500 government filing fees (per SDCI fee schedule)
- 10–15 business days for permit issuance; 2–4 weeks for inspections
Analyzed from Plumbing Permit
84% from one compliance interview
Manual entry or document upload required
Why You Need a Plumbing Permit
Seattle's plumbing work is governed by a mandatory permitting process to ensure installations meet safety and public health standards. The primary legal basis is the Seattle Building Code (SBC), specifically Chapter 13 (Boilers and Water Heaters), which incorporates the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC). Locally, this is enforced by the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) under the authority of the Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Title 22. The permit serves as legal proof that all proposed plumbing changes, from a new water heater to a full bathroom remodel, will be installed to code, protecting your business, your customers, and the city's water system.
Operating without the required plumbing permit exposes your restaurant to significant financial and operational risks. Common consequences include:
- Stop-Work Orders: An inspector can immediately halt all construction, leaving your project unfinished and incurring daily labor and delay costs.
- Fines and Penalties: SDCI imposes monetary penalties for unpermitted work, which are often multiples of the original permit fee and can accumulate daily until the violation is corrected.
- Certificate of Occupancy Denial: If final inspections reveal unpermitted plumbing, the city will not issue a C of O, preventing you from legally opening your restaurant to the public.
- Mandatory Demolition: The most costly outcome: inspectors can require you to open up walls and remove non-compliant plumbing so it can be inspected and re-installed properly, effectively doubling your project cost.
- Insurance & Lease Violations: Most commercial property insurance policies and leases are voided by unpermitted work, leaving you fully liable for any damages (e.g., from a water leak) and in breach of your rental agreement.
Legal code: State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
Recent update: As of 2026, SDCI has fully transitioned to its <strong>Project Portal 2.0</strong> for all permit applications, requiring digital submissions and enhancing online plan review capabilities.
Who Needs a Plumbing Permit?
| Type | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Restaurant (Full-Service) | Required | Required for any installation, alteration, or repair of plumbing systems under Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) 22.900 and the Washington State Plumbing Code. |
| Bar / Nightclub | Required | Required for installation of bar sinks, glass washers, dishwashers, and restroom facilities as per SMC 22.900. |
| Food Truck | Not Required | Plumbing work for the mobile unit is regulated under Washington State Department of Health mobile food unit plan review, not a City of Seattle permit. |
| Coffee Shop / Café | Required | Required for installation of espresso machine water lines, triple-sink sinks, and restroom plumbing under SMC 22.900. |
See which restaurant types need this requirement — and which don't.
See Full Requirements →Field-by-Field Guide (32 Fields)
27 of 32 auto-filledBusiness Legal Name
textEnter the exact legal name of your business entity as registered with the Washington Secretary of State or your local business license office, which must match your other permits exactly.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a 'DBA' or trade name instead of the registered legal name (e.g., 'Tasty Tacos LLC' vs. 'Seattle Tacos, LLC').
Street Address
textEnter the complete physical street address of the restaurant project site where plumbing work will occur, including suite or unit number if applicable.
COMMON MISTAKE: Entering a mailing address or P.O. Box instead of the physical job site address, or omitting the unit/suite number for multi-tenant buildings.
City
textEnter 'Seattle' as the city for the project address; ensure it matches the city jurisdiction for your permit review.
COMMON MISTAKE: Incorrectly using a neighborhood name (e.g., 'Ballard') or a nearby incorporated city (e.g., 'Shoreline'), which routes the application to the wrong jurisdiction.
State
textEnter 'WA' or 'Washington' to indicate the project is located within the state of Washington.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using full state name when abbreviation is expected, or vice-versa, though Seattle DCI typically accepts either format.
ZIP Code
textEnter the 5-digit ZIP Code (or 9-digit ZIP+4 if known) for the physical restaurant address; verify it's correct for Seattle.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using a ZIP Code for a nearby post office that doesn't correspond to the exact property parcel, which can delay address verification.
Owner/Authorized Representative Name
textEnter the full name of the property owner or an authorized representative with legal signing authority for the permit application.
COMMON MISTAKE: Listing a project manager or contractor instead of the legal property owner or their authorized agent, which invalidates the application signature.
Owner Phone Number
textEnter a direct, daytime phone number (including area code) for the owner/representative listed, where inspectors or plan reviewers can reach them.
COMMON MISTAKE: Providing a disconnected number, a main business line with no direct extension, or a personal cell number they don't answer during business hours.
Owner Email Address
textEnter a valid, monitored email address for official permit correspondence, inspection scheduling, and digital approval notices from Seattle DCI.
COMMON MISTAKE: Using an infrequently checked email or one that blocks automated government emails, causing missed deadlines and inspection holds.
Description of Plumbing Work
textProvide a clear, concise description of all plumbing work, such as 'Installation of 3-compartment sink, mop sink, and grease interceptor for new restaurant kitchen.'
COMMON MISTAKE: Using vague terms like 'plumbing rough-in' or 'fix pipes' instead of specifying fixture types, counts, and connections, which triggers a request for additional information (RFI).
Number of Kitchen Sinks
textEnter the total count of all kitchen sinks, including prep sinks, hand sinks, and dishwashing sinks, as required for fixture unit calculations and sewer capacity review.
COMMON MISTAKE: Under-counting by omitting hand sinks or bar sinks, which leads to incorrect fixture unit calculations and potential sewer capacity violations.
ApronPrep auto-fills 27 of 32 fields from a single compliance interview — no re-typing, no guessing what the government expects.
Top 5 Plumbing Permit Mistakes
1. Incorrect Scope of Work Description
Applicants often write generic descriptions like 'bathroom remodel' or 'plumbing work.' This causes the reviewer to flag the application for clarification, as the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) needs specific fixture counts (e.g., 'replacing 2 toilets, 3 sinks, and a water heater'). This ambiguity triggers a review stop, adding 7–10 business days to your timeline. Avoid this by listing every new, relocated, and existing fixture being modified in the work area.
2. Submitting Outdated or Unstamped Plans
Submitting hand‑drawn sketches or plans without a professional engineer's or architect's stamp (where required) is an instant rejection. For commercial jobs or any work affecting the building's water supply or drainage system, Seattle requires sealed drawings. Using the wrong plan format adds a minimum 2-week delay for resubmission. Always check SDCI's current plan submittal guidelines before applying and ensure your designer's stamp is current and matches their license on file.
3. Misclassifying the Project Valuation
Under‑reporting the total project cost to try and lower permit fees is a common error. SDCI cross‑checks valuations against typical costs for the scope described. A significant discrepancy can lead to a permit hold, fee reassessment, and potential audit. For example, listing a full‑service kitchen plumbing rough‑in as '$5,000' when industry standard is $15,000+ will trigger a correction notice. Use the SDCI valuation table or contractor invoices to report an accurate, justifiable total cost.
Skip the Paperwork on Your Plumbing Permit
ApronPrep auto-fills 27 of 32 fields from one compliance interview.
No credit card required
Plumbing Permit by City in Washington
| City | Fee Range | Timeline |
|---|---|---|
| Seattle | Contact SDCI for current fee schedule based on project valuation. Typically $250-$1,500+ depending on plumbing work scope. Fees available at https://sdc-permits.seattle.gov | 10-15 business days for permit issuance after application submission; 2-4 weeks for scheduling and completing inspections depending on contractor availability |
| Spokane | $11.00 per plumbing fixture/item (kitchen sinks, grease traps, backflow preventers, floor drains, etc.); 2.5% credit card convenience fee if paying online; contact Permit Center for current comprehensive fee schedule | Not specified in available documentation; contact Permit Center at 509-720-5240 for expected processing and inspection timeframe |
| Tacoma | Contact authority for current fees; plumbing permit fees are typically based on project valuation or per-fixture charges | 2-4 weeks for initial review and approval; inspection scheduling depends on contractor availability and city inspector capacity |
Government Filing Fees
- Contact SDCI for current fee schedule based on project valuation.
- Typically $250-$1,500+ depending on plumbing work scope.
- Fees available at https://sdc-permits.seattle.gov
Timeline: 4–12 weeks
Step 1: Prepare detailed plumbing plans showing all kitchen sinks, grease trap locations, drainage systems, and connections to municipal sewer
Work with a licensed plumber or engineering firm to create detailed plans (typically 2–4 sheets) showing all fixture locations, pipe sizing, grease interceptor specifications, and connection points to Seattle's municipal sewer system. Plans must comply with the Washington State Plumbing Code and Seattle Municipal Code § 22.600 et seq. Most restaurants need plans reviewed by your plumber before submission to catch code conflicts — skipping this step causes rejection delays of 1–2 weeks.
Step 2: Complete the Plumbing Permit Application form from Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI)
Fill out the SDCI Plumbing Permit Application (Form SDCI 108 or current version available at seattle.gov/sdci) with your restaurant name, address, contractor information, and project scope. The form requests 12–15 fields including estimated project cost, which determines permit fees. Applicants without a licensed contractor listed often face rejection — ensure your contractor's license number is current and searchable in the Washington Department of Labor & Industries database.
Step 3: Submit application with plans, specifications, and required documentation to SDCI
File your completed application, detailed plumbing plans, specifications, and proof of contractor licensing through the SDCI PermitHub online portal (permits.seattle.gov) or in person at SDCI's offices in downtown Seattle. Online submission is faster and reduces rejection due to missing documents — the portal flags incomplete packets before you submit. Bring your EIN documentation and proof of property ownership or lease agreement.
Where to Apply
Applications are handled by your local building department in each city. Select your city below for authority details, fees, and processing timeline.
Other Requirements You'll Need
This is one of 13 requirements for opening a restaurant in Washington.
ADA Compliance Self-Certification
federal
Alarm System Permit/Registration
local
Annual Report Filing
state
Application for Employer Identification Number
federal
See all co-required forms and how they connect to your compliance dossier.
See All RequirementsProcessing time varies depending on the complexity of your project and whether corrections are required, per the Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) application guide. Simple plumbing work (like fixture replacements) may be approved within 1–2 weeks, while projects requiring plan review or coordination with other trades can take 3–6 weeks or longer. Contact SDCI at (206) 684-8600 or visit their website to confirm current timelines for your specific project type.
Government filing fees for plumbing permits in Seattle range from $250–$1,500, depending on the scope and estimated cost of the plumbing work, as posted on the SDCI fee schedule. You may also incur additional costs for plan review, inspections, or related requirements like a Backflow Prevention Device Certification if your project involves water supply lines. Contact SDCI to confirm the exact fee for your project before submitting—not legal advice.
No—plumbing permits are location-specific and tied to the address where the work will be performed, per SDCI regulations. If you need plumbing work at a different location, you must apply for a new permit for that address. If your restaurant relocates or expands to a new space, you'll need a separate Building Permit and plumbing permit for the new site.
Plumbing permits do not require renewal in the traditional sense—they are issued for a specific project and expire after the work is completed and inspected. However, if your permit expires before work begins or is completed, you may need to reapply or request an extension from SDCI. Contact the SDCI to confirm expiration dates and renewal procedures for your specific permit.
After you submit your plumbing permit application, SDCI will schedule an inspection to verify that all work complies with the Seattle Plumbing Code and meets health and safety standards. The inspector will check connections, materials, venting, drainage, and water supply lines against your approved plan. Once work passes inspection, your permit is closed and the plumbing system is approved for use—but you may still need to coordinate final inspections for related permits like a Certificate of Occupancy before your restaurant can operate.
About This Data
This guide is generated from ApronPrep's compliance dossier system, which uses 53 parallel AI authority experts to discover requirements, then downloads actual forms and generates field-level intelligence for each one.
For Washington specifically, we have analyzed compliance dossiers for 3 cities (Seattle, Spokane, Tacoma), generating Rich FILs (Form Intelligence Layers) with 32 form fields analyzed for this requirement. Fee data is sourced from actual county department fee schedules, not estimates.
Our data is verified against official government sources and updated when regulatory changes are detected. If you find an error, please report it — accuracy is our core commitment.
Sources
- State building code (locally administered), local building ordinances, state accessibility code
- Spokane — Building Department / Inspectional Services
- Tacoma — Building Department / Inspectional Services
This Form Is One of 60+ Requirements.
ApronPrep discovers every permit your city requires — including the ones generic checklists miss. Pick your city for the complete package.