The Ultimate Guide to Bathroom Remodeling Permits in Seattle (2025)

Cosmetic Updates (No Permit Required)

If you're only upgrading the appearance of your bathroom without altering major systems, you can skip the permit. That includes:

• Painting walls or refinishing surfaces
• Replacing cabinets or countertops
• Re-tiling floors or walls
• Installing trim or molding
• Swapping out light fixtures (as long as you’re not touching the wiring)
• Replacing a sink, faucet, or toilet in the same location

Seattle allows “minor repairs or alterations” under $6,000 (including labor and materials) within a 6-month period to be done without a permit.

But even if a permit isn’t required, your work must still meet code—for example, bathroom outlets must be GFCI-protected for safety.

Structural, Plumbing, or Electrical Changes (Permit Required)

If your remodel involves moving, modifying, or installing anything related to plumbing, electricity, walls, or ventilation, you need a permit. This includes:

• Moving or removing walls (even non-load-bearing ones)
• Altering structural supports (like modifying floor joists)
• Changing plumbing lines (moving a sink, toilet, or shower)
• Rewiring electrical systems (installing new outlets or extending circuits)
• Installing or rerouting ventilation (adding an exhaust fan or HVAC duct)
• Adding or enlarging windows (modifying the building’s exterior)

For example, if you’re converting a bathtub into a walk-in shower, you must get a plumbing permit. That’s because Seattle’s building code requires a 2-inch drain for showers, while many older tubs have only a 1.5-inch drain—which could cause drainage issues if not upgraded.

Still Not Sure If You Need a Permit?

If you're on the fence, Seattle’s official permit guidelines list exactly which projects require approval. You can check them at SEATTLE.GOV or call Seattle’s Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI) at (206) 684-8600.

Updated Building Codes: What’s Different?

Seattle adopted the 2018/2021 International Building Codes with local amendments in late 2024. Any permits issued in 2025 must follow these updated regulations.

Here’s what has changed:

• Plumbing upgrades
  • Larger drain sizes for showers (minimum 2-inch drain required)
  • Stricter venting requirements to prevent sewer gas leaks
  • New water pressure regulations to reduce excessive strain on pipes
• Stronger energy efficiency standards
  • High-efficiency lighting required (LEDs replacing outdated bulbs)
  • Tighter rules for ventilation fans to improve air circulation and reduce moisture buildup
• Water conservation rules
  • Stricter limits on fixture flow rates (low-flow toilets, faucets, and showerheads now mandatory)

What this means for you: If you’re remodeling an older bathroom, you may need to upgrade plumbing and fixtures to meet these new standards.

Faster Permitting: What’s Changing?

Seattle’s permitting process has been notoriously slow, but new state regulations (SB 5290) aim to speed things up.

Here’s what’s happening in 2025:

• Stricter permit review deadlines require the city to process applications faster than before.
• More transparent tracking allows homeowners to check permit status online with more frequent updates.
• A backlog from late 2024 is still clearing, as many homeowners rushed to apply before the new codes took effect.

What this means for you: While the process should be faster later in the year, expect possible slowdowns in early 2025 as the city works through existing applications. We recommend you plan ahead and apply early to avoid delays.

1. Building/Construction Permit

Required for: Any structural or layout changes

• Removing or adding walls
• Modifying framing, insulation, or support structures
• Converting a bathtub to a walk-in shower (if structural changes are involved)

Many bathroom remodels qualify for a Subject-to-Field-Inspection (STFI) permit, which is a faster approval process for straightforward projects.

2. Plumbing Permit

Required for: Any changes to plumbing fixtures, water supply, or drain lines

• Moving a sink, toilet, or shower
• Adding new plumbing fixtures
• Upgrading old pipes to meet current code

Plumbing permits in Seattle are issued through Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC), separate from the city’s main permit system.

3. Electrical Permit

Required for: Any new electrical work or circuit modifications

• Adding outlets or switches
• Installing a new exhaust fan
• Replacing wiring or upgrading circuits

Unlike plumbing permits, Seattle handles electrical permits directly, rather than through the state.

4. Mechanical Permit

Required for: Any HVAC or ventilation modifications

• Installing or relocating an exhaust fan
• Adding heating elements to the bathroom

If your project involves sewer work or electrical panel upgrades, additional permits may be needed. Always verify the exact permits required before starting your remodel.

How to Apply for Permits in Seattle

Seattle’s permit process is entirely online through the Seattle Services Portal. If you’ve never applied for a permit before, the system can feel overwhelming. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown to make it easier.

Step 1: Determine Which Permits You Need

Before starting your application, figure out exactly which permits your project requires.

Use the SDCI House Additions and Remodels page to determine if you need a construction addition / alteration permit or a STFI (Subject-to-Field-Inspection) permit if the remodel is small.

*If your remodel qualifies for an STFI (Subject-to-Field-Inspection) permit, it can be approved in one to two days—a much faster process than standard permits.

Step 2: Submit Your Permit Application Online

All applications go through the Seattle Services Portal:

1. Create an account (if you don’t already have one).
2. Fill out the permit application with project details, including work scope and estimated costs.
3. Upload necessary documents, such as floor plans, construction drawings, or site plans (if required).
4. Pay the intake fee to begin the review process.

If corrections or additional information are needed, SDCI will notify you through the portal.

Step 3: Apply for Trade Permits (If Needed)

If your project involves plumbing or electrical work, you’ll need to apply for additional permits separately:

• Plumbing Permits → Applied for through Public Health – Seattle & King County
• Electrical Permits → Applied for through SDCI’s online system

Both permits can be submitted online, and approval times vary based on project complexity.

Step 4: Schedule Inspections

After permits are approved, inspections are required to ensure everything meets Seattle’s building codes.

• Rough-in inspections (before walls are closed) for framing, plumbing, and electrical work
• Final inspections after installation is complete

You can schedule inspections through the Seattle Services Portal, and in most cases, the inspector will provide approval on-site.

How Long Does It Take?

• STFI permits → 1 to 2 days
• Standard remodel permits → 2 to 3 weeks
• Complex remodels (with structural changes) → 6 to 8 weeks
• Early 2025 delays → Some projects may experience up to 4 extra weeks due to the 2024 backlog

Remember, planning ahead and submitting a complete application can help avoid delays.

Estimated Permit Costs

• Building Permit (STFI) – 1.5% to 2% of project cost (Example: A $50,000 remodel would have a permit fee of $750 to $1,000)

• Plumbing Permit – $200 to $300
• Electrical Permit – $200 to $300
• Mechanical Permit – $200 to $300 (if adding HVAC or ventilation)
• Technology Fee – Seattle charges an additional processing fee on all permits

For a precise estimate, use Seattle’s 2025 Fee Estimator at seattle.gov.

Fines and Stop-Work Orders

Seattle takes unpermitted work seriously. If an inspector discovers work being done without approval, you could face:

• A Stop-Work Order, which halts all construction immediately
• Fines of up to $500 per day until you correct the issue
• A requirement to pay double the standard permit fees to get retroactive approval

If your remodel doesn’t meet code, you may also be forced to undo completed work—which could mean ripping out new tiles, drywall, or fixtures.

Resale and Legal Issues

If you ever sell your home, unpermitted work must be disclosed to buyers. This can:

• Lower your home’s value
• Cause mortgage lenders to reject financing for potential buyers
• Delay or cancel your home sale altogether

Even if you plan to stay in your home long-term, unpermitted work could create insurance headaches. If something goes wrong—like a fire caused by unpermitted electrical work—your homeowner’s insurance may deny your claim.

Fixing It Later Costs More

If you're caught without permits after finishing your remodel, you’ll likely have to:

• Hire an engineer or contractor to inspect the work and confirm it meets code
• Open up walls for retroactive inspections
• Pay additional permit fees and fines

These unexpected costs can add thousands to your project. Getting permits upfront is always cheaper.

Seattle Department of Construction & Inspections (SDCI)

Handles: Building and electrical permits, inspections, and general permit guidance.

• Website: seattle.gov/sdci
• Phone: (206) 684-8600

Public Health – Seattle & King County (PHSKC)

Handles: Plumbing permits and inspections.

• Website: kingcounty.gov/plumbing
• Phone: (206) 263-9566

Seattle Services Portal

Handles: Online applications for all permits, fee payments, and scheduling inspections.

• Website: services.seattle.gov/Portal/

Need Professional Help?

If you’re unsure about permit requirements, consider consulting with a licensed contractor, architect, or permit specialist who can guide you through the process. Many professionals handle permit applications for you, ensuring compliance and reducing the risk of delays.