Shed Permit in Seattle, Washington
By Mario Bailey Last verified 2026-06-17 · 2 official sources
Quick answer
In Seattle a one-story detached shed with a roof footprint of 120 square feet or less on a concrete slab or pier blocks does not require a building permit. Sheds over 120 square feet or in environmentally critical areas such as steep slopes or wetlands require a permit from SDCI. Zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits apply regardless of permit status.
Permit required?
Sometimes, depending on the project.
Typical threshold: one-story detached storage sheds with a roof footprint of 120 square feet or less on a slab foundation and not in an environmentally critical area do not require a permit.
When a permit is usually needed
Before building a shed over 120 square feet or near an environmentally critical area in Seattle
Permit cost and what affects it
Fees are set by the locality and are not published here. See the official fee schedule or contact the office for current amounts.
Permit costs generally depend on the project valuation, the scope of work, and the inspections required. Ask the office how the fee is calculated for your specific project.
Where to apply
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections
- 700 5th Ave Suite 2000, Seattle, WA 98104
- Phone: (206) 684-8600
Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a shed permit in Seattle?
- In Seattle a one-story detached shed with a roof footprint of 120 square feet or less on a concrete slab or pier blocks does not require a building permit. Sheds over 120 square feet or in environmentally critical areas such as steep slopes or wetlands require a permit from SDCI. Zoning setbacks and lot coverage limits apply regardless of permit status. The typical threshold is one-story detached storage sheds with a roof footprint of 120 square feet or less on a slab foundation and not in an environmentally critical area do not require a permit. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a shed permit cost in Seattle?
- Fees are set by Seattle and are not published here. Contact the office for current amounts.
- How long does a shed permit take in Seattle?
- Processing time for a shed permit in Seattle varies by workload and project scope. Contact the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections for a current estimate.
- Where do you apply for a shed permit in Seattle?
- You can apply through the Seattle permit portal or contact the Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections directly. The links are listed on this page.
Official sources
Last verified: 2026-06-17 Report an error on this page
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