Commercial building permit

What is the purpose of a commercial building permit?

A commercial building permit is required in unincorporated King County to construct a new commercial building structure or for certain tenant improvements to assure the development is consistent with building codes and other applicable regulations.

What activities require this permit?

A commercial building permit is required for:

• a new commercial building structure
• tenant improvements if you plan to finish or remodel an existing building shell
• mechanical (HVAC) or fire systems
• changes in occupancies
• installation of new or changes to existing signs and cellular antennas.

Typically, a commercial building permit will require other related permits, administered by DDES or by other agencies.

Please note: Commercial building permits often require State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review. See SEPA Process* for more information.

How much will it cost?

See DDES' current fee schedule for an estimate.

Where can I get an application?

• Refer to the following packets for application materials:
  • Commercial Construction Packet
  • Commercial - Cellular Communications Facilities Packet
  • Commercial - Sign Packet
  • Commercial - Tenant Improvements Packet
• Request an application packet by mail by calling DDES customer service at 206-296-6600 or
• Pick up an application packet at DDES in Renton (see map and directions).

How do I submit my application?

Refer to pre-applications as a commercial building permit often requires a pre-application meeting prior to application submittal and to DDES customer information bulletin 53, Project management for building permits*, for information about projects that require a Project Manager. For more information, see Applying for a permit at DDES.

What is the timeline for processing a commercial building permit?

Varies depending on permit decision type (refer to Title 20* of the King County Code).

Notes / Comments

For more information:

• Type 1-4 Applicant Designation 
• See Permits Related to Building Permits 
• Bulletin #3: Demolition Permits*
• Bulletin #5: Tenant Improvements*
• Bulletin #8: Commercial/Multi-family Permit*
• Bulletin #13: Ancillary Fire Permits*
• Bulletin #26: SEPA Process*
• Bulletin #29: Drainage Review*
• Bulletin #36: Mechanical Permits*
• Bulletin #40: Financial Guarantees*
• Bulletin #42: Laws and Rules Governing Building and Development*
• Bulletin #44: Underground Fuel Tanks*
• Bulletin #53: Project Management for Building Permits*
• King County Road Standards 
• Surface Water Design Manual 
• Bulletin #34a: Road Design Variance*
• Bulletin #34b: Drainage Design Variances or Adjustments*

Legal authority

Title 16* of the King County Code

Administered by

DDES Building Services Division

Contact

For questions, please contact DDES customer service at 206-296-6600.

*Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. See helpful hints for assistance.

To request this information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY Relay: 711.