Clearing and grading permit

What is the purpose of clearing and grading permits?

Clearing and grading permits regulate clearing and removal of vegetation, excavation, grading and earthwork construction within unincorporated King County. These regulations protect public health, safety and welfare by minimizing stormwater impacts and aquatic and wildlife habitat loss from adverse impacts generated by the removal of vegetation and alteration of landforms. Other protections include water quality from adverse impacts associated with erosion and sedimentation, and critical areas from adverse clearing and grading activities. The regulations also facilitate and encourage long term forest practice and agricultural production operations where appropriate.

What activities require a clearing or grading permit?

A Clearing Permit is required for any removal of trees or vegetation from a critical area or from properties subject to urban clearing standards or clearing restrictions in a special district overlay defined in 21A.38 (PDF*, 344KB) of the King County Code (KCC).

Clearing over 7000 square feet on RA zoned properties or removal of 5000 board feet of merchantable timber also requires a permit. A separate forest practices permit may also be required.

A Grading Permit is required for any amount of grading around a critical area. Otherwise the threshold for a grading permit is 100 cubic yards or creation of 2000 square feet of new impervious surface. If more than 500 cubic yards is to be disturbed, a SEPA checklist is required.

Exemptions to clearing and grading permit requirements are listed in KCC 16.82.050 (PDF*, 398KB). Also refer to DDES customer information bulletin #28, Clearing and Grading Permits (PDF*, 157KB).

See also FAQ related to clearing and grading.

How much will it cost?

See DDES' current fee schedule for clearing and grading for fee estimates.

Where can I get an application?

• Refer to the Clearing & Grading Permits 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?

See information on pre-applications for those permits that require a pre-application meeting.  Refer to bulletin #28, Clearing and Grading Permits (PDF*, 157KB), for application information for projects that may not require a pre-application.

What is the timeline for processing this type of permit?

Decision type 1 unless an Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) is required; 90 days.

Notes / Comments

For more information:

• See FAQ related to clearing and grading
• Type 1-4 Applicant Designation 
• Bulletin #28: Clearing and Grading Permits (PDF*, 157KB)
• Bulletin #40: Financial Guarantees (PDF*, 123KB)
• King County Road Standards 
• King County Post-construction Soil Standard
• Surface Water Design Manual

Legal authority

Chapter 16.82 (PDF*, 398KB) and 20.20 (PDF*, 351KB) of the King County Code

Administered by

DDES Land Use 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.