Fire safety and building codes
Our lobby services are closed, Customer Service Bulletin. All permit applications can now be submitted online.
King County Permits has suspended lobby services in our Snoqualmie and Vashon Island offices. See available and alternative services
To ensure the safety of all customers and staff members, King County employees are following Public Health-Seattle & King County guidance and the Governor’s pandemic guidelines.
Popular documents:
- King County Construction Guidance
- Occupancy Load Phase 2
- Group Event Policy
- Non-Residential, Outdoor Commercial Use Permitting Options for COVID-19 Safe Start Directives
King County does not issue outdoor burn permits. Direct your inquiry to your local fire district.
For the status of air quality burn bans, check the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, Air Quality Burn Ban Status.
No burn ban in effect
Building and fire codes
Administer the International Building and Fire Codes in unincorporated King County.
Fireworks and
outdoor burn bans
Get information about fire-safety or air-quality burn bans, firework regulations, burning yard waste, and helpful safety tips.
Apply for permits
Building, land use, mechanical and fire permits.
Recreational fire rules
- Must be built in a metal or concrete fire pit
- Not grow larger than 3-feet in diameter
- Be set in a clear spot free from vegetation for at least 10-feet in width
- Be at least 25-feet from any structure
- Allow 20-foot high clearance from overhanging branches
- Be watched at all times by an alert person with equipment capable of putting the fire out
Burning yard waste
King County does not issue burn permits. Contact your local fire district. Restrictions such as burn bans may prevent a fire district from issuing a burn permit. Burn permits cannot be issued in areas designated as urban zones.
King County's Solid Waste Division provides alternatives to burning wood and yard waste. Contact them at 206‑477‑4466.
Department of Local Services, Permitting Division
35030 SE Douglas Street, Suite 210
Snoqualmie, WA 98065-9266
206-296-6600 | DPERWebinquiries@kingcounty.gov
In-person customer service hours - Permitting Office is closed (see details at the top of web page)
If you have questions or would like to inquire about alternatives, please email DPERWebInquiries@kingcounty.gov.