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Permit fees

Go to current fee estimates for an estimate of permit fees according to permit type.

Be sure to also look at application materials and customer information bulletins where you can find application packets and helpful customer information for many of our permit types.

Factors to keep in mind when reviewing DDES fee estimates:

  • As of June 1, 2007, the DDES current standard hourly rate is $140/hour. DDES fees are based on the latest fee ordinance adopted by the King County Council and are subject to change.

    • Valuation-based building permit fees were reduced to pre-2004 levels effective January 1, 2005. For more information, see King County Executive Sims' news release, Some building permit fees to be rebated and rolled back to 2003 levels.

  • Fee estimates are only a guide. The fees listed are intended as a guide only and are not intended as the maximum fee that would be charged for any given development proposal. Detailed fee estimates will be prepared for projects included in the project management/coordination process. The time to prepare the estimates will be charged at the department's hourly rate.

  • Typical review stations. For each permit type, review stations that are typically involved with permit review are listed. These lists cannot account for all development and property condition scenarios, variations of which can affect total fees.

  • Application quality. It is in the customer’s best interest to submit complete, high quality applications. Plan changes, incomplete submittals, and submittals that do not meet code requirements will take longer to review and process. Many DDES fees are assessed at an hourly rate, so increased process and review time can increase the cost of a permit.

  • DDES project managers. Many permit types require an assigned DDES project manager. Project managers will be responsible for developing fee estimates, managing permit review in accordance with the fee estimate and code-required processing times, and for communicating with the permit applicant during the review phase.

Fee waivers

In accordance with 27.02.020* of the King County Code, fee waivers are granted at the discretion of the DDES Director and are limited to criteria summarized as follows:

  • if fees collected are for service not performed
  • if fees duplicate another fee or charge for a service for which a fee has already been collected
  • if fees are based on a professional error or unnecessary review by a DDES employee
  • if a customer has incurred additional expenses due to a process error by DDES staff
  • if fees are assessed to replace, repair, abate or demolish a structure due to property damage caused by a natural disaster.

Procedures for filing a fee waiver request are detailed on the Fee Waiver / Adjustment Of Fees Authorization form. To request a fee waiver, complete and submit the form, available in PDF* or fill-in Word* format.


Quality service to our customers is very important to DDES. If you are unable to find the fee information you are looking for, e-mail DDESWebInquiries@kingcounty.gov and we will respond to you quickly.


*Note: To view PDFs, free software from Adobe is required. Fill-in Word documents require Microsoft software. For assistance and fill-in instructions, see helpful hints.

To request information in alternate formats for people with disabilities, call 206-296-6600 or TTY 206-296-7217.


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  Updated: Mar. 28, 2008