Applying for a permit at DDES
You've confirmed that your property is in unincorporated King County and that you will need a permit for your project. What's next for getting your permit at DDES?
Intake and scheduling an appointment
Intake of most building and land use permit applications at DDES is conducted by arranging an appointment through the DDES Permit Center.
The appointment system serves to ensure that customers do not sit in the Permit Center for long periods of time waiting to submit an application, only to find that their permit application is incomplete or, worse, that staff are not available that particular day to meet with them.
DDES recommends that intake appointments be scheduled two to four weeks in advance. To schedule an appointment, call 206-296-6797. For information about submittals that may be dropped off or mailed, see Drop-offs: Permits accepted by drop-off or mail (PDF, 79KB).
Preparing for intake
Forms and application packages. Permit application packages are available online or to have an application packet mailed to you, call DDES customer service at 206-296-6600. Application forms also are listed by the title of the form.
Customers should carefully study application requirements before scheduling an appointment and are encouraged to take advantage of the Permit Center's limited pre-screening service prior to their actual intake appointment. During pre-screening, a DDES representative can verify that an application packet is complete. This service is offered on a first-come, first-served basis and does not require an appointment.
Pre-application meetings. Pre-application meetings are available - and are required for some permit types - to assist customers in properly submitting required documents and plans. See pre-applications for more information.
Preferred consultants
Because first-time permit applicants often are intimidated by the process of selecting a consultant to assist with permitting requirements, DDES developed the Preferred Consultant Program to offer residential permit customers the option of choosing a consultant from DDES lists of preferred consultants. Civil Engineer, Geotechnical, and Wetland Preferred Consultant lists are available. See Preferred Consultants for more information.
Fees
Go to current fee estimates and select the permit type you are interested in for a summary of estimated fees. Note that there are several factors to keep in mind when reviewing fee estimates.
Tips
Be prepared before making an appointment.
Call 206-296-6797 for an intake appointment.
Visit DDES for walk-in technical support.
Call 206-296-6600 for DDES customer service.