What's New with King County Permits?

Featured Update: 2025 Changes to Permitting Effective January 1, 2025

Major improvements are coming to King County’s permitting process starting January 1, 2025. These changes are designed to improve efficiency, transparency, and predictability, making it easier for you to complete your application process successfully. 

New County Review Timelines:

Starting January 1, 2025, the County will be introducing new review timelines, that tell you how long you can expect the County to take in reviewing your application, which can help you plan better for your project. 

Application Review Process

Within 28 days of submitting your application, you will receive a notification indicating whether your application is complete or incomplete:

If your application is complete:

• You will be prompted to pay the required fees.
• Once the fees are paid, your application will advance to the review process.

If your application is incomplete:

• You will receive detailed instructions on the corrections needed.
• After making the necessary corrections, your application can be resubmitted for reconsideration.

Once fees are paid and the application is confirmed as complete, it will progress into the review process, where it will be assigned to one of three categories:

• Application types which require no public notice or public hearing: 65 days
• Application types which require public notice: 100 days
• Application types which require both public notice and public hearing: 170 days 

Other Agency Approval Requirements:

To avoid delays in your application or project, be sure to obtain all requirements from other agencies such as with Public Health or The Historic Preservation Program. You will need to apply for and obtain approval from these other agencies prior to submitting your application with King County Permits.

Is your property serviced by a septic system?

• If so, please submit your application with King County Public Health for review and approval. Once you have your approval you can make application with King County Permits for your building, land use, or site development permit.
• Be sure to include your approval from Public Health when resubmitting your application with us.
• If you do not have the proper approvals from Public Health, your application will not be considered a complete application, and you will be required to complete this step before reapplying with us.  

Is your property flagged for Historic?

• During the screening and intake phase of your application with us, it may be determined that your property is flagged for Historic. If so, we will let you know and provide you with instructions on next steps for obtaining a Cultural Resources Determination. 
• Be sure to include your approval from The Historic Preservation Program when resubmitting your application with us.
• If you do not have the proper approvals from The Historic Preservation Program, your application will not be considered a complete application, and you will be required to complete this step before reapplying with us.  

New Digital Plan Review Software:

For building permits:

• Enhanced transparency, improved project tracking, streamlined experience for digital plan review with easy-to-use tools.
• Consolidated review, providing reviewer comments in one place. 
• Email notifications keep you informed of key milestones in the process.
• How-to videos and guides are available to help you get started.

Learn More About ProjectDox here  

New Forms, Checklists, and Information Sheets:

• Our updated checklists outline all requirements to help you submit a complete application packet.
• Submitting a complete application is key to reducing delays and maximizing your chances of acceptance.

View new forms, checklists, and information sheets.