Commercial Interior Remodels

The following is intended to help any applicant better understand the process and expectations in preparing, constructing and finalizing a Commercial Interior Remodel permit, as required in the City of Renton. 

 

Prepare

Asbestos Survey 

Prior to performing any renovation or demolition work, Puget Sound Clean Air Agency  and Washington Department of Labor and Industries regulations require an asbestos survey to be performed to determine whether there are asbestos-containing materials in the work area of structure.

Prior to Applying

  • If you are applying for a restaurant tenant improvement, be sure to check with Development Engineering about the grease interceptor requirements before submitting your building permit application.
  • If you are remodeling or starting a food service establishment, please submit your design to King County Public Health. King County Public Health approval is required prior to issuance of the building permit. 
  • Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing and mechanical work, detached structures, signage, sprinklers, alarms, etc. No new oil heating systems will be allowed in the aquifer protection areas.

Step 1.Submittal Requirements

  1. Building Permit Application: Completed and signed.
  2. Site Plan: 8.5" x 11", scale, dimensions, and property details.
  3. Architectural Plans: Building data, floor layout, windows & doors, fixtures, fire-resistance assemblies, disabled access, energy code compliance, ceiling plan, full floor plan. Show compliance with the Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) Commercial Provisions.
  4. Structural Plans: If applicable, plans and calculations for scope of work.

For detailed instructions on each document, please refer to the full Submittal Requirements.

Step 2.Items to Note

  • The person signing the application shall be either the owner or the person responsible for the work, and they shall furnish a reasonable estimate of the value of the job, including material and labor.
  • The plan reviewer will check plans but will not do design work. Sizing of structural members and spacing of supports is the responsibility of the owner or builder and must conform to Code requirements.

Step 3.Resources

Additional Permit Documents

Design & Construction Standards

Additional Resources

Apply & Review

Over-the-Counter Permits

The following over-the-counter permits can be applied for, paid for, and printed using our Online Permitting Portal:

  • Electrical
  • Mechanical
  • Plumbing
  • Residential Photovoltaic
  • Re-roof

Electronic Submittal Process

No paper documents will be accepted. When you are ready to submit your application and required documents, follow the steps below to have City staff supply you with a secure file share link. 

STEP 1:

Email the Project Name, Address and Scope of Work to: permittech@rentonwa.gov

STEP 2:

A Permit Specialist will reply with an FTP link to upload the required files

STEP 3:

Allow 5 days for initial application review.

STEP 4:

IF COMPLETE, you will be notified of acceptance and given payment instructions.

IF INCOMPLETE, you will be notified of incomplete requirements and instructions to proceed.

Tip: Review decisions may be significantly delayed by incomplete or inaccurate submittals. Closely follow the Submittal Requirements to prevent delays!

Review Response Times

  • Over-the-counter permits are typically same day.
  • Commercial first review decisions are typically 3-4 weeks.
  • Commercial revision decisions are typically 1-2 weeks. 

Please note: New application submittals, and revisions to applications in review, are processed on a first in, first out basis. Timelines may vary depending on current backlog and staffing.

Need Additional Help?

Schedule a Virtual Appointment
Email a Permit Specialist: Permittech@rentonwa.gov, or 
Call a Permit Specialist: 425-430-7215

Inspect & Complete

Once your permit is approved, you may begin work and scheduling inspections. Please print a copy of your permit to keep on-site for when your inspector arrives.

Scheduling Inspections

Inspections can be scheduled for the following business day online or by phone at: 425-430-7202.
Telephone Scheduling Help Guide.

Day of Inspection

While we are unable to provide you a time window when scheduling, we are happy to assist on the day of the inspection:

STEP 1:

Using our Permit Portal, select "Today's Inspections".

STEP 2:

Locate your inspector's name and number by locating your permit (listed alphanumerically).

STEP 3:

Phone your inspector to request a time window for arrival.

Tip: See our "What to Expect from your Inspection"(PDF, 957KB)  help sheet to prepare for a successful inspection. 

Review Inspection Status and Notes

To see your inspection status and/or notes from a completed inspection:

STEP 1:

Log into our Online Permit Portal

STEP 2:

Using the search button, enter your permit number and select search.

STEP 3:

Your permit results will appear listing the status of the permit. Click on the blue permit number.

STEP 4:

Select "inspections" (center screen).

STEP 5:

Select the blue inspection number you wish to review.

STEP 6:

Select "Checklist" from the mid-screen menu.

Check out our "Check Inspection Status Online" tipsheet for screenshots and additional help accessing your permit details. 

Helpful Links

Contact Us

Building 
Phone: 425-430-7215
Email: Building Customer Service

Hours and Location

Virtual
Monday - Friday
by Appointment

Phone & Email
Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

In-Person
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday
9 a.m. - 11:30 a.m.
1 p.m. - 4 p.m.

Renton City Hall
1st Floor Customer Service
1055 South Grady Way
Renton, WA 98057

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