Commercial New/Addition

Pre-Application Meeting

Pre-Application meetings are required for all new commercial buildings or additions to commercial buildings.  

Prior to Applying

• For restaurant tenant improvements, check with Development Engineering about grease interceptor requirements before submitting your building permit.
  
• For food service establishments, submit designs to King County Public Health for approval prior to permit issuance.
  
• Separate permits are required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, signage, and more.
  
• No new oil heating systems are allowed in aquifer protection areas.

Submittal Requirements 

Submit Each Document as an Individual file

1. Completed and signed Building Permit Application.
2. Site Plan: (8.5” x 11”) Includes location, dimensions, property lines, and legal description.
3. Architectural Plans: Including building data, floor layout, windows/doors, fixture locations, fire-rated assemblies, and access for disabled persons.
4. Full Floor Plan: Includes tenant details and exits.
5. Structural Plans & Calculations: (if applicable).
6. Additional Documentation: As required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical work, or other permits.

For detailed instructions, refer to the full Submittal Requirements PDF.

Other Items to Note

• The applicant must provide a material and labor cost estimate.
  
• Plan reviewer checks plans but does not provide design services.
  
• Asbestos survey required before renovation or demolition work.  

Civil Construction Permit

A Civil Construction Permit may be required if site or utility work outside the building is proposed. Please contact a Permit Specialist to help determine if a Civil Construction Permit is required. If required, a Civil Construction Permit application shall run concurrently with a Building Permit application.

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 
     • Medical Gas/Hazardous Piping

Commercial New/Addition Building Permits

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. 

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 Building Customer Service: Permittech@rentonwa.gov, or 
Call Building Customer Service: 425-430-7215

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:

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

Certificate of Occupancy (TCO & CO)