Permit Services

As of 10/1/26 at 8:00 am, the City's Permit Portal is not fully operational. The City is actively working to address the issue. Temporary instructions for permit procedures will be shared shortly. We appreciate your patience.

Whether you are building a structure, developing a site, working on utilities, or exploring land use options, we have the resources to guide you through every step of the process. Browse below for step-by-step instructions and supporting information to help you with your project!

Do I need a permit?

Building Permits

A permit is required if you plan to: construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, convert, replace, install, or change the occupancy of a building structure, or electric, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, and is regulated by the Construction Codes and the Construction Administrative Code.

  • Sheds: Sheds under 200 square feet do not require a building permit. See the Shed Handout for more information on other requirements.
  • Deck: A building permit is required if the deck is more than 30 inches above grade including a 5 foot perimeter around the deck.
  • Retaining Walls: A building permit is required if a retaining wall is 4 feet or taller measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless there is a slope above the wall. See the Retaining Wall Handout for more information.

Tree Permits

A Routine Vegetation Management Permit is required for:

  • The removal of landmark trees.
  • The removal of more than two (2) significant trees within a calendar year.
  • Removing/Trimming trees, mowing/cutting of ground cover, or any vegetation management on a vacant property.

Refer to the Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Handout for more details, or visit our Tree Removal page for step-by-step instructions.

Site Work, Utility, and Right-of-Way Permits

  • Civil Construction Permit (including clearing and grading) is required for site work involving more than 50 cubic yards of grading, more than 500 square feet of area cleared or disturbed, more than 500 square feet of new or replaced hard surface, or if the work includes utility main extensions or occurs within the right-of-way.
  • Utility Permits are required prior to connecting or disconnecting a property to or from the public or private utility (storm, sewer, and water) systems, alterations, repairs, or expansions to existing utility systems. 
  • A Right-of-Way Permit is required for any activity or private use of the public right of way, including but not limited to: construction, excavation, sidewalk cafes, street eateries, other similar activities or uses.

Do I need a pre-application meeting?

Pre-application meetings are only required for the following permit types:

  • Critical Areas Permit [including Residential Development and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU)]
  • Changing the Use of a Building or Property [4000 sq ft or more]
  • Conditional Use Permit [Administrative and Hearing Examiner]
  • Commercial or Industrial Building Addition
  • Environmental Review 
  • Grade and Fill Permit
  • Home Occupation Permit
  • Land Division [Short Plat or Preliminary Plat, Binding Site Plan]
  • Master Site Plan [Overall and Individual Phases]
  • New Multifamily, Commercial, or Industrial Development
  • Planning Urban Development [PUD]
  • Preliminary Mobile Home Park
  • Rezones
  • Shoreline Permits
  • Site Plan
  • Small Cell Permit [aka Conditional Use Permit for Wireless Facilities]
  • Special Fence
  • Temporary Use Permit (Tier II)
  • Variances

Not sure if your project requires a pre-application meeting?
Please email planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov or call 425-430-7294 to discuss your proposal with a planner.

Step-by-Step Guidance Ready to Apply   How to Register
 
     
    Pre-Application Submittal Requirements
  

Online Permits & Requests - Temporary Application Instructions

Our Permit Portal is currently not accepting applications, payment or scheduling new inspections. A temporary process is listed for the following permits and will be in place until the portal is repaired. All other permits are available via regular processes, and are listed below

Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing Temporary Permits

Please complete the linked application and email: permittech@rentonwa.gov. You will be invoiced separately.

Electrical Permit(PDF, 297KB)

Mechanical Permit(PDF, 272KB)

Plumbing Permit(PDF, 271KB) 

Hydrant Meter Rental, Right-of-Way & Stormwater Permits

Please call 425-430-7240 or email developmentengineering@rentonwa.gov and staff will assist you by manually entering the permit. You will be invoiced separately.

Zoning Compliance Letter

Please call 425-430-7294 or email: planningcustomerservice@rentonwa.gov to submit your request. 

Additional Electronic Applications and Requests

Please click the desired link for instructions.

Pre-Application Meeting Sewer Availability Request Form
Permit Ready ADU (PRADU) Water Availability Request Form

The following permits do not currently have an alternative process, but will be available soon. 

Re-roof Permit Residential Photovoltaic (Solar Panels)

How to Request Inspections

Building, Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing

Please call: 425-430-7200 to schedule your inspection. 
Please call: 425-902-7572 to speak with your inspector.

Utility, Right-of-Way or Franchise

Please call 425-430-7203 or email: developmentengineering@rentonwa.gov to schedule your inspection. 

Building, Fire, and Sign Permits

This section covers building-related processes and permits. 

Please refer to the Building Permits FAQ page for further details.

             Residential
              Commercial

Land Use Development

This section includes permits and processes that involve management and modification of the natural and built environment.

Available to Apply Online

All Other Permits

Site Work, Utility, & Right-of-Way Permits

This section covers civil-related processes and permits.

Available to Apply Online
Hydrant Meter Rental, Stormwater, and Right-of-Way Permits are available on our online permit portal.

Water and Sewer Availability Certificate can be requested by completing our online request form.

All Other Permits:

  

Scheduling an Inspection Guidance

By Telephone:

- For permits that start with M, E, P, or B call: 425-430-7202

- For permits that start with SS, SW, C, MFP or U call: 425-430-7203

- For permits that start with F call: 425-276-9580

Inspections may be scheduled as late as 11:59 p.m. on the day prior to the requested inspection. This benefit prevents us from offering time windows in advance. On the day of your inspection, visit the Online Permit Portal and select "Today's Inspections". You may use your inspector's contact information to coordinate a time window. For additional preparation guidance, view our helpful handout, "What to Expect from your Inspection(PDF, 957KB)".

Contact Us

Reception

425-430-7200

Building Permits

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

Planning & Land Use

Phone: 425-430-7294
Email: Planning Customer Service

Site Work, Utility, R.O.W.

Phone: 425-430-7240
Email: Development Engineering

Hours & Location

Phone & Email

Monday - Friday
8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Virtual

Monday - Friday
by Appointment

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

Resources

Forms / Applications

Informational Handouts

Renton Municipal Code (RMC)

GIS - City of Renton (COR)Maps

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