Permit Center
Notice: The software used for permitting and licensing for the City of Renton, Civic Access Self-Service Portal, is upgrading. Existing customers will need to re-register starting on March 10, 2025, using the same email address you have used for this site previously. For further guidance, view the step-by-step instructions.
Please note: The portal will be temporarily unavailable starting at 3:00 PM PST on Sunday, March 9th, due to the upgrade. Users will be able to access the portal and re-register on March 10, 2025.
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.
See the Tree Cutting and Land Clearing Handout for more information.
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.
Online Permits & Requests
The following are permits and requests that are available online.
This section includes permits and processes that involve management and modification of the natural and built environment.
Pre-Application Meetings, Permit Ready ADU (PRADU), and Zoning Compliance Letters are available for online submittal. See the categories below for what you will need to submit.
Building Permits
This section covers building-related processes and permits.
Available to Apply Online
Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Residential Photovoltaic, Re-roof, and Medical Gas/Hazardous Piping permits are available on our online permit portal.
Please refer to the Building Permits FAQ page for further details.
All Other Permits:
Residential
|
Commercial
|
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.
Scheduling an Inspection Guidance
By Telephone:
- For permits that start with B, E, P or M call: 425-430-7202
- For permits that start with SS, SW, C, MFP or U call: 425-430-7203
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)".