Permit Center

Notice: A mid-March upgrade will require all existing users to re-register on the City's Online Permit Portal, (also known as the Civic Access Self-Service Portal or CASSP). This upgrade will enhance both security and the user experience. More information will be provided once the launch date is confirmed.

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.

 Apply Here  Pre-Application Tip Sheet

Online Permits & Requests

The following are permits and requests that are available online. 


Land Use Development

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.

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.

All Other Permits:

 

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 inspection, because of this benefit, we are unable to provide a time window until the day of the inspection. Visit our Online Permitting Portal for your inspectors contact information the day of the inspection and view our helpful handout "What to Expect from your Inspection(PDF, 957KB)" for preparation guidance.