Do you have a project for your Single Family home in the works? This is the place to start. (Working on a duplex? Click here.)

Client Assistance Memo (CAM) 101, Getting a Single Family Building Permit from DPD, is a good resource to help you get started.

Also, just about every DPD permit requires that you fill out our Financial Responsibility Statement and our Letter of Authorization if any person other than the owner of the property will be assisting in the permitting process. Please make sure you have those forms completed before you arrive for any scheduled appointment about your project.

There are a few different types of Single Family projects for which DPD provides permits. Please find specific information about your type of project by clicking below:

  • New Construction - a new house
  • Additions/Alterations - changing or adding to an existing house
  • Variances - information about the rules for lot coverage, height and side yards
  • Tree and Vegetation Removal Permits - If you're planning to remove trees or vegetation from your property, you may need a permit. See CAM 242, Tree Protection Regulations in Seattle. Also, CAM 331, Tree and Vegetation Overview, CAM 331A Vegetation Restoration, and CAM 331B, Hazard Trees, provide details about how to get those permits in environmentally critical areas.
  • Accessory Dwelling Units - Planning to add an attached or detached accessory dwelling unit (ADU)? Check CAMs 116A, Attached Accessory Dwelling Units, and 116B, Detached Accessory Dwelling Units, for rules and procedures.
  • Floating Homes - See CAM 229, Residential Use of a Vessel, House Barge or Floating Home

Emergency Repair Permits
Emergency repairs to the systems covered by DPD trade permits, due to landslides, earthquakes or other disasters that cause structural damage, typically receive priority handling in the permit process. For more specific information and application instructions, see emergency permit requests.

Fees
Fees are collected at the time of application and are based on application type and varying factors. Fees are subject to update on a yearly basis. For the most complete and up-to-date fee listing, see the DPD Fee Subtitle.

Questions?
Check our Frequently Asked Questions website.