Review Timelines
Target Times
Target timelines listed below are estimates, and review timelines may vary. CPD's goal is to meet or exceed all targets.
You can check permit status online here: www.MyBuildingPermit.com
For more information or additional questions please contact our Permit Services Team at 206-275-7605.
Applications submitted are reviewed for completeness prior to routing. Once all documents required to complete the submittal have been received, the "Target" period will begin. Some projects require the approval of a formal Intake Screening prior to routing.
Construction / Building Permits
Type of Review | Target |
Residential | |
Intake Screenings | Scheduled once all documents provided. |
First Review | 8-12 weeks |
Second Review | 3 weeks |
Third and subsequent reviews | 2 weeks |
Prepare Approved Permit for Issuance | 1 week |
Revisions | 2-3 weeks |
Express Reviews *(see criteria below) |
4 weeks |
Commercial | |
First Review | 12 weeks |
Second Review | 3 weeks |
Third and subsequent reviews | 2 weeks |
Prepare Approved Permit for Issuance | 1 week |
Tenant Improvements, non structural/simple | 2 weeks |
Revisions | 2-3 weeks |
Express Reviews |
4 weeks |
Other | |
OTC | ** |
Tree Permits (not related to building permit or development projects) | 2 weeks |
Mechanical / Electrical / Plumbing | 2 weeks |
Fire Permits | 3 weeks |
Side Sewer / Fuel Tank / Subject To Field Inspection Permits | 3 days |
**OTC Reviews are temporarily being processed as "Express Reviews."
Land Use Decisions
Type of Review | Target |
Completeness Review | 4 weeks |
First review | 8-12 weeks |
Second and subsequent reviews | 6 weeks |
Staff Report / Decision (following completion of review) | 3-4 weeks |
Right-of-Way (ROW) Use Permits
Type of Review | Target |
Engineering | 2 weeks |
Public Notice
Public notice is required for some permits, including residential building permits, pursuant to MICC 19.15.030. A 30-day public comment period is associated with any application that requires public notice. Permit review can occur concurrently; however, it cannot be completed until the comment period has ended. In some cases, the comment period may increase permit review timelines.
Does my residential project qualify for express routing?
A residential application may qualify for express review routing when:
- The proposal is for 500 square feet (sf) or less of additional floor area, and
- The project is not located in a critical area or critical area buffer, and
- The project valuation is $150,000 or less, and
- Stormwater review is not required, defined as:
- Projects that net less than 500 sf additional impervious surface,
- Projects with a land disturbing activity of less than 7,000 sf, and
- Projects that result in less than 2,000 sf of new plus replaced hard surface area
Click here to view the Administrative Guideline regarding Express Permit Determinations.