Residential
Building Permits
- Construction of a new single family home or duplex, additions, alterations and remodel of an existing home
- Adding an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)
- Construction of a deck or accessory structure such as a garage or carport
- Garage conversion to living space
- Installation of a new manufactured home
Short plat and Subdivision
If your project proposes to subdivide property into additional lots, visit the Divide Property page for more information.
Infill lot
When planning to demolish an existing home and build a newer home please email a Permit Technician or visit us in the Development Services Center for information on the process.
When don't I need a permit?
- Sidewalks, driveways and detached decks, on private property, not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
- One-story detached accessory structures, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet.
- Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
- Removal and replacement of exterior windows in existing window openings. The size and opening may not be altered and operable opening size may not be decreased.
- Removal and replacement of interior doors in existing door frames.
- For other work exempt from permit criteria see our Work Exempt from Permit Handout (PDF).
Projects not included in this list will require a building permit.
Research
- Find your property information and determine what is allowed for your zone and your property by referencing the Redmond Zoning Code tools.
- Know your rights! Visit the L&I website for contractor verification and acting as your own contractor.
- Determine if your project will be subject to Fire Sprinkler requirements.
- Do you need a clear and grade permit?
- Are you building near the shoreline?
Codes
See the Code and Design Requirements (PDF) for a full list of adopted codes.
Application(s)
Several applications will need to be downloaded and filled out. All permit applications are separate submittals. Some potential permits that will need to be applied for are:
- Residential Building Permit (PDF)
- Demolition Permit (PDF)- only required if taking down the entire structure.
- Electrical (PDF)
- Fire Sprinkler
- Mechanical (PDF)
- Plumbing (PDF)
- Side Sewer - for more information on the side sewer requirements please visit the utility permit page.
- Water Meter - for more information on the water meter requirements please visit the utility permit page.
- Site Construction Permit - required for infill lots, plats, and subdivisions.
To help with the process and applicable information please download a copy of our Building Permit Guide.
What’s it going to cost?
Each permit is based on the value of construction and can vary depending on which process is applicable. Visit the Development Services fee schedule page to determine which fees may be applicable to your project.
For fee estimates please email our Permit Technicians. Be prepared to give an accurate value of construction (PDF).
I still have questions...
Schedule an appointment to speak with one of our counter planners, plans examiners or civil engineers. We are more than happy to help answer any questions you may have.
How to Apply
Apply Online:
You can apply for certain types of permits online using our Plan Review Online (PRO) request form. For homeowners going through this the first time, we ask that you make an appointment so we can walk you through the process. If the type of permit you need is not available online, then it must be applied for in-person.
In Person:
In person permit applications are handled on a first-come-first-served basis. Staff is available Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for City recognized holidays. To schedule an in person intake appointment you can use our online booking calendar OR you can speak with one of our Permit Technicians by email to help you set up an appointment.
- If you are submitting three or more over-the-counter permits or any permit that requires plan review an appointment is highly recommended.
Be prepared
- Prior to the appointment, make sure to have all applicable forms filled out and saved to a USB drive. We do not accept any paper applications or plans. Please make sure the USB drive only contains permit information. Each USB drive is scanned for viruses before being accepted.
- Be ready to pay for the plan review portion of the permit. We do not take payments over the phone and only accept Visa, MasterCard, Check, & Cash. For applicable fees visit the Development Services Fees page.
Process
Depending on your scope of work your project may also need to be reviewed by our Fire, Land Use and Civil Engineering departments.
Additions, Alterations/Remodels & Decks
- Permits will be reviewed at the counter to determine which departments need to review the project.
- See Fire Department Guidelines to determine if Fire Sprinklers need to be installed.
New Residential Homes/Infill Lots
- Construction of a new home will be reviewed by each department.
- Sprinklers are required for new homes and detached ADU units.
- Impact and Capital Facilities Charge fees may be applicable.
Review process
- Each application is assigned to a Project Coordinator. The Project Coordinator is responsible for tracking the permit through the process.
- If additional information is required an e-mail will be sent with an Additional Information Issues Matrix (excel file) requesting more information. Information can be resubmitted in person or through our online portal (recommended).
- Once application is deemed complete a Permit Technician will contact you via e-mail with instructions on next steps. Final payment, current City of Redmond business license information (if applicable), and contractor information (if applicable) is required to pick up the permit.
Documents
A copy of the permit card and set of plans are required to be on site at all times. You can download your permit record and plans via our Redmond ePermitting Service (REPS).
Inspections
Inspections need to be requested throughout the entire process and before covering up any work that has been done. Skipping inspections could lead to a delay in your project.
- Schedule through our REPS
- Call 425-556-2435 and use the pin number on the permit record.
- Permit(s) are valid for 365 days without any inspections. Each passed inspection extents the expiration date by 365 days.
- Extension requests are per our fee schedules.
A FINAL inspection is required to complete the inspection process.
- All other departments and permits (trade permits) are required to be APPROVED/FINALED before calling in for your BUILDING PERMIT APPROVAL.
Need to make a change to an issued permit?
- Revision: starts with your inspector in the field. The inspector will sign the revision form (PDF) and instruct you on next steps.
- Change of ownership/contractor: Fill out the form (PDF) and email to a Permit Technician.
Certificate of Occupancy
For new homes a certificate of occupancy will be issued to the owner on record.