Built-in outdoor kitchens in Seattle require building permits from SDCI when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas piping, or a structural roof under Seattle Building Code (SMC Title 22) and Seattle Mechanical Code Chapter 5. Detached outdoor structures under 200 sq ft and not connected to utilities may qualify for a subject-to-field-inspection (STFI) permit.
Seattle Building Code Section 105 requires a building permit for any structural work, electrical (SEC 88.108), plumbing (Seattle Plumbing Code 106), or gas-piping work (Seattle Fuel Gas Code 106). A counter-only BBQ island with no gas service may qualify as a non-permit yard improvement, but adding a gas line, sink, refrigerator outlet, or roof triggers permits. STFI permits under SDCI Tip 303 are available for accessory structures under 200 sq ft, single-story, and not requiring utility connections — fees are about $300-$600. Larger projects use a standard residential permit with plan review. Gas lines must be installed by a licensed gas-piping contractor and pressure-tested per Seattle Fuel Gas Code 406. Lot coverage limits in SMC 23.44.014 apply (35% on lots 5,000 sq ft+). Accessory structures cannot occupy required setbacks (5 ft sides / 25 ft rear by default in NR zones).
Unpermitted construction triggers an SDCI Notice of Violation under SMC 23.90 with double permit fees, daily civil penalties of $150-$500, and orders to obtain permits or remove the structure. Unpermitted gas lines must be tested or removed; PSE/SCL may decline service. Records of NOVs appear in subsequent real-estate transactions.
Seattle, WA
Seattle's Land Use Code allows residential lawn ornaments, statuary, and yard art without permits provided structures do not exceed accessory-structure heigh...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. Standard Noise Ordinance (SMC 25.08) limits apply to blower-motor noise...
Seattle, WA
Seattle has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance SMC 25.08 applies to any amplified ou...
Seattle, WA
Seattle limits short-term rentals (under 30 days) of ADUs to two units per operator under SMC 6.600 — typically the operator's primary residence plus one add...
Seattle, WA
Seattle eliminated all owner-occupancy requirements for ADUs in 2019 under Ordinance 125854, and this is now reinforced by Washington HB 1337 (codified at RC...
Seattle, WA
Seattle does not charge transportation, school, or park impact fees on ADUs because the city has not adopted general impact fees under RCW 82.02. Permit fees...
See how Seattle's outdoor kitchen permits rules stack up against other locations.
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.