CITY OF RENTON WASHINGTON

•Where can I put a fence on my property?

•Can I build a retaining wall on my property?

•Can I build a shed or detached garage in my backyard?

•What is the maximum height allowed for my residential building?

•Can I build a mother-in-law or smaller dwelling unit on my lot without going through a subdivision?

•How can I comment on a proposed development?

•Can I convert my Single Family Home to a business?

•What is a Day Care Center and how do I establish one?

•What is a "Family Day Care Home" and how do I establish one?

•How many animals can I have on my property? 

•Do I need a permit to cut trees on my property?

•Where can I put a hedge on my property?

Building Permits
Yes, the City of Renton Municipal Code (RMC) 4-5-060E.1 states: "Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by the Construction Codes and the Construction Administrative Code, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit." There are some exceptions, which can be found under RMC 4-5-060E.2 105.2 Work exempt from permit.

Reroof: a permit is required if replacing roof covering or sheathing on a commercial/multi-family building or sheathing on a single family residence and will be issued over the counter. If you are doing structural alterations of roof framing (truss or rafter alterations, heavier weight roofing), plan review is required and you will need to apply for a Building Permit not a re-roof permit.

Deck: a permit is required if the deck is more than 30 inches (30") above grade. "Above grade" includes a perimeter of 5 feet (5') around the deck.

Links to additional information on the following types of structures:

• Espresso Stand
• Detached Shed or Garage
• Fences
• Retaining Wall
• Swimming Pool, Spa, or Hot tub

Civil Construction and/or Utility Permits:
a permit may be required when a project is proposed to result in:

• More than 500 square feet of new or replaced impervious area.
• More than 7,000 square feet of land disturbing activity.
• Any utility construction not limited to sanitary sewer, water or storm installation, repair, replacement, enlargement, reduction or removal.
• Any work within the public right of way or use of the public right of way.

If you have any questions about whether you need a permit, contact the City of Renton Permit Services at PermitTech@rentonwa.gov

Yes, most simple OTC permits, which includes mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and re-roofs may be applied for online on the Civic Access Self-Service Portal (CASSP).

The online portal is available 24-hours a day, seven (7) days a week and enables users to apply for and receive permits electronically in minutes. For permits requiring plan review, contact Permit Services at PermitTech@rentonwa.gov.

Permit fees are determined by the scope of the project and the number of permits required. Please contact the Permit Center at PermitTech@rentonwa.gov to get an estimate* for specific projects.

For a complete list of fees, see the City of Renton's Budget page for a link to the Fee Schedule.

*Estimates are not final and are subject to change.

OTC electrical permits and low voltage electrical permits can be applied for online on the Civic Access Self-Service Portal (CASSP).

Electrical permits requiring plan review, including but not limited to: service over 400 amps, commercial generator installation, installing/altering equipment/wiring 600 volts or over, replacing 50% or more of lighting luminaries, work in hospitals, schools, nursing homes, and assisted living facilities, please see the Electrical Plan Review Requirements and contact the City of Renton Permit Center at PermitTech@rentonwa.gov if you have any questions. 

Inspection requests for building permits and some civil and utility construction permits may be made by calling the 24-hour Integrated Voice Response (IVR) line at 425-430-7202. Or schedule your inspection online by going to the Civic Access Self-Service Portal (CASSP). For instructions on how to schedule an inspection online, refer to the Schedule an Inspection Online Tip Sheet, you must be logged in to schedule inspections on this site. Inspections for civil and utility construction permits may be be made by calling the construction inspection request line at 425-430-7203.

No appointment is required but all permits are submitted electronically.  Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing permits are available online and for all others contact PermitTech@rentonwa.gov for instructions on how to submit.

Or you can now book free virtual appointments to get direct assistance from City staff, who will be able to answer basic questions about the City of Renton zoning, building, and development requirements for permitting. Schedule a 15-minute meeting with City of Renton Permit Center staff from the Planning, Development Engineering, and Building teams.

Please see the Virtual Meeting Customer Tip Sheet for help with scheduling, rescheduling or cancelling your virtual meeting.