SDCI Permit Requirements Seattle: Plumbing Guide

The Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI) administers plumbing permits for all residential and commercial construction in Seattle. Understanding SDCI’s requirements helps homeowners know what to expect when hiring a plumber for permitted work. Here’s how the SDCI plumbing permit process works, what it requires, and what the inspection process looks like.

What Is SDCI?

Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections is the city agency that:
– Reviews and issues building, plumbing, mechanical, and electrical permits
– Conducts inspections of permitted work
– Enforces Seattle’s adopted construction codes
– Issues side sewer permits (in coordination with SPU)

SDCI administers Seattle’s adopted codes, which are based on the Washington State Building Code and the state-adopted plumbing code (Washington State Plumbing Law and the Uniform Plumbing Code as amended by Washington).

How to Apply for a Plumbing Permit Through SDCI

All permit applications go through the Seattle Services Portal
at seattle.gov/sdci (online portal).

The application process:
1. Create an account in the Seattle Services Portal
2. Select the permit type (Plumbing permit for most residential plumbing work)
3. Enter the project address, describe the work, and provide estimated project value
4. Upload any required drawings or documentation (typically not required for simple work like water heater replacement)
5. Pay the permit fee
6. Permit is issued (same day to 5 business days for standard work; longer for complex projects requiring plan review)

For most residential plumbing (water heater, sewer lateral, repipe): The plumber handles the entire application process. The homeowner doesn’t need to use the portal directly.

SDCI Plumbing Permit Requirements by Project Type

Water heater replacement:
– Permit type: Plumbing
– Documentation: Project description, equipment specifications (for tankless/HPWH)
– Inspection: One inspection after installation, before cover-up if in a chase or enclosure
– Typical processing: 1–3 business days

Sewer lateral (side sewer) work:
– Permit type: Side Sewer Permit (separate from standard plumbing permit)
– Also requires SPU (Seattle Public Utilities) coordination
– Documentation: Project description, sometimes a lateral video report
– Inspection: SDCI inspection plus SPU inspection at the connection to the public main
– Typical processing: 3–7 business days

New fixture installation:
– Permit type: Plumbing
– Documentation: Project description
– Inspection: Rough-in inspection (before walls are closed) + final inspection
– Typical processing: 1–3 business days for standard work

Full repipe:
– Permit type: Plumbing
– Documentation: Project description, scope of work
– Inspection: Rough-in inspection (with all piping visible before cover-up) + final
– Typical processing: 1–5 business days

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) with new plumbing:
– Permit type: Building permit (includes plumbing as a sub-permit)
– Documentation: Plans showing plumbing scope, fixture schedule
– Inspection: Multiple stages
– Typical processing: 2–8 weeks (plan review required)

The SDCI Inspection Process

What inspectors check:
– Work matches the permit application
– All connections are made correctly and are leak-free
– Pipe materials and sizes meet code
– Proper slope on drain pipes (1/4 inch per foot minimum for horizontal runs)
– Adequate cleanout access for drain systems
– Correct temperature/pressure relief valve and discharge on water heaters
– Seismic strapping on water heaters (required in Seattle earthquake zone)
– Venting meets code requirements (drain vent connections, roof penetration)

Scheduling an inspection:
Inspections are scheduled through the Seattle Services Portal or by calling SDCI’s inspection scheduling line. For residential work, inspections are typically available within 3–5 business days of request.

The inspection result:
– Approved: Work meets code; permit is approved and closed.
– Corrections required: Inspector identifies items that need correction before approval. A re-inspection is scheduled after corrections are made.
– Failed: Major non-compliance; more significant work needed before re-inspection.

Who is present at inspection:
The contractor or their representative is typically present to provide access and answer questions. The homeowner can also be present.

SDCI and SPU: Coordinated for Sewer Work

For sewer lateral work, two agencies are involved:

SDCI issues the Side Sewer Permit and conducts plumbing code inspections of the lateral work.

SPU (Seattle Public Utilities) inspects the connection to the public sewer main and confirms the work meets SPU’s requirements for the connection.

Why this matters for homeowners:
Your plumber coordinates with both agencies. The inspection process has two steps — SDCI inspection of the lateral and SPU inspection of the connection. The plumber schedules both. Work cannot be backfilled until both inspections are completed.

Side sewer video documentation:
SPU often requires a video inspection of the existing lateral before new work begins (to document existing condition) and after work is complete (to confirm proper installation). This camera inspection is part of the permitted project.

Common SDCI Violations Found at Inspection

Water heater inspections:
– Missing or incorrect seismic strapping (required in Seattle)
– Temperature/pressure relief valve discharge pipe not meeting code (must run to within 6 inches of floor or discharge to safe location)
– Gas connections not meeting code

Drain system inspections:
– Insufficient slope on horizontal drain runs
– Missing cleanout access
– Improper vent connections
– Incorrect trap sizes

General:
– Materials not approved for the application
– Work that differs from the permit application
– Connections not pressure-tested

These are reasons the permit/inspection process exists — to catch these issues before walls are closed and inaccessible.

SDCI Resources for Homeowners

Seattle Services Portal: seattle.gov/sdci
– Apply for permits
– Track permit status
– Schedule inspections
– Pay fees

SDCI permit help line: 206-684-8850
– General questions about permit requirements
– Project-specific guidance
– Hours: Monday–Friday, 8am–4pm

SDCI code interpretation requests:
For unusual situations, SDCI offers formal code interpretation responses. These take longer (1–4 weeks) but provide written guidance.

FAQ

Q: What does SDCI require for a plumbing permit in Seattle?
A: A completed permit application through the Seattle Services Portal with project description, address, and estimated value. For most residential plumbing (water heater, repipe, fixture addition), no drawings are required — just a description. Complex projects (ADU, new construction) require plans.

Q: How long does SDCI take to process a plumbing permit?
A: Simple permits (water heater, minor work): 1–3 business days. Work requiring plan review: 2–8 weeks. Plans are not required for most standard residential plumbing replacement and repair work.

Q: Who is responsible for scheduling the SDCI inspection?
A: The permit holder — typically the licensed contractor who pulled the permit. The plumber schedules the inspection through the Seattle Services Portal or by calling SDCI. For concealed work, inspection must happen before walls are closed.

Q: What does an SDCI plumbing inspection look at?
A: Code compliance of all work covered by the permit — proper connections, correct materials, required safety devices (pressure relief on water heaters, seismic strapping), proper slope and venting on drain systems.

Q: Do I need SDCI and SPU approval for sewer lateral work?
A: Yes — sewer lateral work requires a Side Sewer Permit from SDCI and an inspection from SPU at the public sewer connection. Your plumber coordinates both agencies. Both approvals are required before backfilling.