Government
Permit Center
The Permit Center processes construction, land use, and special event permits for the City of Tukwila. Use the links below to apply, check requirements, or look up fees.
The City is aware of a scam email campaign targeting active permit applicants. Fraudulent emails impersonating City planning staff are requesting wire transfers for fabricated “application review and approval fees.” Customers may choose to pay fees through wire transfers, by credit card through the online portal, in person, or by check. The City will never request permit fee payment via wire transfer through email. If you receive a suspicious invoice by email, do not respond or open attachments — contact your assigned planner or call the Permit Center to verify. Report fraud to IC3 →
+ See example of the fraudulent email
From: PLANNING DEPARTMENT JACKSON COUNTY <frankline.llc@mail.com>
Subject: Settlement of Application Review and Approval Fee – Permit L25-0143 & Related Applications
We are writing regarding your pending applications with the City of Tukwila… The City of Tukwila staff have reviewed the submitted materials and have recommended approval of your application. To facilitate and streamline the final approval process, it is essential that the attached invoice for the application review and approval fee is settled promptly.
To proceed, please:
- Reply to this email to request wire transfer instructions.
- Settle the invoice per the wire transfer instructions provided.
- Return the payment receipt to this email for confirmation.
Please note, all correspondence related to this case must be conducted via email.
Sincerely, Director, City of Tukwila – Planning Department
Advisory: 2026 FIFA World Cup Construction Pause
The City will temporarily pause construction in high-traffic public areas from June 8 – July 7, 2026. All equipment and materials must be removed from the public right-of-way by June 7, 2026. View the full bulletin, maps, and requirements.
Coming soon: easier permitting
Tukwila has partnered with Granicus to launch the SmartGov permitting platform. We expect to complete the transition early next year — thank you for your patience.
Permit types
Permitting process
What permit do I need?
Construction permits
For most building, renovation, or installation projects. Visit the Construction Permit Portal.
Common projects: decks, fences, garages, additions, remodels, new homes, electrical, plumbing, and signs.
Land use permits
Required when your project affects how land is used or divided, or involves sensitive areas. Often needed alongside a construction permit. Visit the Land Use Permit Portal.
Common projects: subdividing land, building near wetlands or shorelines, design review, and zoning variances.
Grading permits
For projects involving significant earthwork. Private property work uses a Construction Permit; work in public areas uses a Right-of-Way Permit, also applied for through the Construction Permit portal. See the Grading Checklist.
Tree permits
Required for removing or trimming trees, even without a construction project. If tree work is part of an active Development Permit, include the Tree Permit form with that application instead. Work near shorelines or critical areas — visit the Land Use Permit Portal.
Special event permits
For temporary events outside normal business operations or using public streets. See the Special Events permit page.
Common projects: festivals, block parties, outdoor sales, amplified music, and organized runs or walks.
Pre-application meetings
Pre-application meetings give the City’s Development Review Team a chance to review your project before you apply — covering permit requirements, fees, timelines, and applicable regulations. Check if your permit type requires one.
How to schedule
- Meetings are held Tuesdays at 1:30 and 2:30 PM on a first-come, first-served basis
- Submit your application and documents at least 11 days in advance (by Friday at 4:00 PM)
- The fee must be paid before scheduling
Apply via the Land Use Permits portal and include a completed Pre-application Meeting Checklist.
How to apply
Corrections, revisions and required forms
Required forms
- Revision-Deferred Submittal Form — for permit revisions
- Correction-Incomplete Submittal Form — for responding to permit corrections
- Affidavit in Lieu of Contractor Registration — for construction completed by a homeowner
- Owner Affidavit and Hold Harmless — required for land use applications
Scheduling inspections
How to schedule
Building, Fire, and Public Works: Schedule online by 5:00 PM for next-day availability.
Planning: Requires at least 3 business days’ notice.
Schedule your inspection here →
Permit expirations and extensions
Permits may expire if work is not started or required inspections are not scheduled within required timeframes. See the expirations and extensions document for details.
Contact an inspector (6:30–7:30 AM only)
After 7:30 AM, inspectors are in the field with limited phone/email access.
Building inspections
- Mon–Thu: Bill Centen — (206) 431-3678
- Fri: Pete Frederickson — (206) 561-2607
Electrical inspections
- Mon–Fri: Jim Benner — (206) 571-1266
Public Works/Engineering inspections
- Mon–Thu: Eric Pritchard — (206) 702-5769
- Tue–Fri: Scott Moore — (206) 431-2443
Property research
To view property information, see the Property Research page.
To see permits currently under review or recently issued, see the Development Review map.
For project notices, see the Public Notice and Participation page.
To check for active or planned City construction near your site, see the Public Works Capital Improvement Projects dashboard — useful for coordinating ROW and utility work with City project timelines.
Permit activity reports
Annual Permit Performance Report 2025
| Period | Fees, values & addresses | With contacts |
| Apr 1-15, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Mar 16–31, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Mar 1–15, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Feb 16–28, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Feb 1–15, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Jan 16–31, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Jan 1–15, 2026 | Download | Download |
| Dec 16–31, 2025 | Download | Download |
| Dec 1–15, 2025 | Download | Download |
| Nov 16–30, 2025 | Download | Download |
| Nov 1–15, 2025 | Download | Download |
| Oct 16–31, 2025 | Download | Download |
| Oct 1–15, 2025 | Download | Download |