Do I Need a Permit?

Where do you live?

The City of Snoqualmie administers permits for properties within Snoqualmie city limits. For properties in unincorporated King County contact the King County Department of Permitting and Environmental Review.

Please contact the Building Department at 425-888-5435 if you are unsure what jurisdiction your property falls under.

Required Permits

A  permit is required for the following work:

  • Building any new structure.
  • Remodeling or repairing existing buildings.
  • Changes in use or occupancy of an existing building.
  • Installation, relocation, and replacement of any mechanical appliance, such as water heaters, furnaces, heat pumps, fireplaces, stoves, etc.
  • Installation, relocation, and replacement of any plumbing fixture where water lines, drains, or vents are installed or modified.
  • Installation or modification of a fire sprinkler or alarm system.
  • Demolition or partial demolition of existing structures.
  • Reroofs.
  • Fences greater than 6 feet in height.
  • Any development in the floodplain.

Permits Not Required

A  permit is NOT required for the following work:

  • Construction of one story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, tree-supported play structures, playhouses, and similar uses not exceeding 120 square feet. (Subject to building setbacks).  
  • Constructing a deck which is uncovered and not more than 30” above grade. (Subject to building setbacks).
  • Installing or replacing siding.
  • Portable heating and cooling systems.
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; provided, that existing, required accessible features are not altered.
  • Building a fence less than 6 feet in height.
  • Retaining walls which are not over four feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
  • Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery. Swings, slides and other similar playground equipment.


If you are unsure about whether you need a permit, please contact the Building Division at 425-888-5435 or visit City Hall Monday – Thursday 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.


Electrical Permits

The Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) issues all electrical permits for properties located within Snoqualmie city limits.

For more information on electrical permits, please visit the Washington State Labor & Industries website or contact L&I at 360-902-5800.