Seattle Zoning & Permits
Zoning rules, permit requirements, and building codes for Seattle, WA. Source-cited from official municipal code.
Quick Facts
Population
749,256
Total Zone Types
32
Planning Department
Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD)
Zoning Map
Interactive online map
County
King County
Metro Area
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue
Seattle Zoning System
The Seattle zoning system includes 32 total zone classifications: 8 residential zones (SF 5000, SF 7200, SF 9600, LR1, LR2, and others) and 8 commercial zones (NC1, NC1-55, NC2, NC2-55, and others), as well as 3 mixed-use zones (MPC, SM, SM-SLU) and 3 industrial zones (IG1, IG2, IB). Seattle's land use regulations are governed by Seattle Municipal Code (SMC) Title 23. Single-family zones are designated by minimum lot size (SF 5000 = 5,000 sqft minimum, SF 7200 = 7,200 sqft minimum). Washington HB 1337 (2023) requires all cities to allow at least 2 ADUs per residential lot and eliminates owner-occupancy requirements. Seattle further updated its ADU ordinance in 2019 ahead of state law. Low-Rise zones (LR1, LR2, LR3) allow multifamily housing at increasing densities. Mid-Rise (MR) and High-Rise (HR) zones allow apartment buildings. Seattle's Comprehensive Plan designates Urban Villages and Urban Centers as priority growth areas with increased height and density allowances. The city maintains an interactive zoning map for property lookup.
View Seattle Zoning Map (interactive online map)
Building & Planning Departments
The Seattle Building Department (Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)) handles all building permit applications, inspections, and code enforcement. You can reach them by phone at (206) 684-8850 or apply online through their permit portal. Office hours: Mon-Fri 8:00am-4:30pm (permit center). For zoning questions and land use determinations, contact the Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD) at (206) 684-0433. Zoning information is available online. Always verify current requirements directly with the department before beginning any project, as regulations and fees may have changed since this data was last verified.
Building Department
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections (SDCI)
(206) 684-8850
Visit WebsitePlanning Department
Seattle Office of Planning & Community Development (OPCD)
(206) 684-0433
Visit WebsiteFrequently Asked Questions
Can I build an ADU (backyard cottage) in Seattle?
Yes. Seattle is one of the most ADU-friendly cities in the US. You can build both a Detached ADU (backyard cottage/DADU, up to 1,000 sqft) and an Attached ADU (up to 1,000 sqft) on the same lot — 2 ADUs total per Washington HB 1337. No owner-occupancy requirement. No additional parking required. Building permit from Seattle SDCI required. Pre-approved standard DADU plans are available to speed up the permit process.
What changed in Seattle's ADU rules because of Washington HB 1337?
Washington HB 1337 (effective July 2023) codified what Seattle had already done in 2019: allows 2 ADUs per single-family lot, removes owner-occupancy requirements, and eliminates parking mandates near transit. Seattle was a national leader in ADU reform before HB 1337. The state law now ensures that other Washington cities must follow Seattle's example. Seattle's existing ADU ordinance continues to govern locally.
Do I need a permit for a home business in Seattle?
No city-issued permit is required to operate a qualifying home occupation in Seattle. You may work from home as long as you have no client visits, no non-resident employees working on-site, no external evidence of the business, and your business use is incidental to the residential use. You will need a Seattle business license and a Washington State business license regardless. Cottage food operations (baked goods, jams, etc.) require Washington Dept of Agriculture registration.
Can I do short-term rentals on Airbnb in Seattle?
Yes, with a Short-Term Rental Operator's License (approximately $75/year). If you live on-site (operator-occupied), you may rent your home for an unlimited number of nights annually. Airbnb automatically collects and remits Seattle and Washington lodging taxes (combined approximately 15.6%). Display your license number on your listing. Operating without a license carries fines of $500+ per violation.
What are the setbacks in Seattle's SF 5000 zone?
In Seattle's SF 5000 zone (most common single-family zone), the front setback is 20 feet, side setbacks are 5 feet on each side, and the rear setback is typically 25 feet (20% of lot depth, minimum 20 ft, maximum 25 ft). Maximum lot coverage is 35% (plus additional allowance for DADUs). Maximum building height is 30 feet. Verify your specific parcel using SDCI's parcel data tool — shoreline, environmental overlay, or historic designation may add requirements.
Is solar required on new homes in Seattle?
No. Washington does not have a statewide new-construction solar mandate. Seattle encourages solar through streamlined permitting and incentive programs, but it is not required. Seattle City Light offers net metering and the federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) reduces solar installation cost by 30%. Standard residential solar permits are processed quickly through SDCI.
How do I look up the zoning for my Seattle property?
Use SDCI's Parcel Information tool at seattle.gov/sdci/permits/do-i-need-a-permit/parcel-information. Enter your address to find your zoning designation, ADU eligibility, lot size, and any overlays (environmental critical areas, shoreline, landmark, flood zone). You can also view Seattle's interactive zoning map at https://www.seattle.gov/opcd/ongoing-initiatives/seattle-2035.
Source: Seattle Municipal Code 23.44.041 — Accessory Dwelling Units; Washington RCW 36.70A.681 (HB 1337 codification). Last verified April 5, 2026. View source