Permit Center

Information for the Community Development Department

Updated August 27, 2025

Applying for Permits

Our permitting process has recently been updated. Customers can submit applications, filled out checklist, and upload plans online at the city's Permit Portal.

Payments cannot currently be made with our new system. Please contact the Permit Coordinator at 206-957-2813 for credit card payments. Please note that a 3% fee is added to all credit/debit card payments (Visa, MasterCard, and Discover only). Cash or check payments may be made in person at City Hall, mailed, or placed in the City Hall drop box.

Permit Portal Help

Building

Please note that a completed checklist is required for all building permits, except over-the-counter permits. For questions on building permits, please contact bldpermits@cityoflfp.gov.

Planning

While all Planning applications are online, we recommend contacting aplanner@cityoflfp.gov for any questions if you are unsure as to what you need or what type of application you need to apply for.

Inspections

The Community Development Department conducts inspections in all homes or businesses for Mechanical, Plumbing, Building, Right of Way and Sewer permits. Inspections CANNOT be scheduled until a permit is issued. Please note that receipts are not permits.

Updated November 26, 2025
To schedule an inspection, visit the city’s permit portal. For help on using the permit portal to schedule an inspection, please use the help document. Please note that inspections need to be scheduled within a minimum of 24 hours in advance and a maximum of two weeks in advance.

All applicants must have a paper copy of the permit and stamped plans if provided.

Electrical Permits: The City of Lake Forest Park does not issue or inspect electrical permits. Apply for electrical permits at the State Labor and Industries website.

Fire Permits: For sprinklers or other fire permits see Shoreline Fire website at https://shorelinefire.com/prevention/fire-system-permits/

PLEASE NOTE: Inspection days are Monday - Thursday. Please note there will be no inspections on Fridays or national holidays. Right of Way Inspection are Tuesday and Thursdays only.

If there are any inspection questions, please email the building department at bldinspections@cityoflfp.gov or call the Permit Coordinator at 206-957-2813.

Tree Permits

How Do I Turn in My Application?

You can use the permit portal to apply for tree permits.

An application fee of $120.00 is due at application, in the form of Cash, Check or Card accepted with 3% additional fee for Card payments. For major tree removals, an arborist report needs to be submitted as part of the application. Urban Forest Planner review for major tree permits is required and billed to the applicant at a rate of $95/hour.

A notice of application is required to be posted for a minimum of 2 business days (minor permits) or 14 days (major permits) before a permit can be issued. This notice will be issued when you submit a tree removal permit application. Please see click here for more information.

If there is an emergency tree removal that is allowed by LFPMC Chapter 16.14, contact the Urban Forest Arborist as soon as possible.

Requests for tree code enforcement investigations will be handled on a case-by-case basis. Contact the Urban Forest Arborist if you want to request a code enforcement action.

Code Enforcement

For Building code enforcement requests, please contact the Building Official at 206-957-2815 or for Land Use & Tree contact the planner at 206-957-2837. You may also complete the online Code Enforcement Request form or request an appointment to speak with City staff in person.

FAQs

View All FAQs

Do I need a building permit?

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by adopted codes, or to cause such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. International Residential Code Section 105, Titled Permits Section R105.1 Required.

How do I find open permits in Lake Forest Park

To look for open permits in Lake Forest Park click on the green Permit Portal icon. You can then choose to look for permits by clicking to search either Building or Planning (Land Use) title on the first page. You will be able to choose the criteria by which to search. Enter the street number or street name and see all permits located on that street. If you would like to see all permit applications in Lake Forest Park, enter Lake Forest Park in the 'City' field.

Do I need a permit for a fence? What about a deck?

If you wish to build a fence in a residential neighborhood, you do not need a permit to proceed if the proposed fence is: - in the front yard or 20 feet from the front lot line and less than four feet high; or - in the back yard and less than 6 feet high. You should also be sure of your property lines before you proceed. Check with your neighbors and be sure you are not infringing on any of their property. In addition, fences may not be placed within the sight distance triangles. Please see the Lake Forest Park Zoning Code for details.

As for decks, a permit is required per the International Residential Code. Please see the Residential Deck Checklist.

Permit Center

Information for the Community Development Department

Applying for Permits

Permit Portal Help

Building

Planning

Inspections

Tree Permits

Code Enforcement

Help Topics & Permit Applications

Permit Counter Hours

FAQs

CONTACT US

Quick Links

SOCIAL MEDIA