Permit Pathfinder™
The Permit Matrix

All Washington permits

A filterable directory of Washington state permits. Find the ones you actually need, with step-by-step guidance for each.

12 permits found
Environmental ClearancesComplex

SEPA Environmental Review

State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review identifies and evaluates environmental impacts of proposed government actions, including private developments needing approval.

Dept. of Ecology / Lead Agency 30–120 days
Base fee $650View guidance
Water & ShorelineComplex

Hydraulic Project Approval

Required for any work that uses, diverts, obstructs, or changes the natural flow or bed of state waters to protect fish life.

WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife 45–90 days
Base fee $0 (some fees for complex reviews)View guidance
Environmental ClearancesModerate

Forest Practices Permit

Required for timber harvest, road construction, or reforestation on forestland to protect water, soil, fish, wildlife, and public resources.

Dept. of Natural Resources 14–90 days
Base fee $0–$1,500View guidance
Small Business SetupSimple

Sign Permit

Required to install, alter, or relocate a commercial sign to ensure it meets size, height, lighting, and placement standards for the zoning district.

Local City/County Planning Dept. 1–3 weeks
Base fee $75–$300View guidance
Land Use & ZoningModerate

Short Subdivision Permit

Allows the division of land into a small number of lots (typically up to four) that meet minimum lot size and frontage standards for the zoning district.

Local County/City Planning Dept. 6–12 weeks
Base fee $1,200–$3,000View guidance
Building a HomeModerate

Residential Building Permit

Required to construct, alter, or repair a single-family home or accessory structure. Covers structural, mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work.

Local County/City Building Dept. 4–8 weeks
Base fee $450–$1,200View guidance
Water & ShorelineComplex

Shoreline Substantial Development Permit

Required for substantial development within shoreline jurisdiction (200 feet of the ordinary high water mark) on marine, lake, and river shorelines in Washington.

Local City/County (Dept. of Ecology oversight) 90–180 days
Base fee $1,000–$3,500View guidance
Small Business SetupModerate

Food Service Establishment Permit

Required to operate any establishment that prepares, serves, or sells food to the public, ensuring compliance with food safety standards.

Local County Health District 4–8 weeks
Base fee $300–$900 annualView guidance
Water & ShorelineComplex

Water Right Permit

Required to withdraw and beneficially use surface water or groundwater beyond the permit-exempt threshold for irrigation, commercial, or multi-home use.

Dept. of Ecology 12–24 months
Base fee $500 + cost recoveryView guidance
Transportation & AccessSimple

Driveway Access Permit

Required to construct or modify a driveway connecting private property to a public roadway, ensuring safe sight distance and drainage.

WSDOT or Local Public Works 2–6 weeks
Base fee $150–$500View guidance
Small Business SetupSimple

Washington State Business License

A master business license registers your business with the state and combines multiple city and state endorsements into a single application and renewal.

Dept. of Licensing (Business Licensing Service) 2–4 weeks
Base fee $30 + endorsementsView guidance
Land Use & ZoningModerate

Conditional Use Permit

Allows a use that is not permitted outright in a zoning district but is conditionally allowed subject to review and specific conditions to protect neighboring properties.

Local County/City Planning Dept. 8–12 weeks
Base fee $800–$2,500View guidance