SE Seattle Permit Registry
Live from City of Seattle open permit data

Every permit filed is someone about to hire.

We track Seattle's public building, electrical, and trade permit filings the day they're recorded - by neighborhood, by contractor, and by the six project types homeowners actually search for.

Homeowners

Planning a project

See what similar projects actually cost nearby, and which contractors are actively doing the work.

Browse by service →
Contractors

Building a track record

Every permit you file shows up here automatically - no signup, no pay-to-play. Your profile is your public work history.

See contractor profiles →
Realtors

Researching a listing or neighborhood

Check recent permit activity - ADU potential, electrical/seismic upgrades, or nearby new construction - before a listing appointment or CMA.

Browse by neighborhood →

Six services, tracked daily

Every card below is a live category - click through for permit volume, typical cost, and the most active contractors in each.

By neighborhood

NeighborhoodPermitsTop service
West Seattle2342Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
Northgate/Wedgwood1899Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
Fremont/Wallingford1834Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
Queen Anne1507Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
Ballard/Loyal Heights1368Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)

Most active contractors

ContractorPermitsPrimary service
GREENWOOD HEATING & HOME SERVICES1294Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
BALLARD NATURAL GAS538Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
SEATOWN ELECTRIC PLUMBING HEATING & AIR DBA SEATOWN SERVICES378Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
EVERGREEN HOME HEATING & ENERGY364Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)
BOBS HEATING AND AIR CONDITIONING362Heat Pump Conversions (HVAC)

Browse and search all contractors →

No pay-to-play

Every contractor above is ranked by permit volume - not by who paid for placement

Click any name to see their full permit history: total projects, active work, typical cost, and which neighborhoods they work in.

Common questions

What's the difference between an ADU and a DADU?

An ADU (accessory dwelling unit) is any secondary living space on a property, including one attached to or inside the main house. A DADU (detached ADU) is a separate structure - a backyard cottage - which is what most people picture when they say "ADU" in Seattle.

Do I need a permit for a heat pump conversion in Seattle?

Yes. Replacing a furnace or AC system with a heat pump requires a mechanical/trade permit from SDCI, filed by a licensed HVAC contractor.

How much does an electrical panel upgrade cost in Seattle?

Based on recent local permits, panel upgrades average a few thousand dollars, varying with amperage and whether the service line also needs upgrading.

Is seismic retrofitting required in Seattle?

It's not universally mandatory for single-family homes, but it's strongly recommended for older homes with cripple walls or unbolted foundations, and required for certain unreinforced masonry buildings under city policy.

Is the dollar amount shown the permit fee, or the project cost?

It's the estimated cost of the construction project itself (what you'd pay a contractor) - not the permit fee. Seattle calculates the actual permit fee separately, from a city fee schedule based on that project value. A $15,000 remodel might carry a permit fee of roughly $1,000, not $15,000.

Why rank contractors by permit volume instead of reviews?

A contractor with a long, verifiable permit history has a real, city-recorded track record - not just marketing claims. It won't tell you if they're pleasant to work with, so pair it with reviews, license status, and insurance - but permit volume is a strong first filter that can't be faked or bought.

Can realtors use this to research a listing before an appointment?

Yes - neighborhood pages show recent permit activity, common project types, and active contractors, useful context for a CMA or buyer conversation about a property's improvement history or ADU potential.

How do contractors get listed here?

Automatically - every profile is generated from public Seattle permit filings. There's no signup and no fee to appear; your public permit history is your profile.