For those that have used the new Permit Center to submit plumbing and gas applications, we are collecting feedback through this survey. What do you like and not like? Is the application process too complicated? Are you having any difficulty selecting the correct application? Is the list of fixtures on the application too long?  

Tell us what you think in our survey: Permitting Feedback Survey.  

As described in our April newsletter, Public Health will be requiring permits for all replacement water heaters on July 1, 2026. In most cases this will be an over-the-counter plumbing permit.  

• If gas piping is being modified, a fuel gas permit will also be required.  

• Installations that including a new B-vent or utility chimney relining may require a mechanical permit in addition to the plumbing permit.  

• Modifying or creating a new electrical circuit will require an electrical permit. 

Guidance document highlight – Food service plumbing  

Are you installing or modifying plumbing in a food service establishment? See our food service plumbing guidance document intended to help designers, engineers, and owner/operators understand requirements.

Additional guidance related to backflow prevention for specific appliances and equipment will be forthcoming. 

Plan review email accounts  

The Plumbing & Gas plan review group maintains and monitors two customer service email accounts.  

• Planreviewstatus@kingcounty.gov: Email to inquire about the status of a plan review that has not yet begun. If you send an inquiry to this account, we will provide an estimated time of plan review start, or refer you to the assigned reviewer if the review has already been started.  

• Planreviewinfo@kingcounty.gov: Email with questions about non-prescriptive installations, code interpretations, or general questions/ concerns (including feedback on and ideas for this newsletter).  

While these inboxes are monitored regularly, responses may take 3-5 business days depending on staff availability. 

The Plumbing and Gas Program currently has a longer response time for inspections than in the past (1-2 day response time) due to staffing and other factors. We are currently working through an inspection request backlog that could worsen with the holiday, so please plan for several business days after requesting an inspection. 

While you can request a specific inspection date in the new permitting system, that scheduling is not guaranteed. Scheduling is based on inspector availability and workload, and your inspection will officially be scheduled when your inspector contacts you.  

We will continue to communicate updates on inspection response times so you can plan accordingly. We appreciate your patience during this time.