 Permitting
Thinking about a home improvement project? Start here.
Whether you're planning a remodel, building an accessory dwelling unit (ADU), replacing a deck, or tackling another home improvement project, the King County Home Improvement Fair is a great place to get expert guidance before you build.
Hosted by King County's Department of Local Services, these free events connect homeowners with local contractors, designers, suppliers, lenders, and King County Permitting staff, all in one place. Bring your questions about permits, code requirements, or your specific project and get personalized advice from King County Permitting staff.
Each event also includes a free Residential Permitting 101 presentation at 6:30 p.m., offering an overview of the residential permitting process for unincorporated King County, followed by a Q&A. Arrive early as the last presentation was standing room only!
Upcoming event:
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September 29, 6–8 p.m. – 605 SW 108th St., Seattle (White Center)
Admission is free, no registration is required, and no appointment is needed. If you're ready to improve your home, this is the perfect opportunity to get started with confidence.
Questions? Email PermitQuestions@kingcounty.gov.
Road Services
September construction at a glance
 Photo: August 6, 2026: The temporary Baring Bridge opened to the community after roughly four months of construction, restoring a key connection to 170 properties and more than 40 homes.
Summer Construction Highlights: Baring and Fifteen Mile Creek Bridges Reopen
King County Road Services reached two important milestones this summer with the reopening of the temporary Baring Bridge and the new Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge #493C. These two projects restore vital connections for communities that rely on these routes daily.
Crews completed the temporary Baring Bridge on NE Index Road on August 6, 2026, following severe storm damage to the historic 1930 timber suspension bridge last winter. The original structure, long in need of repairs, was restricted to vehicles under five tons, limiting emergency and essential access to about 170 nearby properties. The new 280‑foot modular steel Acrow Bridge—believed to be the longest of its kind in the country—provides unrestricted one‑lane vehicle travel and pedestrian access. It also supports construction activity needed for a planned permanent replacement. The historic timber bridge will close to pedestrians on September 30.
A wider, steel‑truss permanent bridge is expected to begin construction in 2029. Community members are invited to a celebration on September 12 from 10:30 a.m. to noon to honor the historic bridge before removal.
Meanwhile, Road Services also reopened the Fifteen Mile Creek Bridge #493C after replacing the aging 1932 timber structure with a modern concrete bridge that meets national standards. The new bridge features wider lanes and shoulders, improved water flow during high‑water events, and environmental benefits from removing creosote‑treated timber piles. While the road is now open, travelers should expect intermittent lane restrictions through October as final restoration and utility work continues.
Both bridges mark meaningful progress in maintaining safe, reliable infrastructure across King County. Additional summer efforts include resurfacing work on Vashon Island, culvert replacements, and the launch of the 2026 Pavement Preservation Program.
Learn more at KingCounty.gov/BaringBridge and KingCounty.gov/FifteenMileCreekBridge.
 Comprehensive planning
First draft of the Fairwood Subarea Plan is available for public review through September 26
The first draft of the Fairwood Subarea Plan is available for public review and comment. This draft – known as the Preliminary Plan – represents an important milestone in planning for the future of this community. It reflects input gathered from residents, stakeholders, and partners over the past year.
The plan is designed to guide the next 20 years of growth in a manner consistent with the King County Comprehensive Plan. It outlines community priorities and establishes a long-term vision for land use, housing, transportation, parks, environmental stewardship, economic development, and community services in the area.
Community members are invited to review the draft plan and share their feedback during the public comment period. Please visit the Fairwood Subarea Plan website to view the Reader’s Guide and use our online form to enter your comments. Public comments will be accepted through September 26, 2026.
Join us for upcoming events!
We also invite you to attend our upcoming events to learn more about the Fairwood Subarea Plan, better understand how you can provide comments, and ask questions:
September 9, 2026, 4-8 p.m. – Fairwood Market Night. Stop by our booth.
September 16, 2026, 4-6 p.m. – Library Office Hours. Visit our table “office hours” at the Fairwood Library.
September 17, 2026, 6 p.m. – Virtual Informational Meeting. Attend our online meeting. Register for the meeting at this link.
September 23, 2026, 4-6 p.m. – Virtual Office Hours. Drop-in online on Zoom at this link.
King County Metro
Metro's service expansion takes effect
Metro updated and improved bus service across King County starting Aug. 29, with one of the largest service expansions in recent years. This includes nine new bus routes and more than 3,000 additional bus trips each week.
In response to feedback from riders, Metro is boosting frequency and expanding service earlier in the morning, later in the evening and on weekends, making transit more convenient, reliable and better connected to the region’s expanding Link light rail network.
The most significant improvements are in South King County, where Metro is making major investments to improve all-day and weekend service while strengthening connections to new Sound Transit Link light rail stations. New Metro Flex areas began service Aug. 31 in Auburn and Federal Way. Additional service improvements also are planned on dozens of routes serving North King County and the Eastside.
Read more about the expansion here.
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Rural and Regional Services
Get Out and Celebrate Salmon SEEson’s 20th Year
Salmon SEEson is back, marking 20 years of helping the community experience salmon returning to local rivers and streams. Chinook, coho, sockeye, chum, and kokanee are already making their way home, and fall is the perfect time to see them! Explore self‑guided viewing spots, visit the Ballard Locks during peak runs, and learn how local habitat restoration is helping to conserve salmon. Find your local salmon viewing area using this map.
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Fresh, Local Food and Flowers on the Way from King County–Leased Farmland
Four farm businesses have just launched their first season at Heritage Farm, where small and growing farmers are gaining access to affordable farmland and expanding the supply of fresh, locally grown produce and flowers. Early harvests are already underway, and these products will reach King County farmers markets, restaurants, florists, and hunger‑relief partners. Read more here, and support local growers by visiting a nearby farmers market using the 2026 King County listing.
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Joint Team - Greater Maple Valley
KCCP Mid-Point Update
The Joint Team of King County’s Urban and Rural Unincorporated Area organizations recently submitted detailed feedback on two major county initiatives. On August 3, the team provided comments on the 2029 King County Comprehensive Plan Mid‑Point Update, a process that will guide long‑term policy changes, environmental review, public engagement, and an equity‑impact analysis following the release of the proposed Scope of Work in July.
On August 7, a sub‑team submitted extensive comments on King County’s Determination of Significance and Environmental Impact Statement scoping for a proposed 990‑acre mine and asphalt facility near the Green River Gorge and Kanaskat State Park. Together, these efforts reflect the Joint Team’s commitment to ensuring community voices are heard in decisions that shape land use, environmental protection, and the future of unincorporated King County.
Community Alliance to Reach Out and Engage
Lord of Life Lutheran Church
12819 160th Avenue SE, Renton
See blog for the latest information and to confirm meetings.
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Enumclaw Plateau Community Association
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information send email to EPCA.wa@gmail.com.
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Fall City Community Association
Meetings are held the first Tuesday of every month, and are open to the public. For more information, visit fallcity.org or send email. |
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Four Creeks Unincorporated Area Council
Second Tuesdays – Virtual meeting via Zoom
Visit the website (fourcreeks.org) for the latest information and to confirm meeting dates and locations. |
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Greater Maple Valley Unincorporated Area Council
Monday, September 14, 7-9:30 p.m. – in person or via Zoom
Maple Valley Fire Station, 22225 SE 231st St (across from Sheriff’s Precinct #3)
This is one week later the normal “first Monday of the month” due to the Labor Day holiday. Meeting agendas and Zoom information are posted on the website (gmvuac.org) a few days before the meeting.
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Green Valley/Lake Holm Association
The Green Valley/Lake Holm Association advocates for those who live in unincorporated southeast King County. Primary goals are to maintain the community’s unique historic, agricultural, and rural character; protect the environment; and sustain quality of life in the area. They engage regularly with local government agencies to address concerns and influence policies on topics of mutual interest, such as growth and development, transportation, public safety, and flood control. Stay connected by visiting their Facebook page. |
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North Highline Unincorporated Area Council
Monthly board meetings are open to the public and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from local organizations. For more information, email Barbara Dobkin. |
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Skyway Coalition
Skyway Coalition is a nonprofit organization that centers community-led growth to uplift and protect our Black and brown unincorporated community of Skyway.
See the coalition's website. |
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Vashon-Maury Community Council
Meetings are open to all and are held on the third Thursday of each month, both online and in-person. Topics include affordable housing, ferries, election candidates, transportation, aviation noise, and more. The council sets up committees and passes resolutions to King County and other organizations as needed. Voting membership is free and open to residents 18 and older. To learn more, visit the website. |
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West Hill Community Association
Meetings are in person or via Zoom
Skyway Fire District 20 Admin Building
12424 76th Avenue S, Seattle
Monthly board meetings are open to the public, and often feature guest speakers in addition to community reports and information from a variety of local organizations. For more information, send email or visit the website. |
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