The inspector walks the footing or the framing, sees something different from the approved plans and stops the inspection. Now the job needs a revision before it can move. Most of the time lost here goes to revisions that come back because they were drawn as a sketch.
Who decides if you need a revision
Changes to approved work need SDCI's approval first. Your building inspector decides. Inspectors may approve changes in the field that do not reduce the structure's strength or create fire and life safety issues, and they will tell you when the approved plans have to be revised.
Minor or major
Major: a substantial change in scale, structural design, construction type or occupancy, moving the structure into a new layout, or a new design. These need a new permit.
Minor: anything that does not meet the major criteria. These go in as a post-permit submittal on the existing permit.
Revisions are only allowed while the permit is still active, before it expires or is finaled. Each permit gets its own revision with its own plan set.
What a minor revision includes
A Permit Revision Letter and a Post Permit Submittal Checklist, plus a Statement of Financial Responsibility if the owner or responsible party changed.
A summary letter explaining the changes, with supporting documentation.
Only the revised plan sheets, not the full set, at least 18 by 18 inches.
Every change clouded or highlighted on those sheets.
Revised structural calculations when the structure changed.
Minor revisions are submitted through the Seattle Services Portal. One hour of review is paid at submittal and any additional review time when the revision is picked up. SDCI tries to finish the initial review within two weeks.
Where revisions get sent back
The change is shown in a sketch or a photo instead of on the approved sheet.
The engineer's letter or calculation does not reference the sheet and detail it changes.
The drawing shows what was meant to be built, not what was actually built.
The order that works
Measure what is actually in place. Draw it on the approved sheets with the changes clouded. Get the engineer's revised calculation or letter tied to those exact sheets. Submit the revision, then book the reinspection once it is approved.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit revision after a failed inspection in Seattle?
Your building inspector decides. Changes that do not reduce structural strength or create fire and life safety issues may be approved in the field; otherwise the approved plans must be revised through SDCI.
What do I upload for a minor revision to a Seattle permit?
A Permit Revision Letter, a Post Permit Submittal Checklist, a summary letter, the revised sheets only with changes clouded, and revised structural calculations if the structure changed.
How long does SDCI take to review a permit revision?
SDCI tries to finish the initial review within two weeks. The total depends on complexity and the number of corrections.
Sources
Insights are general information researched from published sources on the date shown. Rules change, so confirm with the permitting authority before you act.
