Projects pause. Financing slips, a contractor leaves, a winter goes by. Whether the permit survives the pause depends on which city issued it, because Portland and Seattle run on different clocks.
Portland: an inactivity clock
An issued permit, or one under inspection, with no activity for 180 days expires.
A permit never issued with no activity for 180 days is marked abandoned.
An extension must be requested before the expiration date.
An expired permit can be reactivated within 180 days of expiration.
A permit left in expired or abandoned status for another 180 days becomes void, and the work needs a new application.
Seattle: a fixed term
Construction, demolition, mechanical and grading permits typically expire 18 months after issuance.
Renewal can be requested up to 30 days before expiration.
An expired permit can be reestablished if expired less than one year, if eligible.
Renewal or reestablishment costs one and a half times the SDCI hourly fee, with a 48 hour issuance target.
If more than 18 months have passed since a new code took effect, the work must comply or be modified to comply, and be substantially underway.
What this means for a paused project
In Portland, keep inspections moving. An approved inspection is activity. A short, real inspection every few months protects the permit.
In Seattle, watch the calendar. Time alone expires the permit, so plan the renewal 30 days ahead.
In both, a lapse means today's code. A permit that goes void or past reestablishment is reviewed under the code in effect when it is refiled.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a Portland building permit valid?
An issued permit expires after 180 days with no activity. Expired permits can be reactivated within 180 days of expiration.
How long is a Seattle building permit valid?
Construction permits typically expire 18 months after issuance, with renewal available up to 30 days before expiration.
What happens if my permit goes void?
The work needs a new permit application under the code in effect when it is filed.
Sources
Insights are general information researched from published sources on the date shown. Rules change, so confirm with the permitting authority before you act.
