Commercial permits apply to work on non‑residential buildings and sites, including offices, retail spaces, restaurants, multifamily buildings, mixed‑use projects, and other commercial or institutional structures. These permits ensure that construction and site improvements meet safety standards and follow Shoreline’s Development Code.

Commercial projects often include:

• New commercial, mixed‑use, or multi-family buildings
• Tenant improvements (TI)
• Interior remodels
• Additions and structural changes
• Change of use or occupancy
• Site development, grading, and utilities
• Commercial mechanical and plumbing work
• Demolition

Before You Apply

Most commercial projects require a permit. Start by reviewing:

• Do I need a permit? – Understand common permit exemptions.

• Critical Areas – Check whether your property has steep slopes, wetlands, streams, or other sensitive areas by using our interactive property information map.

• Pre‑Application Meetings – For more complex projects, you may choose to schedule a pre‑application meeting. A pre‑application meeting is an optional early meeting where you can review your project concept with the City’s review team before you submit a full permit application. It helps you understand requirements, identify potential issues early, and get written feedback from each review discipline. If you would like to request a pre‑application meeting, you can prepare your materials following the pre-application submittal checklist and submit using the City's eTRAKiT permitting portal.

How to Apply 

Each permit type has its own submittal checklist that explains exactly what you need to provide. Once you gather all required items, you can submit your application for intake using the City's eTRAKiT permitting portal.

After your application is verified as complete, it will move into permit review.