Property owners in unincorporated King County who did building, clearing or grading work without the required permit, have a chance to bring their property into compliance with the legal code and avoid the usual penalty fees.

King County is offering penalty fee amnesty for the next six months so property owners with illegal construction or clearing and grading activity can engage the permit review process at DDES and still pay the standard permit fees. Title 27 of the King County Code authorizes DDES to double permit fees charged for construction, clearing or grading activity conducted without permits in the unincorporated area. To be eligible for the program, the unpermitted activity must have occurred prior to Oct. 1, 2008 and a complete permit application must be filed with DDES by April 1, 2009.

Property owners securing permits after activity has occurred are still required to comply with all provisions of King County development regulations.