Confirm whether re-covering an existing awning with new material in Seattle requires an SDCI sign/awning permit.

Steps

1. Check SDCI's Sign, Awning, & Billboard Permit page (seattle.gov/sdci/permits/permits-we-issue-(a-z)/sign-awning-and-billboard-permit), which states plainly that a sign permit 'allows you to install or alter an awning, including re-covering an existing awning with a new material or changing or adding a business name on an existing awning.'
2. Treat the permit trigger as unconditional: any re-covering of an existing awning with new material requires a permit, whether or not the design, graphics, or business name change.
3. Confirm the re-covered awning still meets Seattle Sign Code (SMC Title 23) zoning requirements for location, size, and quantity, and SDOT Director's Rule 05-2023 if it projects over a public right-of-way.
4. Apply through the Seattle Services Portal: log in, choose Permits -- Trade, Construction & Land Use, then select 'Sign, Awning, and Canopy Permit.'
5. If the property is in a historic or special review district, obtain a Certificate of Approval from the Department of Neighborhoods before submitting the sign permit application.
6. Schedule and pass the required final inspection before the permit expires; re-covering work is not considered complete until it is inspected.