On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mount Vernon
Building permits required for all construction within City of Mount Vernon
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures 200 sq ft or less (planning permit still required)
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways (may require Engineering permit)
- Exempt Water tanks less than 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 30 inches deep
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
- Exempt Fences less than 7 feet (fence permit required)
- Exempt Decks not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Residential re-roof with one existing layer, no decking repair
- Exempt Window/door replacement in-kind
- Exempt Electrical: Minor repair work including lamp replacement
- Exempt Gas: Portable appliances, minor part replacement
- Exempt Mechanical: Portable appliances, minor repairs, self-contained refrigeration
Note: Confirm specific exemptions apply to your project; some may require additional permits
- Completed permit application
- Site plan showing property location
- Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- Structural calculations for engineered elements
- Energy code compliance documentation
- Zoning compliance verification
- Building code
- International Building Codes with Washington State amendments; 2021 Washington State Energy Code
- Permit validity
- Permits remain valid per SmartGov terms; contact department for expiration details
- Owner-builder
- Property owner may perform certain work; verify requirements with Development Services
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I contractor registration required; current contractor license and insurance required throughout project
Source: City of Mount Vernon Development Services Department - Building Division ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Residential Mechanical/Plumbing: Same day; Solar/Sign: First review within 2 weeks; Tenant Improvements/Single-Family/Duplex: First review within 4 weeks; Commercial/Multi-Family: First review within 4-6 weeks
- 01 Create account on SmartGov portal at https://ci-mountvernon-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/
- 02 Select appropriate permit type (Building, Engineering, Fire, or Planning)
- 03 Upload required documents following electronic submittal requirements
- 04 Pay fees online through portal
- 05 Track permit status through portal dashboard
- 06 Respond to comments or requests for additional information
- 07 Request inspections online after permit issuance
Typical processing time: Residential Mechanical/Plumbing: Same day; Solar/Sign: First review within 2 weeks; Tenant Improvements/Single-Family/Duplex: First review within 4 weeks; Commercial/Multi-Family: First review within 4-6 weeks
Source: City of Mount Vernon Development Services Department - Building Division ↗
Fee schedule
Mount Vernon building permit fees
Payment required at time of submittal for most permits through SmartGov portal
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- SmartGov portal (online)
- 360-336-6214 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24 business hour response time for inspection requests
- Inspection hours
- Contact Development Services for current inspection hours
Typical sequence: Inspection milestones printed on permit card; all work must be inspected and approved
Source: City of Mount Vernon Development Services Department - Building Division ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Mount Vernon permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Mount Vernon, WA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Mount Vernon, WA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mount Vernon, WA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Mount Vernon, WA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Mount Vernon, WA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mount Vernon, WA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Mount Vernon Development Services Department - Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.