County Building Permits
Skagit County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated properties in Skagit County not within incorporated city limits.
- Department
- Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS)
- Address
- 1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
- Phone
- 360-416-1320
Online Permit Portal
Platform: County permit system • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Contact Planning and Development Services to discuss your proposed project
- Submit permit application with required plans and documentation
- Application reviewed by Planning, Building, Fire, and other departments as needed
- Pay permit fees based on project valuation (per adopted fee schedule)
- Receive permit approval
- Schedule required inspections through PDS
Typical processing time: Contact PDS for project-specific timeline; varies by permit type and complexity
Source: Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS)
General Requirements
Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Skagit County
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plans showing setbacks, lot coverage, impervious surfaces
- Construction drawings (floor plans, elevations, sections)
- Structural engineering (when required)
- Critical areas review documentation (if applicable)
- Floodplain permits (if work in flood zone)
- Energy code compliance documentation
- Fire flow/water availability documentation
- Driveway access approval
- Permit validity
- Building permits expire 3 years from issuance if work not completed; one 6-month extension available at no cost; one 3-year renewal available (renewal fee applies). Mechanical, plumbing, and demolition permits expire in 6 months.
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
- Owner-builder
- Property owner may perform own work; verify specific requirements with PDS
- Contractor requirements
- Licensed contractors with Washington State L&I registration required
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on project valuation using adopted fee schedule per Board of County Commissioners resolution
- Payment note
- Planning review fees, building permit fees, and impact fees may apply. Fee schedule was updated in 2024. Contact PDS for current rates.
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024).
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- One-story detached buildings 200 sq ft or less (not used for sleeping, meets setback requirements, not in Special Hazard Flood Area or floodway, not in critical areas/buffers, no plumbing or heating unless mechanical permit obtained)
- Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
- Sidewalks and driveways
- Water tanks under 5,000 gallons
- Finish work (painting, cabinets, flooring)
- Playground equipment
- Uncovered decks under 30 inches above grade
- Wall-mounted signs projecting less than 6 inches
- Monument signs under 7 feet
- Projects under $2,500 valuation
- Membrane structures (with restrictions)
- Work in public way (grading, utilities, etc.)
Important: Exemptions have specific conditions and restrictions. Confirm eligibility with PDS before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other code requirements.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 360-416-1320 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Contact PDS for inspection hours and scheduling
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required at foundation, framing, mechanical, electrical, and final stages. Fire code inspections required for commercial and multi-family. Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
- Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- Skagit County Building Code (Chapter 15.04 SCC)
- Zoning Code (Chapter 14 SCC)
- Critical Areas (Chapter 14.24 SCC)
- Floodplain Management (Chapter 14.34 SCC)
- License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Skagit County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA?
- Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Skagit County
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Skagit County, WA?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation using adopted fee schedule per Board of County Commissioners resolution.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA?
- 1. Contact Planning and Development Services to discuss your proposed project 2. Submit permit application with required plans and documentation 3. Application reviewed by Planning, Building, Fire, and other departments as needed 4. Pay permit fees based on project valuation (per adopted fee schedule) 5. Receive permit approval 6. Schedule required inspections through PDS
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA?
- Typical processing time is Contact PDS for project-specific timeline; varies by permit type and complexity.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Skagit County, WA?
- The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached buildings 200 sq ft or less (not used for sleeping, meets setback requirements, not in Special Hazard Flood Area or floodway, not in critical areas/buffers, no plumbing or heating unless mechanical permit obtained); Retaining walls under 4 feet in height; Sidewalks and driveways; Water tanks under 5,000 gallons; Finish work (painting, cabinets, flooring); Playground equipment; Uncovered decks under 30 inches above grade; Wall-mounted signs projecting less than 6 inches; Monument signs under 7 feet; Projects under $2,500 valuation; Membrane structures (with restrictions); Work in public way (grading, utilities, etc.). Note: Exemptions have specific conditions and restrictions. Confirm eligibility with PDS before proceeding. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and other code requirements.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Skagit County, WA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 360-416-1320.
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