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§ WA Skagit County
County building permits

Unincorporated Skagit County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS)

Street address
1800 Continental Place, Mount Vernon, WA 98273
Phone
360-416-1320
Coverage
All unincorporated properties in Skagit County not within incorporated city limits.
Online portal
Skagit County Planning and Development Services
County permit system
Website
Department website
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Skagit County

Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Skagit County

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.)
  • 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)
  • Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height
  • Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
  • Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons
  • Exempt Finish work (painting, cabinets, flooring)
  • Exempt Playground equipment
  • Exempt Uncovered decks under 30 inches above grade
  • Exempt Wall-mounted signs projecting less than 6 inches
  • Exempt Monument signs under 7 feet
  • Exempt Projects under $2,500 valuation
  • Exempt Membrane structures (with restrictions)
  • Exempt 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.

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
Building code
2021 International Building Code with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
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.
Owner-builder
Property owner may perform own work; verify specific requirements with PDS
Contractor requirements
Licensed contractors with Washington State L&I registration required

Source: Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Contact PDS for project-specific timeline; varies by permit type and complexity

  1. 01
    Contact Planning and Development Services to discuss your proposed project
  2. 02
    Submit permit application with required plans and documentation
  3. 03
    Application reviewed by Planning, Building, Fire, and other departments as needed
  4. 04
    Pay permit fees based on project valuation (per adopted fee schedule)
  5. 05
    Receive permit approval
  6. 06
    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) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2024

Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation using adopted fee schedule per Board of County Commissioners resolution

Planning review fees, building permit fees, and impact fees may apply. Fee schedule was updated in 2024. Contact PDS for current rates.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
  • 360-416-1320 (phone)
Inspection hours
Contact PDS for inspection hours and scheduling

Typical 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.

Source: Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Skagit County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA? ▸
Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Skagit County
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Skagit County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Skagit County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation using adopted fee schedule per Board of County Commissioners resolution.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA, follow these steps: 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
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Skagit County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Skagit County, WA typically run Contact PDS for project-specific timeline; varies by permit type and complexity. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Skagit County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Skagit County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Skagit County, WA via: 360-416-1320.
last verified April 2026 source Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS) ↗ entry id permits/washington/skagit/unincorporated
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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Skagit County Planning and Development Services (PDS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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