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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mountlake Terrace
A building permit is required for most construction in the City of Mountlake Terrace.
Sheds under 80 sq ft with walls under 6 feet
Standard IRC exemptions
- Exempt Sheds under 80 sq ft with walls under 6 feet
- Exempt Standard IRC exemptions
Required documents
- Permit Contact Information Form
- Completed permit application
- Two copies of structural calculations
- Two copies of WA State Energy Code Compliance form
- Soils report (if geological hazards present)
- Critical Areas Checklist (if applicable)
- Plans and specifications
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024). Washington State Energy Code Compliance required.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners or authorized agents may apply.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity and current workload.
- 01 Complete Permit Contact Information Form (required with all permits).
- 02 Submit application with required documents including: Two copies of structural calculations, Two copies of WA State Energy Code Compliance form, Soils report if geological hazards present, Critical Areas Checklist if applicable.
- 03 Pay fees at time of application submission.
- 04 Plan review conducted by Community and Economic Development.
- 05 Permit issuance upon approval.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and current workload.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Mountlake Terrace building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Residential Building Permits: $6.50 State Building Code Council surcharge. Commercial Building Permits: $25.00 State Building Code Council surcharge. Additional $2.00 per dwelling unit over one. Shed Permit (less than 200 sq ft): Required for sheds 80 sq ft or larger OR walls exceeding 6 feet. No permit required for sheds under 80 sq ft with walls under 6 feet.
Development and impact fees updated annually. Fee schedules available on city website.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online Permit Portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Mondays 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.; Tuesday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: All inspection requests accessed via online Permit Portal. Project must have issued permits on-site. Approved plans must be on-site for inspections.
Phone requests no longer available.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Mountlake Terrace permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Mountlake Terrace, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction in the City of Mountlake Terrace.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Mountlake Terrace, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Mountlake Terrace, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Residential Building Permits: $6.50 State Building Code Council surcharge. Commercial Building Permits: $25.00 State Building Code Council surcharge. Additional $2.00 per dwelling unit over one. Shed Permit (less than 200 sq ft): Required for sheds 80 sq ft or larger OR walls exceeding 6 feet. No permit required for sheds under 80 sq ft with walls under 6 feet..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mountlake Terrace, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Mountlake Terrace, WA, follow these steps: 1. Complete Permit Contact Information Form (required with all permits). 2. Submit application with required documents including: Two copies of structural calculations, Two copies of WA State Energy Code Compliance form, Soils report if geological hazards present, Critical Areas Checklist if applicable. 3. Pay fees at time of application submission. 4. Plan review conducted by Community and Economic Development. 5. Permit issuance upon approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Mountlake Terrace, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Mountlake Terrace, WA typically run Varies by project complexity and current workload.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Mountlake Terrace, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Mountlake Terrace, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Sheds under 80 sq ft with walls under 6 feet; Standard IRC exemptions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mountlake Terrace, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mountlake Terrace, WA via: Online Permit Portal.
last verified April 2026
source Community and Economic Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/snohomish/mountlake-terrace
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community and Economic Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.