Snohomish County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated areas of Snohomish County.

Department

Planning and Development Services (PDS)

Address

Admin West Building, 2nd Floor, 3000 Rockefeller Avenue, Everett, WA 98201

Phone

425-388-3311 or 1-800-562-4367 ext. 3311

Website

https://www.snohomishcountywa.gov/5169/planning-development-services

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account on the MyBuildingPermit.com portal.
2. Submit application online with required documents (Residential Building Application Checklist, structural plans, site plan, drainage plan, water/sewer approval if applicable).
3. Pay base application fee ($150) and plan check fee through the portal account.
4. Application reviewed for completeness by Planning and Development Services.
5. Technical review conducted by county staff.
6. Pay permit fee upon approval and receive permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity. Contact PDS for current timeline estimates.

Source: Planning and Development Services (PDS)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Snohomish County.

Required Documents

• Residential Building Application Checklist
• Structural plans (stamped by WA licensed engineer/architect for complex projects)
• Site plan
• Drainage plan
• Water and Sewer Approval from Snohomish County Health Department (if applicable)

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), Uniform Plumbing Code, and Washington State Energy Code, all with Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024).

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$150.00

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Based on valuation using ICC Building Valuation Data

Payment note

Sample residential valuation rates: First floor $170.80/sq ft, Second/Third floor $170.80/sq ft, Unfinished basement/foundation $31.50/sq ft, Garage $69.64/sq ft, Carport/Covered deck $31.50/sq ft. 11% added for plumbing/mechanical fixtures on new construction. State surcharge $6.50 per permit. Technology surcharge 3% of permit fees. Access/Driveway permit $350 per county road connection. Site review fee $320. Critical area site plan review $250. School, park, and transportation impact fees apply (vary by project and location).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (with limitations)
• Fences under 6 feet high (setback requirements still apply)
• Retaining walls under 4 feet high
• Driveways and sidewalks on private property
• Painting, papering, and similar finish work
• Minor repairs

Important: While exempt from building permits, other permits may be required (setback compliance, flood hazard permits, etc.). See Assistance Bulletin #74 and Snohomish County Code Section 30.50.103 for the complete exemption list.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• MyBuildingPermit.com portal (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections vary by project type. Typical sequence includes: foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, and final inspection. Approved plans must be on-site during inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), Uniform Plumbing Code, and Washington State Energy Code, all with Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024).
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Assistance Bulletin #74 - Common Building Permit Exemptions
• Assistance Bulletin #18 - Residential Building Permit Fees
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Snohomish County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Snohomish County, WA?

A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Snohomish County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Snohomish County, WA?

The minimum permit fee is $150.00. Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation using ICC Building Valuation Data. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Snohomish County, WA?

1. Create an account on the MyBuildingPermit.com portal. 2. Submit application online with required documents (Residential Building Application Checklist, structural plans, site plan, drainage plan, water/sewer approval if applicable). 3. Pay base application fee ($150) and plan check fee through the portal account. 4. Application reviewed for completeness by Planning and Development Services. 5. Technical review conducted by county staff. 6. Pay permit fee upon approval and receive permit issuance.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Snohomish County, WA?

Typical processing time is Varies by project complexity. Contact PDS for current timeline estimates..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Snohomish County, WA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (with limitations); Fences under 6 feet high (setback requirements still apply); Retaining walls under 4 feet high; Driveways and sidewalks on private property; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Minor repairs. Note: While exempt from building permits, other permits may be required (setback compliance, flood hazard permits, etc.). See Assistance Bulletin #74 and Snohomish County Code Section 30.50.103 for the complete exemption list.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Snohomish County, WA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: MyBuildingPermit.com portal.