City Building Permits

Everett, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Snohomish County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Everett.

Department: Permit Services
Address: 2930 Wetmore Ave, 2nd Floor, Everett, WA 98201
Phone: 425-257-8810
Website: https://www.everettwa.gov/169/Permit-Services

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Everett Permit Services

Platform: Everett Permit Services • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

Getting Started: Conduct pre-submittal research and understand the project scope.
Prepare & Apply: Gather required documents, complete submittal checklists, submit application.
Permit Review: City staff reviews compliance with codes and regulations.
Permit Approval, Fees & Issuance: Pay fees and receive permit issuance.
Construction & Inspections: Schedule and complete required inspections.

Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and project complexity.

Source: Permit Services

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction in the City of Everett.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Submittal checklists (project-type specific)
Architectural and engineering plans as required

Building code: 2021 Building Codes effective March 15, 2024 (delayed from original date). New Planning Code effective July 8, 2025 (Everett 2044 comprehensive plan update).
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Plans may require stamp from WA licensed architect/engineer depending on project scope.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Fees based on project valuation.
Payment note: See Everett Municipal Code for specific fee schedules. Affordable housing projects may qualify for planning fee waivers (EMC Sec. 16.72.040).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Permit Services to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

425-257-8810, option 3 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections vary by project type. All inspections must be completed and approved before final.

Virtual Counter & In-Person appointments available. Walk-ins have limited availability for Permit Technicians only.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Building Codes effective March 15, 2024 (delayed from original date). New Planning Code effective July 8, 2025 (Everett 2044 comprehensive plan update).
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Permit Services - Submittal Checklists
Permit Services - Informational Handouts
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 Permit Services before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Everett can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works

Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Snohomish County

lynnwood marysville edmonds mukilteo

View all Snohomish County jurisdictions →