Snohomish County regulates the construction of many different types of buildings. Most structures require the applicant to submit a building permit application and site development plan. Residential building permits can be divided into four basic categories:
Common examples are non-habitable structures under 400 square feet in rural zones and non-habitable structures under 200 square feet in urban zones and uncovered decks constructed 30 inches or less from ground level.
Please refer to assistance Bulletin # 74 for other projects that are exempt from building permit requirements. Please keep in mind that exempt structures may not require building permits but they must still comply with distances from property lines as well as environmental regulations.
If your project is listed below and you wish to start the process - get started now!
You can also apply for many of our permits online at My Building Permit. For additional information about My Building Permit please see our Online Permitting page.
The links below are provided for more information because some projects have additional requirements.
Single Family Residential (RK)
Addition
Residence
Duplex
Garage with Living Space
Guest House
Attached Accessory Apartment (PDF)
Detached Accessory Apartment (PDF)
Interior Remodel
Manufactured Homes (MH)
Mobile Home (PDF)
Mobile Home in Mobile Home Park
Modular Home (PDF)
Temporary Dwelling (PDF)
Residential Accessory and Non Accessory Buildings (AB)
Agricultural Building
Aircraft Hanger
Boat House
Bridge
Carport
Covered Porch
Deck (PDF)
Dock (PDF)
Fence (PDF)
Garage/Storage Building (PDF)
Retaining Wall (PDF)
Swimming Pool (PDF)
Vault/Drainage
You may be eligible for a tax exemption on your improvements. View this document (PDF) for more information.
Other Residential Permits
Alteration
Conversion (PDF)
Demolition
Re-Roof
Plumbing (PDF)
Mechanical
Inspection Report (PDF)
Pre-Application Conference (PDF)
Lot Status
Land Disturbing Activity
Permit
Flood Hazard
Shoreline Permits
Shoreline Exemption