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1. When do I need a permit?

In brief, you need a permit for most work done to your property. Call Permit Services at 425-257-8810 to discuss your construction project. Remember, a permit is required before any construction or work begins. Refer to the permit applications tab on our Permit Services webpage for more information.

2. When the Fire Department requires retroactive alarms, what do I need to do?

Submit a Fire Alarm permit application, with drawings per the commercial tenant improvement checklist, identifying all new and existing areas of work. This includes alarm locations in each unit, and type, with manufacturers catalog cuts. Refer to the permit applications tab and checklists & handouts tab on our Permit Services webpage for more information.

3. When will my permit be ready, and what is the status?

Permit applications are reviewed by multiple departments for code compliance, and the status of those reviews is online. You can find out the name of the reviewer in each department that has or will be looking at your permit. Once issued, the permit inspection status can also be reviewed at our eTRAKiT online permitting portal (for best results using eTRAKiT, use Internet Explorer as your web browser).

4. What is the structural design criteria for the City of Everett?

IRC and IBC requirements:

• Snow load-25 psf minimum (uniform, non-reducible)
• Basic wind speed-110 mph (ultimate)
• Frost depth-18 inches minimum

IRC only—Seismic category-D1. Frost depth-12 inches minimum for decks and porches.
IBC only—Seismic category-D, E, or F, subject to soil, location, risk category and building characteristics.

5. How much does a permit cost?

Permit fees vary depending on the type of construction, square footage, and/or valuation of your project. Refer to the permit fees tab on our Permit Services webpage for more information.

6. What is required to apply for a permit?

Each type of building or project has separate permit submittal requirements, which have been summarized on checklists. Refer to the checklists & handouts tab on our Permit Services webpage for more information.

7. Do I need to hire a design professional to do the plans?

The plans for most small residential projects, additions, garages and remodels can be done by the homeowner, provided that the drawings comply with the prescriptive requirements of the codes listed on the residential checklist for permit application. Residential or commercial buildings that require engineering, exceed 4 residential units, or exceed 4,000 square feet require a licensed Washington State architect. Additionally, engineering calculations are required for single family residential plans that do not meet the prescriptive requirements for lateral bracing, have other than conventional wood frame construction, are of unusual shape, or have complex supporting structure or site conditions.

8. What are the garage or accessory building requirements?

Size and height restrictions are part of the Zoning Code administered by the Planning Department, which can be reached at 425-257-8731. The allowed size of a garage is determined by many factors, including: the size of your lot, the location of the proposed garage (or accessory building), and whether you have an existing garage or other accessory buildings on the site.

9. How close to the property line can I build?

Setbacks may be different in different zones and for different structures. Contact the Planning Department to determine the setback requirements for a specific location. You can reach them by telephone at 425-257-8731. The building codes also have restrictions on property lines and construction requirements. Refer to the zoning code webpage for more information.

10. How do I get a permit for change of occupancy?

A change of use (also called occupancy in the building code) occurs when converting a house to a nonresidential use or by adding units. In a commercial structure, a change of use (occupancy) occurs when converting from a historical non-conforming use or permitted occupancy. If the use is approved by planning, the building revisions need to comply with the code requirements in the checklist for a change of occupancy. Refer to the checklists & handouts tab on our Permit Services webpage for more information.

11. Can I act as my own contractor?

For some permit types, an owner can act as the General Contractor and /or perform work on their own property. Check with Permit Services to confirm that your permit type qualifies.

12. How long does it take for my permit to be reviewed & issued?

For permits requiring Plan Review, reviews are performed by each department in the order the permit applications are received. Allow anywhere from 4 to 10 weeks for 1st review comments. Check with Permit Services for the approximate current review time for specific projects.

13. When will my permit expire?

Approved permits must be issued within 180 days of the approval date. After permit issuance, work must commence or continue with required inspections within 180 days in order to keep the permit active. Each inspection extends the permit an additional 180 days. Any request for an extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date, stating why it is needed, and is subject to Building Official approval. Contact us email.

14. Can I get electric power to the job site?

You may obtain a permit for a temporary power pole. Once the temporary power pole is in place and has been inspected and approved, you will need to contact Snohomish County PUD to connect the power.

15. How do I get a gas service line?

Contact Puget Sound Energy.