Building

Planning and Development Services | Building

Adopted Codes and Design Criteria

For a complete list of supplements and amendments visit Skagit County Code Title 15.04

2024 Stormwater Management Manual for Western Washington (SWMMWW)

2021 International Building Code with Appendices C, E, G, J, and P

2021 International Residential Code with Appendices F, Q, T, U, V, Y, and Z (except Chapters 11 and 25 through 43)

2021 International Mechanical Code 

2021 International Fuel Gas Code

2021 International Fire Code with Appendices B, C, D, and H 

2021 International Existing Building Code

2021 International Energy Conservation Code

2021 International Property Maintenance Code

2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

2021 International Wildland-Urban Interface Code

2021 Unform Plumbing Code with Appendices A, B, I, and M (except Chapters 12 and 14)

2021 Washington State Energy Code

IAPMO Uniform Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement 2012 Appendix B for rainwater catchment systems

2020 NFPA 58

2021 NFPA 54

2023 NFPA 855

ICC A117.1-2017 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities

Skagit County has different requirements based on the location. Below is a link to the County's iMap showing the breakdown of the different requirements throughout the county.

Please Note: When using iMap you can open a "Search Tab" located at the bottom left-hand corner of the screen. Use this tool to search by owner, address or parcel number to find property information.

iMap Design Criteria

The county map is separated by color and ISO (International Organization for Standardization) to determine snow load requirements. The table below is a general breakdown of requirements.

Map Color Light Yellow Green Pink Dark Yellow
Roof Snow Load 25 PSF* 30 PSI 40 PSI 50 PSI
Seismic Category D1 D1  D1 D1
Wind Speed 85 mph Fastest-mile or 110 mph 3 Second Gust
Wind Exposure B Urban and suburban areas, wooded areas or other terrain with numerous closely spaced obstructions having the size of single-family dwellings or larger
Wind Exposure C Open terrain with scattered obstructions having heights generally less than 30 feet This category includes flat open country, grasslands, and all water surfaces
Soil Bearing 1500 PSF 1500 PSF 1500 PSF 1500 PSF
Frost Depth 12" 12" 12" 12"

*no reductions

Skagit County requires documents to be submitted in accordance with the Electronic Document Standards. Please review the Electronic Document Standards and follow accordingly.

Do I need a permit?

In some cases, a permit is not required. Some Common examples are:

  • non-habitable structures under 200 square feet in all zones, and  
  • uncovered decks constructed 30 inches or less from ground level.  

Refer to Construction Exempt from a Building Permit Essential Handout #03 for a full list of projects that are exempt from building permit requirements. Please keep in mind that while some structures may not require building permits, they must comply with setback distances from property lines, as well as environmental regulations.

Contact Us

1800 Continental Place
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

(360) 416-1320

Ask a Permit Technician

Permit Assistance: Appointments preferred; walk-ins welcome during the following times.

Mon., Tue., Wed., Fri.:

  • 8:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Thursday:

  • 9:00 am - 12:00 pm
  • 1:00 pm - 3:30 pm

Reception: M-F: 8:00 am - 4:30 pm