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Skagit County regulates the construction of many different types of buildings and structures. Most buildings and structures require the applicant to submit a building permit application. The information below will assist you in identifying what permit type is required for your project.
A commercial accessory building: defined as a building for commercial use typically constructed of wood materials, such as a workshop, barn, garage, carport, greenhouse, pole building, storage shed, equipment storage, and agricultural.
An accessory building does not include living space.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Commercial
> Workclass: Accessory Building
A residential accessory structure includes uncovered or covered decks, covered patios, shipping containers, prefabricated metal structures, retaining walls, bulkheads, fences over 7 feet, stand-alone foundations and foundation repairs, ground solar arrays, swimming pools and bridges.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Accessory Structures
A commercial addition is an extension of an existing building that increases its overall floor area or height.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Commercial
> Workclass: Addition
Agricultural buildings are commonly used for storing hay, grain, tractors, tool and sheltering livestock. These buildings may be constructed as a pole barn using traditional timber framing or as a steel building and are used for business purposes.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Commercial
> Workclass: Accessory Building
Alterations/Tenant Improvements
Not all commercial building alterations require a building permit.
Permit Exemptions: Minor cosmetic work like painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, and countertops does not require a building permit.
Permits Required: Structural changes, space reconfiguration, and modifications to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems generally require county approval and code compliance.
Common Examples of Structural Alterations
Alterations shall include any proposed plumbing or mechanical work.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Commercial
> Workclass: Alteration
A commercial building is used primarily to conduct business, provide services, or generate profit through rental income.
Common types of commercial buildings include office buildings, retail spaces, industrial facilities, hospitality and lodging.
Not all properties are zoned for commercial uses.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Commercial
> Workclass: Commercial Building
Demolitions require a Skagit County permit and possibly a permit from the Northwest Clean Air Agency.
Below is information on Asbestos and Demolitions per the Northwest Clean Air Agency.
Demolition definition per the Northwest Clean Air Agency (NWAA) Regulation 570: Demolition means the wrecking, razing, dismantling, or burning of a structure, making all or part of the structure uninhabitable or unusable.
You cannot legally start any demolition project or most renovation projects until certain asbestos
requirements are met …
Check for asbestos before your start!
Conduct an asbestos survey: The survey must be conducted by an Asbestos Hazardous Emergency Response Act (AHERA) certified building inspector. Such an inspector may be located online by searching "Asbestos Consulting and Testing" or on NWCAA's website at: Asbestos-demolition
File a Demolition Application: A complete application and fee must be submitted to the NWCAA. Forms are available online: Asbestos Removal and/or Demolition Application
Wait: A 10-day, federally mandated waiting period applies to all asbestos demolition projects except in emergency situations.
Visit NWCAA for additional information and resources: Asbestos-demolition
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Demolition
> Workclass: Demolition
This permit type applies to stand-alone equipment replacement. If your project exceeds that, please apply for a Commercial Alteration permit.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Mechanical (Commercial)
> Workclass: Mechanical Installation
Commercial swimming pools.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Commercial
> Workclass: Accessory Structure
