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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 residential accessory building: defined as a building for residential use typically constructed will wood materials, such as a workshop, barn, garage, gazebo, pavilion, carport, greenhouse, pole building, storage shed, equipment storage, and agricultural.
An accessory building does not include living space.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Accessory Building
An accessory dwelling unit (ADU) is a smaller, independent residential dwelling unit located on the same lot as a stand-alone (i.e., detached) single-family home or attached to a single-family home and shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
There are zoning limits regarding size and placement. See Essential Handout #xx for more information.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Accessory Dwelling Unit
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 residential addition is an extension of an existing building that increases its overall floor area or height and includes single-family residence, accessory dwelling unit or a residential accessory building.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> 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.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Accessory Building
Not all residential 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
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Alteration
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
A manufactured home is a type of prefabricated house built entirely in a climate-controlled factory and transported on a permanent steel chassis to a home site.
Manufactured Homes are regulated by HUD: Unlike traditional site-built homes that follow local building codes, manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976, must follow a strict uniform federal standard set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Mobile Home: a mobile home legally refers to factory-built housing constructed before the federal HUD code took effect on June 15, 1976.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Manufactured/Modular Structures
> Workclass: Manufactured Home
This permit type applies to stand-alone equipment replacement. If your project exceeds that, please apply for a Residential Alteration permit.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Mechanical (Residential)
> Workclass: Mechanical Installation
A single-family residence (SFR) is an independent residential dwelling unit and shall include permanent provisions for living, sleeping, eating, cooking and sanitation.
Check your zoning to determine setbacks and lot coverage.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Single Family Residence
Residential swimming pools may be inground or above ground.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Residential
> Workclass: Accessory Structure
This permit type applies to water heater replacements. If you have other plumbing needs, please submit for an Alteration permit.
Water Heater Replacement permits are issued at time of payment.
PDS Permit Portal >
> Permit Type: Plumbing (Residential)
> Workclass: Water Heater Replacement
