Land Use

A pre-application meeting is a comprehensive consultation which will produce detailed guidance and requirements from all  involved reviewers in order to inform an applicant on the required submittal materials. A pre-application meeting is required for all Type 2-4 permits unless waived by Planning and Development Services staff. 

A Binding Site Plan (BSP) is a process used to create parcels as an alternative to the long plat procedures required by Chapter 58.17 RCW. Binding site plans are required to create parcels for industrial or commercial use.  

Binding Site Plans are reviewed for consistency with SCC 14.74 - Land Divisions.

To learn more about the land division submittal requirements, please click the link to the Land Division checklist below:

COMING SOON

A Boundary Line Adjustment (BLA) approves adjustments or alterations to boundary lines of existing Lots of Record. A BLA cannot create any additional lot, tract, parcel, site or division.

Any lot altered through a BLA must meet minimum requirements for building site width and area and must be consistent with the minimum lot size for the zone unless the lot is already non-conforming to the minimum lot size. 

Process

Once a complete Boundary Line Adjustment Application is submitted which PDS staff will review the application for consistency with Skagit County Code. After review, the Planning and Development Services staff will approve, request more information, or a deny the proposed BLA.

Once approved, the applicant must then have a surveyor prepare a map and deeds. Staff will review the prepared map and deeds, and sign the deeds if it is consistent with what was approved. The applicant must have them recorded with the Skagit County Auditor within 1 year of approval.

Lot Certifications

Lot Certifications determine whether a lot is eligible for sale, lease, transfer, or developement. Property that is not a legal lot is not eligible for sale, lease, or transfer, except for the purpose of aggregation in SCC 14.70.080.

A lot is eligible for project permits only if:

• The lot is a legal lot; and
• The lot is not restricted from development by prior County decision or action (e.g., plat notes, open space designation); and
• The lot is either:
• Equal to or larger than the minimum lot size for its zone, unless a variance to the minimum lot size is approved per SCC 14.58.020(1)(a)(iii); or
• Meets the criteria in SCC 14.70.060 for an exception from the minimum lot size requirement.

Lot Aggregation

Lot Aggregation is is the process of combining two or more lots under common ownership into a single, unified lot. 

Lots that do not meet the minimum lots size requirement in its zone, do not meet the criteria in SCC 14.70.060 for an exception from the minimum lot size requirement, and is contiguous to other lots that have been held in common ownership at any time since July 1, 1990 may be eligible for Lot Aggregation. 

Reasonable Use Exception

Reasonable Use Exceptions may be applied for when a lot:

1. Meets the criteria in SCC 14.70.050(1)(a) and (1)(b) but not the minimum lot size criteria in SCC 14.70.050(1)(c) nor meets the criteria in SCC 14.70.060 for an exception from the minimum lot size requirement;
2. Does not qualify for aggregation under SCC 14.70.080 or has been aggregated as required by SCC 14.70.080 and is still smaller than the minimum lot size in the zone; and
3.  Is not located in a Natural Resource Land zone (where natural resource production is already deemed a reasonable use).

To be eligible for project permits, the owner of a lot may request a reasonable use exception for a specified use on the lot. The owner must demonstrate all of the following:

1. The lot has not been owned with any other contiguous lots with the same zoning designation at any time since July 1, 1990;
2. The proposed use can otherwise satisfy all other requirements of the Skagit County Code;
3. The proposed use does not require extension of, or installation of, urban levels of service outside of an urban growth area.
4. The effect of a reasonable use exception is to allow applications and permits for the use specified on the subject lot.

Reasonable Use Exceptions are a Type 2 permit and require public notification. Once the application is determined complete, a Notice of Development Application will be sent to neighboring property owners within 300 feet, a public notice will be published in the County's official newspaper, the notice will be posted on the county's public notice website, and a public notice sign will be posted on the property.

A short subdivision (or short plat) is the division of property to create up to four individual lots. In order to be eligible for a short subdivision, the subject property is required to contain the minimum acreage needed to subdivide the parent parcel into newly created lots that each meet the minimum lot size requirement. 

Short subdivisions are Type 1 applications and require preliminary approval from the Skagit County Planning Director. Once preliminary approval is issued, the applicant may apply for a Land Disturbance Approval to make necessary improvements to the property. Preliminary short subdivision approval is valid for 36 months.

Once improvements are made, the applicant can submit the final drawings for signature. Once signed, the drawings are recorded with the Skagit County Auditor. 

Conservation and Reserve Development (CaRD) Short Subdivisions

A conservation and reserve development (CaRD) land division is a method of single-family residential land development characterized by building lots or envelopes that are much smaller than otherwise allowed in the zone, resulting in:

1. Open space for agriculture or forestry;
2. Continuity of ecological functions characteristic of the property;
3. Preservation of rural character;
4. Reduced impervious surface area; and
5. Lowered costs of development and maintenance.

The maximum lot size for buildable lots is one acre, unless a larger lot is needed for one or more of the following reasons, in which case that lot may be no larger than necessary to accomplish the purpose of the exception and the exception must be recorded on the face of the plat map.

A CaRD land division is permitted only in the following zones:

1. Agriculture-NRL;
2. Industrial Forest-NRL;
3. Secondary Forest-NRL;
4. Rural Resource-NRL;
5. Rural Intermediate;
6. Rural Reserve;
7. Rural Village Residential; and
8. Hamilton Urban Reserve.

Common Administrative Special Use Permits include, but are not limited to:

• Bed and Breakfast
• Home-Based Business 2
• Limited Event Venues
• Agritourism 2

Process

Once the application is determined complete, a Notice of Development Application will be sent to neighboring property owners within 300 feet, a public notice will be published in the County's official newspaper, the notice will be posted on the county's public notice website, and a public notice sign will be posted on the property.

After review and public comment, staff will either approve, deny, or request additional information. Once approved the applicant can apply for subsequent building permits associated with the Administrative Special Use Permit Approval.

Special Use Permit Criteria

All Special Use Permits are reviewed for consistency with the criteria listed in SCC 14.51.050: 

1. The proposed use complies with Skagit County Code;
2. The proposed use will not adversely affect or prevent those uses normally allowed in the zone;
3. The proposed use will be compatible with existing and planned land uses;
4. The proposed use will comply with the performance standards of SCC Chapter 14.20;
5. The proposed use will not generate intrusions on privacy of surrounding uses;
6. The proposed use will not cause potential adverse effects on the health, safety, and welfare of the community or general public;
7. The proposed use will be supported by adequate public facilities or services and will not adversely affect public services to the surrounding areas, or conditions can be established to mitigate adverse impacts on such facilities;
8. The proposed use will maintain the character, landscape, and lifestyle of the rural area;
9. For special uses in Industrial Forest—Natural Resource Lands, Secondary Forest—Natural Resource Lands, Agricultural—Natural Resource Lands, and Rural Resource—Natural Resource Lands, the impacts on long-term natural resource management and production will be minimized.

Pursuant to SCC 14.06.130, the Director of Planning and Development Services or other Administrative Official may issue an Administrative Official Interpretation (“AOI”) of the meaning, application, or intent of any provision of Title 14, or for questions regarding a map boundary or an alleged scrivener’s mapping error that does not involve reconsideration or rebalancing of designation criteria.

The Department publishes a Notice of Decision upon issuance of an AOI. Aggrieved parties may appeal Administrative Interpretations within 14 days by following the process in SCC 14.06.

Procedural provisions and statements of policy do not require issuance of a formal AOI. A decision by the Administrative Official that the interpretation request does not require an AOI is final, does not require a Notice of Decision, and is not subject to appeal.

A variance may be requested when the subject lot has physical constraints that do not allow the construction of a use normally permitted in the same zoning designation.

Variances are designed to allow minor modifications on a site, such as increasing the amount of impervious surface on a property, decreasing setbacks, or lot coverage requirements in order to accommodate construction on lots where there is a physical hardship.

An administrative variance may authorize a departure from the following regulations

• Parking requirements, as allowed by SCC 14.26.040(2);
• Reductions up to 100 percent of the standard setback allowed by SCC 14.28.030;
• Reductions within natural resource lands allowed by SCC 14.38.060;
• Landscaping requirements in SCC Chapter 14.25 per SCC 14.25.040(9);
• Variances to Bayview Ridge Residential SCC 14.15.500(3)(b), minimum density for short plats, allowed in cases where previously developed property or property with critical areas constraints precludes development at the required densities.

All other variances require a Hearing Examiner Variance. 

Process

Once the application is determined complete, a Notice of Development Application will be sent to neighboring property owners within 300 feet, a public notice will be published in the County's official newspaper, the notice will be posted on the county's public notice website, and a public notice sign will be posted on the property.

PDS staff will review for the application to determine whether it meets the variance criteria listed below and whether it is consistent with other areas of Skagit County Code.

Variance Review Criteria

1. The variance complies with any relevant variance criteria found in other sections of Skagit County Code.
2. The variance is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of land, building, or structure.
3. The granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Title and other applicable provisions of the Skagit County Code, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood, or otherwise detrimental to public welfare.
4. The requested variance must arise from special conditions and circumstances, including topographic or critical area constraints, which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not ordinarily found among other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.
5. The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant.
6. Literal interpretation of the provisions of this Chapter would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of this Title and SCC Title 15.
7. The granting of the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this Title and SCC Title 15 to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.

After review staff will request additional information, or issue a decision approving or denying the project.

A Binding Site Plan (BSP) is a process used to create parcels as an alternative to the long plat procedures required by Chapter 58.17 RCW. Binding site plans are required to create parcels for industrial or commercial use. 

Binding Site Plans proposing 9 or more lots require public notice to property owners within 300 feet and a public hearing. Binding Site Plans proposing 9 or more lots require Hearing Examiner approval. 

Binding Site Plans are reviewed for consistency with SCC 14.74 - Land Divisions.

To learn more about the land division submittal requirements, please click the link to the Land Division checklist below:

COMING SOON

Common Hearing Examiner Special Use Permits include, but are not limited to:

• Home-Based Business 3
• Agritourism 3
• Kennels
• Gravel Mines
• Developed Campgrounds

Once the application is determined complete, a Notice of Development Application will be sent to neighboring property owners within 300 feet, a public notice will be published in the County's official newspaper, the notice will be posted on the county's public notice website, and a public notice sign will be posted on the property.

After review and public comments, staff will issue a recommendation to the Hearing Examiner or request additional information from the applicant.

Once staff is ready to make a recommendation to the Hearing Examiner, the Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing and will either approve or deny the application. After approval by the Hearing Examiner, the applicant may apply for subsequent building permits consistent with the conditions of approval for the Hearing Examiner Special Use permit.

Special Use Permit Criteria

All Special Use Permits are reviewed for consistency with the criteria listed in SCC 14.51.050: 

1. The proposed use complies with Skagit County Code;
2. The proposed use will not adversely affect or prevent those uses normally allowed in the zone;
3. The proposed use will be compatible with existing and planned land uses;
4. The proposed use will comply with the performance standards of SCC Chapter 14.20;
5. The proposed use will not generate intrusions on privacy of surrounding uses;
6. The proposed use will not cause potential adverse effects on the health, safety, and welfare of the community or general public;
7. The proposed use will be supported by adequate public facilities or services and will not adversely affect public services to the surrounding areas, or conditions can be established to mitigate adverse impacts on such facilities;
8. The proposed use will maintain the character, landscape, and lifestyle of the rural area;
9. For special uses in Industrial Forest—Natural Resource Lands, Secondary Forest—Natural Resource Lands, Agricultural—Natural Resource Lands, and Rural Resource—Natural Resource Lands, the impacts on long-term natural resource management and production will be minimized.

A variance may be requested when the subject lot has physical constraints that do not allow the construction of a use normally permitted in the same zoning designation.

Variances are designed to allow minor modifications on a site, such as increasing the amount of impervious surface on a property, decreasing setbacks, or lot coverage requirements in order to accommodate construction on lots where there is a physical hardship.

A Hearing Examiner variance may authorize a departure from the following regulations

• Agricultural siting criteria of SCC 14.13.100.
• SCC 14.76.200, One-acre segregation for agricultural land preservation.
• Minimum lot size requirements; provided, that no additional density or development rights may be obtained.
• Variances to standard critical area buffer widths per SCC 14.24.150.
• Any other dimensional or numeric standard in this Title, unless otherwise prohibited or described as an administrative variance.

All other variances require an Administrative Variance. 

Process

Once the application is determined complete, a Notice of Development Application will be sent to neighboring property owners within 300 feet, a public notice will be published in the County's official newspaper, the notice will be posted on the county's public notice website, and a public notice sign will be posted on the property.

PDS staff will review for the application to determine whether it meets the variance criteria listed below and whether it is consistent with other areas of Skagit County Code.

Once staff is ready to make a recommendation to the Hearing Examiner, the Hearing Examiner will hold a public hearing and will either approve or deny the application. After approval by the Hearing Examiner, the applicant may apply for subsequent building permits consistent with the conditions of approval.

Variance Review Criteria

1. The variance complies with any relevant variance criteria found in other sections of Skagit County Code.
2. The variance is the minimum variance that will make possible the reasonable use of land, building, or structure.
3. The granting of the variance will be in harmony with the general purpose and intent of this Title and other applicable provisions of the Skagit County Code, and will not be injurious to the neighborhood, or otherwise detrimental to public welfare.
4. The requested variance must arise from special conditions and circumstances, including topographic or critical area constraints, which are peculiar to the land, structure, or building involved and which are not ordinarily found among other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.
5. The special conditions and circumstances do not result from the actions of the applicant.
6. Literal interpretation of the provisions of this Chapter would deprive the applicant of rights commonly enjoyed by other properties in the same district under the terms of this Title and SCC Title 15.
7. The granting of the variance requested will not confer on the applicant any special privilege that is denied by this Title and SCC Title 15 to other lands, structures, or buildings in the same district.

After review staff will request additional information, or issue a decision approving or denying the project.

A long subdivision (or long plat) is the division of property to create up to four individual lots. In order to be eligible for a short subdivision, the subject property is required to contain the minimum acreage needed to subdivide the parent parcel into newly created lots that each meet the minimum lot size requirement. 

Long subdivisions are Type 3 applications and require preliminary approval from the Skagit County Hearing Examiner.

Once preliminary approval is issued, the applicant may apply for a Land Disturbance Approval to make necessary improvements to the property. Preliminary long subdivision approval is valid for 5 years.

Once improvements are made and all conditions of approval are met, the applicant can submit the final drawings for signature. Once signed, the drawings are recorded with the Skagit County Auditor.

Long subdivisions require a Pre-Application meeting prior to application submittal.  

Conservation and Reserve Development (CaRD) Long Subdivisions

A conservation and reserve development (CaRD) land division is a method of single-family residential land development characterized by building lots or envelopes that are much smaller than otherwise allowed in the zone, resulting in:

1. Open space for agriculture or forestry;
2. Continuity of ecological functions characteristic of the property;
3. Preservation of rural character;
4. Reduced impervious surface area; and
5. Lowered costs of development and maintenance.

The maximum lot size for buildable lots is one acre, unless a larger lot is needed for one or more of the following reasons, in which case that lot may be no larger than necessary to accomplish the purpose of the exception and the exception must be recorded on the face of the plat map.

A CaRD land division is permitted only in the following zones:

1. Agriculture-NRL;
2. Industrial Forest-NRL;
3. Secondary Forest-NRL;
4. Rural Resource-NRL;
5. Rural Intermediate;
6. Rural Reserve;
7. Rural Village Residential; and
8. Hamilton Urban Reserve.

The State Environmental Policy ACT (SEPA) gives agencies the tools to allow them to both consider and mitigate for environmental impacts of proposals.  At the conclusion of the environmental review process, a SEPA threshold determination of either non-significance or significance is issued for the proposal.

Click below to learn more about SEPA.

Essential Handout #17 - SEPA

Skagit Regional Airport, owned and operated by the Port of Skagit, is an essential public facility as designated in the Skagit County Comprehensive Plan, provides an important transportation service to the region, and is a vital asset to facilitate economic growth in the County.

SCC 14.14.100 creates an Airport Environs Overlay (“AEO”) zone centered on Skagit Regional Airport to protect the long-term viability of Skagit Regional Airport and promote land uses compatible with the airport within the airport’s designated environs. Development within the AEO is subject to building height and land use review and restrictions per Skagit County Code. Title notices must be recorded, see Title Notice Worksheet.

AEO Maps
You can also view the current adopted Airport Environs Overlay on iMap

• Airport Environs Overlay and Compatibility Zones (adopted November 16, 2022)
• AEO Building Heights Restriction Contours Map
• AEO FAA Aeronautical Review Map

AEO Forms

• Title Notice Worksheet
• Avigation Easement (Including Exhibits)
• Notice and Acknowledgement
• Notice, Acknowledgement, and Waiver
• Notice Exhibits A, B, and C
• FAA Form 7460-1, Notice of Proposed Construction or Alteration

AEO: Historical information

The Guemes Island Overlay applies to all development within all zones on Guemes Island, and is to be applied in conjunction with the underlying zoning regulations. The Guemes Island Overlay code requirements can be found in SCC 14.14.200.  

The purpose of the Mineral Resource Overlay (MRO) is to maintain and enhance natural resource-based industries by conserving mineral resource lands, allowing continued operation of existing legally established uses, and by ensuring that use of adjacent lands does not interfere with the extraction and quarrying of minerals. An MRO overlays Natural Resource Lands (NRL) zones and imposes regulations in addition to those normally required in the underlying NRL zone. Mineral extraction and processing activities are allowed as a Hearing Examiner special use, and must comply with the Surface Mining Act, RCW Chapter 78.44. The MRO recognizes those areas that are designated to protect long-term, commercially viable mineral natural resource lands and recognizes that mineral resources must be in close and economic proximity to the market to be served.

The MRO represents those areas that are designated as Mineral Resource Overlay (MRO) on the Skagit County Comprehensive Plan Map adopted by Ordinance 16550, or as thereafter amended. Unless otherwise restricted by ordinance, new Mineral Resource Overlay areas may be designated by complying with RCW Chapter 36.70A, the Comprehensive Plan amendment procedures of the Skagit County Comprehensive Plan, and SCC Chapter 14.08.

All Mineral Resource Overlay requirements can be found in SCC 14.14.300. 

Agricultural Natural Resource Lands (Ag-NRL) are those lands with soils, climate, topography, parcel size, and location characteristics that have long-term commercial significance for farming. The County designates agricultural lands primarily based on the presence of prime agricultural soils. These lands are concentrated in the fertile floodplain of the Skagit River as it flows into the Puget Sound. There are also agricultural lands designated along the upper Skagit Valley in areas of rich alluvial soils.

The purpose of the Agricultural—Natural Resource Lands district is to provide land for continued farming activities, conserve agricultural land, and reaffirm agricultural use, activities and operations as the primary use of the district. Nonagricultural uses are allowed only as accessory uses to the primary use of the land for agricultural purposes. 

A single-family residence is allowed in the Ag-NRL zone only when accessory to an agricultural use, except when sited on a legal lot eligible for development per SCC 14.70.050 that is one acre or less, then it is considered a Permitted Use.

Allowed uses and dimensional standards applicable to the Ag-NRL zone can be found by clicking the link below:

Skagit County Code Chapter 14.13 - Natural Resource Lands and Uses

Forest Resource lands are those lands with soils, parcel size, and location characteristics that
have long-term commercial significance for forestry. Industrial Forest lands form the bulk and core of the
commercially significant forest resource, with a surrounding Secondary Forest designation which
provides a transitional density between that of Rural areas and Industrial Forest. Secondary
Forest also offers the potential for smaller-scale commercial timber operations, supporting
natural resource industries, and limited residential uses. These lands are concentrated in the
slopes and foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the eastern and northern portions of the county. 

The purpose of the Industrial Forest—Natural Resource Lands (IF-NRL) district is to ensure that forest lands of long-term commercial significance are conserved and managed to provide sustainable forest yields, job stability, ecological values and the continuation of a viable commercial forest industry in Skagit County.

A single-family residence is only allowed in the IF-NRL zone when all of the following criteria are met:

1. The residence is located within 200 feet of an existing County road or State highway;
2. The residence is located within the existing, as of July 26, 2005, boundaries of a fire district;
3. The residence is an accessory use to timber resource management activities;
4. Ingress and egress for fire vehicles meets the standards of the International Fire Code Section 503, as amended;
5. A 200-foot slash abatement is maintained around the exterior portion of the dwelling;
6. A safety zone cleared of flammable vegetation is maintained 30 feet from any portion of the exterior of any structure on level ground and 100 feet downhill on sloped ground;
7. The dwelling or any accessory structure is constructed of a noncombustible roofing material; and
8. There is availability of 300 gallons of water on site, 400 feet of one-inch fire hose with nozzle, and an internal combustion engine powered pump.

The purpose of the Secondary Forest— Natural Resource Lands (SF-NRL) district is to provide a transitional area between the Industrial Forest—Natural Resource Lands zone and Rural zoned lands designated primarily for residential use and other nonforestry uses. The SF-NRL zone also provides a zone where smaller scale timber and other resource management activities can occur while providing protection from encroachment of residential activity that may encumber standard forest practices.

Allowed uses and dimensional standards applicable to the IF-NRL and SF-NRL zones can be found by clicking the link below:

Skagit County Code Chapter 14.13 - Natural Resource Lands and Uses

Rural Resource lands are, generally, areas that have the combined land and land-use characteristics of long-term agricultural, forest or mineral lands, and have the potential for multiple use or smaller scale resource management. Rural Resource lands generally are not managed for industrial-scale farming or
forestry but nevertheless contribute to the NRL base. Where the MRO designation is also applied,
industrial-scale mining can also occur.

The purpose of the Rural Resource—Natural Resource Lands (RRc-NRL) district is to recognize and encourage the conservation of those lands which have the characteristics of both long-term commercially significant agriculture and forestry either on site or on adjacent sites. These are lands generally not managed as industrial resource lands, because of less productive soils, parcel size and/or geographic location, but are managed on a smaller scale and provide support for the industrial natural resource land base. It is the intent of this district to restrict incompatible nonresource-related uses and to retain a long-term, commercially significant natural resource land base.

Allowed uses and dimensional standards applicable to the RRc-NRL zone can be found by clicking the link below:

Skagit County Code Chapter 14.13 - Natural Resource Lands and Uses

What is an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU)?

An ADU is separate living quarters located on the same lot and either detached from or included within a primary residence. As defined by the International Building Code (IBC), an ADU contains provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

Accessory Dwelling Units are regulated under Skagit County Code 14.18.106. 

Can I build an Accessory Dwelling Unit on my property?

Zoning allows every legal lot of record that allows a single-family residence as a permitted use to build one Accessory Dwelling Unit.

If the parcel is located within an Urban Growth Area, two Accessory Dwelling Units are permitted but must connect to a public sewer system.

Are there size limitations of an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Yes, an Accessory Dwelling Unit shall not exceed 1,200 square feet. The minimum size of an Accessory Dwelling Unit is the minimum size allowed by the International Building Code and must contain provisions for sleeping, eating, cooking, and sanitation.

May I locate the Accessory Dwelling Unit anywhere on my property?

Not exactly, the Accessory Dwelling Unit may be attached to or located inside of the primary dwelling unit. If the Accessory Dwelling Unit is detached from the primary dwelling, it shall be located within 150 feet of the primary dwelling.

Am I allowed to use a recreational vehicle as an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

No, recreational vehicles (RVs), park models and similar are not permitted as an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

Are manufactured homes allowed to be an Accessory Dwelling Unit?

Yes, but the manufactured home may not exceed the size limitations for an Accessory Dwelling Unit.

What if my property is in the floodplain?

An Accessory Dwelling Unit may be permitted and will need to be constructed one foot above base flood elevation for the area.

Are there additional requirements?

Yes, there are additional requirements pertaining to Accessory Dwelling Units listed below.

• Septic. ADUs may require a new septic system if there is not enough capacity or room for expansion on the existing system.  Septic system sizing is based on the number of bedrooms and square footage.
• Water. A water system permit is required when applying for a building permit.
• If located on Guemes Island and the water source contains chloride levels greater than 25 ppm, an Accessory Dwelling Unit is no permitted.
• Additions. Additions to an existing structure or newly constructed detached structures created for developing an accessory dwelling unit must be designed consistently with the existing roof pitch, siding, and windows of the primary dwelling unit.
• Parking. Three off-street parking spaces must be provided in combination with the primary residence and the accessory dwelling unit.
• Any accessory dwelling unit included within a primary residence may not have interconnected interior spaces.
• Entrances. The principal unit of the single-family dwelling containing the accessory dwelling unit may have only one obvious entrance visible to the street except where more than one entrance existed on or before June 23, 2025.
• Subdivision. Accessory dwelling units may not be subdivided or otherwise segregated in ownership from the principal unit of the single-family dwelling, unless allowed by the zoning.

Agritourism uses allow farm owners and operators to conduct agritourism activities as a secondary use to agriculture, providing opportunities for supplemental income while preserving agricultural land and minimizing potential impacts on surrounding properties. Agritourism uses are regulated under Skagit County Code SCC 14.18.407.

Agritourism uses are allowed in the following zones:

• Agricultural – Natural Resource Lands (Ag-NRL)
• Rural Resource – Natural Resource Lands (RRc-NRL)
• Rural Reserve (RRv)
• Rural Intermediate (RI)

The code includes three tiers of agritourism uses, based on intensity and required level of review:

A “home-based business” is a home occupation that remains incidental to the use of a residence for general dwelling purposes and is compatible with rural character.

Skagit County allows three levels of home-based business, with various regulations. A business that doesn’t qualify as a “home-based business” may still qualify as another allowed land use in the zone.

Click below to learn more about Home-Based Businesses.

Essential Handout #13 - Home-Based Business

Limited Event Venues are the commercial use of a property for any musical, cultural, or social event held either indoors or outdoors and are regulated under Skagit County Code 14.18.261. Limited Event Venues typically require an Administrative Special Use Permit. 

Limited event venues use are subject to the following criteria:

1. Events may occur on no more than 24 calendar days per year.
2. Parking for all events must be fully contained on the subject property and must not include the use of any road right-of-way.
3. The use must not create a detrimental level of electrical interference, line voltage fluctuation, noise, vibration, smoke, dust, odors, heat, glare, traffic or other environmental impacts on the surrounding area.
4. All lighting must directed away from neighboring residences or businesses.

Limited Event Venues have further imitations in the Industrial Forest – Natural Resource Lands (IF-NRL) and Secondary Forest – Natural Resource Lands (SF-NRL) zones:

1. The limited event venue use must be related to the resource use.
2. No resource land may be converted.
3. No permanent structures may be constructed.

Events at permitted restaurants, churches, grange halls or community centers, and parks are not regulated as limited event venues. 

Limited Event Venues are not an allowed use in the Agricultural - Natural Resource Lands zone.