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1. How do I find out if my property is within Snohomish City limits?

There are several ways to determine whether your property is located within the City limits of Snohomish, or in unincorporated Snohomish County. Do not rely on your mailing address; many "Snohomish" addresses are for properties that are actually in unincorporated areas. Check the Snohomish County Assessor's website or your property tax bill. If property taxes are paid to the County or a different jurisdiction, then the property is not in the City of Snohomish.

You may also click the link below to view the map of Snohomish City limits. If the property is outside the shaded area, it is not in Snohomish.
Snohomish City limits

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

Setbacks are different in different zones. The Planning Department should be contacted to determine the setback requirements for a specific location. You can reach them by telephone at 360-282-3167. The building codes also have restrictions on property lines and construction requirements.

3. What is the purpose of a building permit?

The purpose of a building permit is to obtain plan review and inspections for compliance with the codes adopted by the City of Snohomish.

4. Do I need a building permit?

A building permit is required for any new construction, remodel, repair, demolition, change in use or conversion. Other than finish work, such as carpet or paint, generally a building permit will be required. In brief, you need a permit for most work to your property. When in doubt, call the Permit Center at 360-282-3156. Remember, a building permit is required before any construction or work begins.

5. How much will my building permit cost?

Permit fees are collected at the time of submittal, and include a plan check fee and a small state surcharge. Fees are based on the estimated value of work, which is provided by the applicant or the contractor, or is calculated using the square footage of the project. The plan check fee is 75% of the building permit fee calculation. Some permit types include a base charge as well. In addition, impact fees to schools, parks, and traffic may apply. 

For an estimate of permit fees, use the Fee Estimator tool on the SSPP or call the Permit Center at 360-282-3156.

6. Who do I contact with questions about the permit application process?

We are available to help answer questions about the permitting process. Contact the Permit Center at 360-282-3156 or stop by City Hall.  If you have already submitted a permit application, you can check the status online using the SSPP.

7. What is required for permit submittal?

Each type of project has separate permit submittal requirements which have been summarized on checklists for permit application. Access submittal checklists on the Forms page.  An abbreviated list is also available during the submittal process online using the SSPP. In all cases, if you have a question about whether something on the checklist applies to your project, ask staff before submitting your application.

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

The plans for most small residential projects, additions, garages and remodels can be done by the homeowner, providing 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 four residential units or exceed 4,000 square feet will 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.

9. Can I act as my own contractor?

Owner-builder is basically a situation in which the homeowner becomes the general contractor. As an owner-builder, you assume all responsibility for the overall job, which may include such things as state and federal taxes, workers compensation and other legal liabilities. Unless you are experienced in construction, it may be best to leave these matters to a contractor.

10. How do I request an inspection?

Inspection requests can be made online using the SSPP.  Go to My Work and click the Request Inspections tab, then submit a request for the date and time you would like.  Inspections are not conducted on weekends or federally observed holidays.

Online Inspection Request Form

11. When does my building permit expire?

Your permit will be valid provided you begin construction within 180 days, do not suspend construction for more than 180 days, and have required inspections at least every 180 days until the project is completed, or your permit will expire. If it appears that 180 days will pass without a required inspection, a request for an extension must be made in writing prior to the expiration date, stating why it is needed. The building official may grant one extension. If you do not request an extension, the cost to re-activate a permit within one year of the expiration date will be one-half the original cost of the permit. If the expiration date is older than one year, new submittal fees apply.

12. How long does it take to get a permit?

Some permits, such as miscellaneous plumbing, and mechanical permits, can be issued over-the-counter or as soon as fees are paid. The time required to obtain permits other than the over-the-counter permits varies with the plan reviewer's workload. You can call the Permitting center and inquire about the approximate review time for specific types of projects.

13. What should I do with my permit?

Your issued permit and approved plans must be kept on site at all times.

14. Do I need to get a permit for a fence?

Fence permits are only required for certain zones. If your property is zoned Single Family, then a building permit is not required to build a fence. However, the fence must comply with code regulations pertaining to height and location.

15. What is the SSPP and how do I use it?

SSPP stands for Self-Service Permit Portal, and it is how all permit applications are submitted and processed.  More information including user guides can be found on the SSPP webpage, or go directly to the SSPP and create an account.

16. How do I find out if my neighbor has a permit?

Use the search function of the SSPP if you notice work going on in town and want to know whether it is permitted.  Open the SSPP and click Search Public Records.  Enter the address, street name, keyword, or type of work in the search bar for a list of permits, both issued (dating back to 2019) and in review.  More detailed instructions on how to search public records can be found here.