Herald staff
Here are some moves you can make to reduce the stress of getting a building permit in the county or elsewhere, Snohomish County officials say:
Step 1. Do some reconnaissance work. Drop into the building department to obtain information on what you need to apply for a permit. The county and many other departments have bulletins and lists of things you need to do. Part of the exploratory work is making sure you have a legal building lot and there’s no special setback requirements for buildings. Your building or planning department should be able to help you with that.
Step 2. A title search isn’t a bad idea, especially if you suspect there may be problems, such as a question about an easement or access.
Step 3. Check with the Snohomish Health District (425-339-5250), especially if the building project isn’t in a city. You must resolve any problems with water and septic systems. Even if you’re just adding a bedroom or two to an existing house, it’s possible the drain field for your septic system was installed to support a limited number of bedrooms.
Step 4. Properly apply for the building permit. Plans must conform to state and county building codes, and you may be required to have a professional engineer approve the plans. Remember, your plans must take into account modern insulation and seismic features. Make sure your plans are neat, accurate and detailed.
Step 5. Be patient.
Talk to us
> Give us your news tips.
> Send us a letter to the editor.
> More Herald contact information.