Permits not easy for homeowners

Published 12:01 am Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The July 5 article about Mike Hope’s jobs plan announcement states, “Mike Pattison, with the Master Builders Association gave credit to the current administration for making the permitting process in Snohomish County ‘infinitely faster’ than other local jurisdictions.”

It should clarified Mr. Pattison is referring to permit processing for builders within finished plats, which does not represent what the “homeowner” can encounter. Today more permit fee revenue comes from the homeowner market and many are so frustrated they are willing to take the risk of building without permits. Slight changes in procedures and adjusting fees fairly would greatly benefit the public and reduce staff time.

New drainage code requirements and fees run the average new home on land outside of plats $5,000-$8,000 to comply, depending on the amount of grading, coverage and clearing proposed. Those costs can equal or exceed the cost to permit a house or large shop. No matter which way you bake the cake, these fees exceed the 8-12 hours it may take to process and inspect clearing and grading activities, less for small projects. Checking with other counties revealed charges from $600-$2,350 for the average new home (the greater King County area but contrary to Snohomish County code, their code and procedures allow an infiltration trench to be designed by the homeowner with their assistance up to 10,000 SF). Something’s gotta give!

Sheryl Purnell-Albritton, Principal
Permit Professionals, LLC
Lake Stevens