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Residential Permits

Welcome to the City of Lynnwood Development and Business Services.

Here you will information, applications and requirements for applying for residential building permits in the City of Lynnwood. Please see the list of permit types below to learn more about the requirements specific to your project.

Things to know

All plans must be submitted electronically by email or through the DBS Permit Portal (Note: Not all permit types are available through the Portal. List of applications available on the DBS Permit Portal(PDF, 119KB))
DBS has implemented a new Electronic File Standards and Naming Conventions policy. Beginning June 20, 2022, submittals that do not follow the Electronic File Standard and File Naming Conventions will be returned to customers with a request that the policy be followed.

DBS does not provide permitting services for unincorporated areas of Lynnwood. Confirm that your project is located in Lynnwood city limits on the Lynnwood Boundary Map.

Pre-Development Meetings

Pre-development meetings are a valuable resource in the processing of your application, particularly if you are unfamiliar with City standards, required permits, or if your proposal is complex or needs multiple approvals. Prospective applicants for building permits, State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) review, subdivision, or other land use action, permit or approval may find it useful to request a pre-development meeting.

At a cost of $200, this meeting provides you with an opportunity to discuss your proposal with City staff prior to submitting a formal application. Upon formal application, the fee of $200 will be credited towards your development review charges.

In order to apply for a Pre-Development Planning Meeting, you will need to:

Go to the DBS Portal
Create an account on the DBS Online Portal
Click Apply and search for Pre-development Planning Meeting
Fill out the online application and questionnaire
Submit at minimum a PDF site plan, which can be conceptual (does not have to be designed for formal plan review)
Provide as much detail in your application as you can
Pre-Development Meeting Requirements Checklist(PDF, 193KB)

DBS Online Portal

New Construction or Addition

Any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to cause any such work to be performed, shall first make application to the City of Lynnwood and obtain the required permit.

New construction building permit application: Minimum plan size is 24" x 36"
Addition building permit application: Minimum plan size is 11" x 17"
Digitally stamped plan sheets from a Washington State licensed architect or engineer are acceptable

BUILDING Permit Application, Checklists and Requirements:

Residential Building Permit applications may be accepted by email, paper plans will not be accepted. To submit, simply fill out the General Building Permit Application below and email it with an electronic set of plans and other submittal requirements (see Single-Family New Construction or Addition Submittal Checklist) to permits@lynnwoodwa.gov.

SUB PERMIT APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

Residential mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permits can be applied for online with no plan review. Please note that you must have a building permit in order to obtain the sub-permits and your applications may not be issued until the building permit has been reviewed and approved.

Apply Online

Interior Remodel

A building permit is required for an interior remodel or alteration of a residential property. A remodel or alteration, is when you make changes to the buildings interior, like moving non-structural walls.

BUILDING Permit Application, Checklists and Requirements:

Residential Building Permit applications may be submitted by email, paper plans are not accepted. To submit, complete the General Building Permit Application below and email it with an electronic set of plans and other submittal requirements (see Single-Family New Construction or Addition Submittal Checklist) to permits@lynnwoodwa.gov.

SUB PERMIT APPLICATION AND REQUIREMENTS:

Apply Online

Electrical

An electrical permit is required for most electrical work and ensures your installation conforms to safety codes and standards. The City of Lynnwood issues Electrical Permits and conducts inspections for work done within Lynnwood City Limits. Electrical Permits must be applied for by a licensed contractor.

Residential Electrical Application & Submittal Requirements

All residential electrical applications are available online and do not require plan review.

Apply Online

Adult Family Homes

Converting a sing-family home into an Adult Family Home is also regulated by the Washington State Department of Health and Social Services.

The state requires a WABO inspection to be performed on a new Adult Family Home. This is a checklist designed by the WA State Dept. of Social and Health Services to ensure that the building meets certain ADA requirements.

On a separate sheet of paper (8 ½ x 11) draw a floor plan (including all floors) of your prospective AFH.
Include all sleeping rooms (bedrooms) indicating which bedroom is: A, B, C D, E and F.
Label all components for exiting i.e., stairs, ramps, platforms, lifts and elevators.

Once you've completed your application and floor plan, submit your electronic PDF documents to permits@lynnwoodwa.gov.

Demolition of Structures

This information applies to demolition of single-family residences and single-family accessory structures.

Application & Submittal Requirements

Send a completed PDF General Building Permit Application and required submittal documents (see Demolition of Structure Submittal Checklist) to permits@lynnwoodwa.gov. A permit tech will be in touch with you for payment & demo deposit collection.

Accessory Structures

A permit is not required for residential accessory structures up to 200sf. This does not include Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU).

If you are planning to build an ADU, you will need to submit and have an approved Accessory Dwelling Unit Land Use Application before submitting a Building Permit Application.

Mobile and Manufactured Homes

All installers are required to have and provide their Manufactured Housing Installation Certification.

The City permits the foundations and footings for mobile home structures and utilities up to the structure. All other structure and interior work is inspected through Labor and Industries.

Application & Submittal Requirements

Submit a completed your completed application to permits@lynnwoodwa.gov.