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Residential Permits

Effective August 31, the Development & Business Services (DBS) office is closed to the public.

DBS staff and services are available by phone and email at 425-670-5400 or Permits@LynnwoodWA.gov
Visit the online permitting portal at https://dbs.LynnwoodWA.gov

IMPORTANT BUILDING CODE UPDATES

The 2018 Washington State Building Code will be effective February 1, 2021 and comprised of the following codes:

2018 International Building Code (Includes adoption of and amendments to the 2018 International Existing Building Code and ICC/ANSI A117.1 2009, and the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code)
2018 International Fire Code
2018 Washington State Energy Code
2018 International Residential Code
2018 International Mechanical Code
2018 Uniform Plumbing Code
2020 NEC Electrical Code

The City of Lynnwood regulates the construction of many different types of buildings. Most structures require the applicant to submit a building permit application and site development plan.

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 Meeting, you will need to:

Click the "Schedule Pre-Development Meeting Online" below
Create an account on the DBS portal
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 any other important details- the more information you provide, the more accurate feedback you'll be able to receive!

Schedule Pre-Development Meeting Online

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 online via email. 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.

Due to Covid, all applications, plans, and submittals are being accepted online and requirements for paper copies are waived.

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:

Due to Covid, all applications, plans, and submittals are being accepted online and requirements for paper copies are waived.

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 single-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 WA State Dept. of Social and Health Services to ensure that the building meets certain ADA requirements.

Adult Family Home (WABO) Application & Submittal Requirements

To submit for a WABO inspection, fill out the General Building Permit Application below and a simple floor plan that meets the following criteria:

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.

General Building Permit Application(PDF, 231KB) (required for submittal)
AFH Building Inspection Checklist (required with floor plan at time of inspection)
Adult Family Home Submittal Checklist(PDF, 125KB)
Adult Family Home Conversion Sample Drawings(PDF, 335KB)
Department of Social and Health Services

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 required for detached garages, pole buildings, and sheds over 120 square feet. 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 foundation 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 PDF General Building Permit Application & any submittal documents (see Mobile and Manufactured Home Submittal Requirements) via email to permits@lynnwoodwa.gov.