Guide to Getting a Permit

1. Determine Permit Needs

Lynnwood Development and Business Services (DBS) is responsible for reviewing and issuing a wide variety of permits and land use applications, including residential and commercial building permits, electrical permits, boundary line adjustments, subdivisions, driveway aprons to the right-of-way, clearing and grading, and others. The types of permits you will need depend on what you are trying to do. There are many factors to consider for different types of land use and construction projects. Contact Us if you need assistance applying for a permit. 

Determine Your Permit Needs

Before you begin your permit application, you will need to determine if your project is located within Lynnwood city limits. There are many properties that have a Lynnwood address and are not located within city limits. Check your address with our Do I Live in Lynnwood map.

Address Verification Map

If your address is located in Lynnwood, the next step is to determine if you need a permit. There are some projects that do not require a permit. Those projects include items such as fences less than six feet high, painting, installing playground equipment, or decks not exceeding 200 square feet. To determine if you need a permit, review theWork Exempt List(PDF, 719KB) . This list includes any type of project that does not require a permit from the City.

Work That Doesn't Require a Permit(PDF, 719KB)

What Permits Do You Need?

Bigger projects beyond a simple repair may require additional permits for the various scopes of work. At the least, you can expect a residential building remodel to require a building (structural) permit, an electrical permit (if wires will be touched), a plumbing permit if any sinks or pipes will be relocated, a mechanical permit if a change to HVAC is required. If you need assistance deciding what permit you will need, please contact our staff. We are here to help you through this process!


Helpful Resources:

 

Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036  Hours:  Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

2. Create Your Online Account

All permit applications can now be submitted online through our Permit Portal. The online portal provides access to apply for permits, request an inspection, pay fees, and view the status of your project throughout the process. The first step to applying online is registering for an account. Follow these easy steps to create an account: 

1. Visit the Online Permit Portal

2. Sign Up

Click Sign Up in the top right corner of the Online Permit Center.

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3. Enter Email and Create Password

Enter the required fields with your information to create your account.

  • Email Address – enter a valid email address (you will be required to verify the email address to confirm your user account)
  • Password – create a password (passwords must be a minimum of 8 characters)
  • Confirm Password – re-enter the same password
  • Access code can be skipped unless your have been provided a code previously
  • Click Next
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4. Enter Contact Information

Enter the required information:

  • First Name
  • Last Name
  • Address
  • City
  • State
  • Zip Code
  • Phone
  • Phone Type
  • Click Next

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5. Review & Verify

Review

  • Review your account information. Edit the account or contact information if needed.
  • Click the "I agree to Terms and Conditions"
  • Click the Create My Account button

Verify

A verification email will be sent to the email address used during account setup. A message is displayed on the screen allowing the user to resend the email on or update the email address or verify. Once verified the user will login into the portal to view private information. (You may need to check your junk email)

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6. Log In

Once an account has been created, login with your email address and password to see the private dashboard. 

  1. Click Log In in the upper right corner of the Online Permit Center

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2. Enter Email Address
3. Enter Password
4. Click Log In

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Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

3. Apply for Your Permit Online

Once your account is set up, you can apply for your permit online! Each permit has a different set of submission requirements. Review the Applications and Checklist Guide to ensure that you have all components for your submission.  

To apply for your permit online, you will need to include the following items: 

  • Permit Type
  • Parcel number or site location
  • Contractor name or license number (if applicable)
  • Details of your project such as valuation estimates, contractor information, designs or plans

View the Apply for a Permit Guide(PDF, 558KB) for a step-by-step walk through of how to apply for your permit through the online portal. 

Helpful Resources:

 

Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

4. Pay Permit Fees

Before you complete your online permit application, you must pay for plan review fees. This payment triggers the City to begin reviewing your application. All payments are completed in the online portal through a secure checkout. All permit fees must be paid prior to a permit being issued. Read more information about permit fees.

View the Step-by-Step Guide on How to Pay Permit Fees(PDF, 302KB)

Helpful Resources

 

Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

5. City Reviews and Resubmittals

Your permit application and plans will be reviewed for compliance with the City’s building, land use, and safety codes. There may be times when you have not submitted all required components or revisions to your plans are needed. In this instance, a Permit Technician will return your application for revisions through the Online Permit Portal. You will know your application requires revisions when your application is a Returned for Revision status. 

What if changes are needed to my plans?  
If your plans require changes, the applicant and contacts listed will be contacted by our permitting staff with the required revisions to your plans. You will be notified through the Online Permit Portal and the status of your permit will change to Revision Resubmittal Required

How do I submit revised plans? 
All revisions must be submitted through your online permit portal. Navigate to your permit application and select the file link at the end of the submittal line that needs a revision. The submittal form will appear and allow you to upload documents from your device.

If you need assistance with your revisions, contact the permit team at Permits@LynnwoodWA.gov.

Helpful Resources

 

Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

6. Get Your Permit

Once approved, most permit application types allow for issuing and printing of your permit online. Your permit will be in a Ready to Issue status. Permit issuance will complete automatically after the fee payment transaction is complete.

Issuing Permit During Payment (Most Common)

  1. Complete the online payment process
  2. Permit will issue automatically once the payment is completed. From your list of permits, select Issue My Permit
  3. A printable version of your permit will be downloaded. You will need to print and affix to the property or wherever work is being completed. 

 Example of Issued Permit:

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Helpful Resources

 

Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

7. Schedule Inspection

All inspections are scheduled through the Online Permit Portal and only available after the permit is issued. Before you request an inspection: 

  • Verify the work is complete, pre-tested, uncovered and accessible
  • Have a copy of approved plans, permits and other paperwork on site 

Use your online account to request and schedule your inspection. From the dashboard of your account, click the Request button under the My Inspections section. You will be able to view a calendar of available days and times for inspections. An inspector will confirm the request with the contacts of the account.

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Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed

8. Certificate of Occupancy

Some permits will receive a Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) once you have passed the final inspection. Once all inspections are complete and CofO is issued, your permit process is complete!

Helpful Resources:

 

Permit Center Office Location: 20816 44th Ave W, Lynnwood, WA 98036 Hours: Monday - Thursday: 8:30 AM - 3 PM, Friday: Closed