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1. What is the permitting process for new buildings, additions, and remodels?

The permitting process requires that the applicant prepare and submit material as shown on the permit application. A complete application will include all applicable code-required information including, but not limited to, zoning code, building code, plumbing code, mechanical code, drainage ordinance, street improvement code, critical areas code, and fire code.

Applications are reviewed on a first in, first out schedule. Each department will prepare comments concerning any code related deficiencies found through the plan review process. The comments are then emailed to the applicant who is then responsible for modification of the documents as necessary to satisfy the identified code issues. When the corrected documents are returned for further review, they will be scheduled for review shortly after delivery to the permit center. When all code issues have been addressed, the permit is prepared for issue and may be obtained by the applicant with payment of applicable fees.

At this time, we schedule inspections for either morning or afternoon. All work must be inspected and approved prior to cover. When all required inspections are completed, a certificate of occupancy is issued for the project indicating that the community code requirements have been satisfied.

2. Having a garage sale or yard sale?

The City of Anacortes asks that you please consider their guidelines. Please visit CH 19.48.020 TEMPORARY USES for more information.

3. How long are building permits good for?

Permits are good for 18 months from the date of issuance.

4. Do I Need a Permit?

All commercial and residential construction in Anacortes requires a permit to ensure compliance with building and zoning codes. This includes change outs, replacements, and minor adjustments.  Installing siding, fences, and re-roofs also require a permit.

Some exemptions include sheds, storage & playhouses not more than 144 sq.ft., painting, shelves & counters, and temporary theater stages.

Please visit our Do I Need a Permit page for more information.

5. What are the allowable hours of operation for contractors building residential multi-family units?

The following is from the City Municipal Code. 17.54.010 Noise:

Noise levels are not to exceed those standards as established by the state pursuant to Chapter 70.107 RCW, and contained in Chapter 173-60 Washington Administrative Code (WAC). (Ord. 2316 (part), 1994). Generally, the allowable hours are from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. but there are some allowable exemptions depending on the activity and the zone. 

Please see the link below for max noise levels and exemptions. 

Maximum Noise Levels (WAC)

6. What happens if I build without a permit?

If you begin construction without the required permit(s), a Stop Work Order will immediately be issued by an Inspector. You will be required to apply for the permit(s) and pay additional fees (twice the amount of the permit fee). After the permit has been properly issued, you will then be required to uncover any work that has been covered so that it may be inspected prior to the release of the Stop Work Order. In some cases, regulations or codes may not permit the type of construction that has been done. In this case, you would be required to reconstruct to comply with Codes.

7. Can I build a "tiny home"?

• The main barrier to building a "tiny home" is that structures must follow Labor & Industries’ guidelines for pre built structures. Check out L&I’s FAQ page linked below for more information. If it has been built and inspected in an approved factory, to be considered a permanent structure, and follow allowances as a residence, any wheels must be removed, it must be attached to a permanent foundation, and a title elimination would be completed.
• If you are building your own "tiny" home on the lot, it must follow applicable building codes, and be inspected as work is completed, dictated by the building department. 
• If you want to put a tiny home on a lot that that already has a single family residence, the two points above apply, but it was also follow the City of Anacortes Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Code. Please see the Anacortes Municipal Code for these requirements.

8. Can I build a "mother-in-law" suite?

Yes, but you won’t find that verbiage written anywhere else.  We refer to it as an Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU).  The ADU code covers additional living spaces within the residence as an add-on or remodel, or as a detached living space.  The maximum square footage for an ADU is 900sf.  A permit is required for an ADU and the owner of the property is required to live in either the main home or the ADU.

9. How do I know if I can build what I want?

If you’re unsure about what is allowed in the area that your property is located, first take a look at a zoning map and determine which zone your property is in. Then you may go to that zoning section of the Anacortes Municipal Code and check the permitted uses and conditional uses. If you’re still unsure, check with staff in the Planning Division. 

If you’re more concerned about complications, requirements, and cost of what you want to build, you may apply for a pre-application conference. In a pre-application conference, members of several departments including the Building Division, Planning Division, Public Works, Fire, and Water Departments will review your proposal and provide feedback. You may find the application form under "Applications, Forms, & Checklists", and the meetings are usually scheduled roughly two weeks in advance, taking place on Tuesdays at 1:30 p.m. or 2:00 p.m. There is currently no fee to apply.  Click here for a link to the forms:  APPLICATIONS & FORMS - LAND USE

10. How much will a permit cost?

Each permit cost is calculated based on permit type.  Some permits are a flat fee, while others are based on building valuation.  A partial list of fees are located here:  PERMIT FEE SCHEDULE