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Building Department
EMERGENCY RULING
Implementation has been delayed for the adoption of the 2021 Building codes. The 2021 Building Code will be implemented 120 days after June 30, 2023.
Island County is Now out of Detached Accessory Certificates for the 2023 Year - These are Permits for a Second Residence on a Property
To be placed on a waitlist, email Jennifer Bartholomew (j.bartholomew@islandcountywa.gov) with your name, parcel number and phone number. You will need all application materials ready to submit to be eligible to be placed on this list.
WSEC Training
Free training to the community is available on the following dates and locations:
- May 31, 2023 at the Coupeville Library from 9 am until 1 pm
- June 2, 2023 at the Camano Building Annex from 9 am until 1 pm
- RSVP to buildingdept@islandcountywa.gov
Building Permit Applicants
Per Island County Resolution C-28-18, the building permit fees will be updated and effective as of Feb. 6, 2023.
Reminder
All roof-covering projects, new and replacement, require a building permit.
Effective as of March 2022
Flood Development Pre-Application Conferences will be held in person 10 am and 11 am, Tuesdays on Whidbey Island and Fridays on Camano Island. Virtual conferences are available on either day. All time slots are first-come, first-served. Email Vicki Mertins or call 360-678-7869 to schedule a conference.
Building Inspection Requests
- All Building Inspection requests must be made through the Island County Public Portal
- All Building Inspection Results are available through your Public Portal account
- If you are experiencing issues with your Public Portal account, please contact us at 360-679-7339
- The preference for Building Inspection Requests is the Public Portal. If you are having issues and cannot reach us for assistance, you may send your inspection request by email
New Single Family Residence (SFR), new Accessory Structure Building Permits, and solar racking are now being accepted via our online Public Portal as well as in person.
Building Permit Submittal Requirements
General Requirements
- Completed Building Permit Application (in ink with size 8 font minimum)
- One set or copy of Building Plans (to scale)
- One set or copy of Engineering and / or Structural Plans, if applicable
- Completed Washington State Energy Code Worksheet
- Plot Plan, no larger than 11 inches by 17 inches and to a standard engineering scale
Single Family Residence
- A Copy of the Approved Access Permit
- Address Application
- Approved Septic Permit / As Built or Applicable Sewer District Connection Certificate
- Approved WAV (Water Availability Verification Form)
New Construction (Garage / Shop Etc.) on a Vacant Parcel
- If Proposing Plumbing: Copy of the Approved WAV
- If Proposing Plumbing: Approved Septic Permit or Applicable Sewer District Certificate
- If Proposing Heat: WA State Energy Code Worksheet
- Approved Access Permit
Note: Garage / Shop on parcels under 2.5 acres without a residence are restricted to 800 square feet
- What are the hours for submittal?
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Building Permit Applications are accepted until 2 pm.
- How do I apply for an address?
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You can apply via U.S. Mail or in person at the Planning Department front counter in the Coupeville office or at the Camano Annex.
Along with the Completed Application, the following shall be provided:
- Approved Access Permit
Issued by Public Works 360-679-7331 approving the driveway onto a County road, OR Department of Transportation 360-757-5964 or 360-848-7230. When it is the first access onto the HWY. - Map
An Aerial photo, or plot plan showing the accurate lot configuration. On this map indicate the Approved Access Point/Driveway and any applicable easements. - Fee
$51.50 (made payable to Island County Planning) - Building and/or Septic Permit numbers
- Approved Access Permit
- Can I submit for a Land Use and Building Permit concurrently?
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Yes. If you have a Land Use Submittal Appointment, upon arrival let the front receptionist know that you also have a Building Permit submittal. The Land Use application must be accepted in order to also intake the Building Permit application and plans. Because of the limited quantity of Guest Cottages, they are excluded from concurrent review.
- Do I need a Licensed Contractor or am I able to do the work myself?
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A Washington State Licensed Contractor is required. And yes, you are able to do the work yourself, however an Owner / Contractor Form must be signed by the Owner and submitted with the Building Permit Application.