Permit Information

Completed building permits are accepted until 2:00 p.m.

CAMANO:  

Completed building permits are accepted between 8:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. 

and from 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m.

 Land Use Duty Planner is available at the Camano Annex by appointment on

Wednesdays from 9:30 am – 1:45 pm

Phone 360-678-8245/ 8244 to schedule appointments

All Permits Are Not Created Equal

A permit is an official document that gives a land owner permission to establish a use on or develop their property. Permits provide local government oversight of land use and development in order to protect the health, safety, and welfare of all its citizens. Permit applications are processed by County professionals to ensure proposals are consistent with local, state, and national regulations.

A BUILDING PERMIT is required for most types of structures. The permit document submittals are reviewed for compliance with various county and state regulations, such as making sure a proposed structure meets required property line setbacks, ensuring appropriate septic size and location, reviewing for critical areas and other items related to the specific proposal. Structural plans are reviewed for compliance with current building, plumbing, mechanical and fire codes.

The review time for a building permit can vary, but generally averages from 2 to 8 weeks, depending on the proposal and whether there are other related review processes affecting it.

A LAND USE PERMIT reviews a particular proposed use for compliance with the Island County Zoning Ordinance, Land Use Development Standards, Shoreline Master Program, Critical Areas Ordinance and other county, state or federal regulations.

The review time for land use permits varies according to the complexity of the project. Most permits have a maximum review time of 120 days, although the majority of permits are processed much sooner. Type I permits take roughly 30 days, Type II permits 45 days, and Type III permits 120 days. 

You will be notified when a decision has been issued regarding your application.

What Land Use Permits Do I Need?               

Before you develop or establish a new use on your property, please contact Island County Planning and Community Development. Staff is prepared to help land owners determine if a permit is necessary for their proposal.

If you are not sure what permits your project requires, you can apply for a pre-application conference for land use proposals. Staff from respective departments will evaluate your proposal and provide feedback prior to the formal application process. This is the time to ask questions and get a clear understanding of permit requirements before submitting a formal application.

Fill out a Pre-Application form to request a meeting.

Permit Applications & Forms

Printable copies of various permit applications, documents and forms: Building Permits include plumbing, mechanical, and similar construction related permits issued by the Building Official. Land Use Permits include variances, shorelines, critical areas, subdivisions, site development, and similar application types.

All application requirements must be met in order for your application to be accepted for review.

Where and When Can I Submit My Permit Application?

The County has two locations where permit applications can be submitted.

To determine the cost of a permit click on the link below. Please note building permits fees are only an estimate.

Permit fees are payable by cash or check only and must be paid at the time the application is submitted.

A new web app has been added to show where the open building permits are located in Island County.  Click here to view this permit activity. (Once the permit is closed it will fall off the map).