Permit Questions

The purpose of a permit (e.g. building permit) is to ensure your construction project meets City codes. This compliance protects you in several ways. By following the code(s), your project will meet minimum standards of safety. Property insurers may only cover work done with a valid permit. If you decide to sell your property, a permit will assure buyers the standards of your work. And, in the case of a lawsuit, a property owner can show that code requirements were strictly met when working with a permit.

Are You a Woodinville Resident?

Here are some frequently asked questions when someone is applying for a permit in the City of Woodinville. The Development Services Department processes the majority of permits related to site development (i.e. grading, site improvements), building construction and fire code compliance.

When Do I Need an Emergency Work Permit?
When Do I Need a Building Permit?
When Do I Need a Land Surface Modification Permit?
When Do I Need a Mechanical Permit?
When Do I Need a Plumbing Permit?
When Do I Need a Right-of-Way Permit?
When Do I Need a Sign Permit?
When Do I Need a Site Development Permit?
Why Do I Need to Submit an Application?
How Do I Apply for a Permit?
What Applications are available for download?
What Type of Associated Fees are Involved?
Am I required to obtain a permit prior to outdoor burning?
When is a permit required for a special event?

When Do I Need an Emergency Work Permit?
The City does not require a permit before commencing emergency repairs. However, a permit for the emergency work must be applied for on the first business day after the work has commenced. The City of Woodinville defines an emergency as something that affects basic needs. A common emergency repair that does not require a permit includes:

• Securing damaged structural members, roofs, decks, or stairs in a safe and weather tight manner. You must obtain a permit before repairing damaged structural members, roofs, decks, or stairs.

When Do I Need a Building, Mechanical, or Plumbing Permit?
A permit is required for any building or structure constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, demolished, or change in the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, per Sub Section 105.1 of WMC Section 15.09.010 (Ordinance 444) See Development Services Department Checklists.

Homeowner's Quick Reference for Residential Construction Projects: When a Permit Is Required

A building permit is not required for the following per WMC 15.09.10 Section 105.2:

1. One-story detached accessory structures accessory to residential buildings constructed under the provisions of the IRC used as toll and storage sheds, tree-supported play structures, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (11.15m 2 ) and the structure is located in accordance with all land use regulations.
2. Fences not over 6 feet (1,829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls which are not over 4 feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways associated with buildings constructed under the provisions of the IRC.
7. Decks, associated platforms and steps accessory to residential buildings constructed under the provisions of the IRC which are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and not over any basement or story below.
8. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops and similar finish work.
9. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
10. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy, as applicable in Section 101.2, which are less than 24 inches deep (610 mm), do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925L) and are installed entirely above ground.
11. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.
12. Swings, slides and other similar playground equipment.
13. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R- 3, as applicable in Section 101.2, and Group U Occupancies.
14. Movable cases, counters, and partitions - Not over 5 feet 9 inches (1,753 mm) in height.
15. Satellite earth station antennas 6-1/2 feet (two m) or less in diameter or diagonal in zones other than residential zones.
16. Satellite earth station antennas 3-1/4 feet (one m) or less in diameter in residential zones; and
17. Video programming service antennas 3-1/4 feet (one m) or less in diameter or diagonal dimension, regardless of zones.

A mechanical permit is not required for the following per WMC Section 15.09.010, SubSection 105.2.B:

1. Portable heating, cooking, or clothes drying appliances.
2. Portable ventilation equipment.
3. Portable cooling unit.
4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
5. Replacement of any part which does not alter its approval or make it unsafe.
6. Portable evaporative cooler.
7. Self-contained refrigeration system containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant and actuated by motors of one horsepower (746 W) or less.
8. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected.

A plumbing permit is NOT required for the following per WMC Section15.09.010, SubSection 105.2.C:

1. The stopping and/or repairing of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe; provided, however, that should any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe become defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, the same shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be procured and inspection made as provided in this code.
2. The clearing of stoppages.
3. Reinstallation or replacement of pre-fabricated fixtures that do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves or pipes.
   

When Do I Need a Land Surface Modification Permit?
Grading - The City of Woodinville does not require a permit to grade 50 cubic yards or less. However, temporary erosion control measures must be installed depending on site conditions, scope of work, and weather. Contact the Development Services Department at 425.489.2754 before commencing grading activities. No person shall do any grading without first having obtained a grading permit from the Development Services Department - See Grading Permit Submittal Checklist .

SEPA - Grading of more than 100 cubic yards requires a SEPA Determination. Contact the Development Services Department.

Tree Removal Permit - Contact the Development Services Department before removing any trees.

When Do I Need a Right-of-Way Permit?
Definitions:

Right of Way - Any Street, Avenue, Alley, Road, or Lane.
Public Place - Bridge Trestle, or Wharf.
A right-of-way permit is required for any work within the street rights-of-way which is not covered by other permits and agreements.

Such work may include the following:

1. Utilities work
2. Land closures
3. Driveways, curbs, and sidewalks
4. Haul routes
5. Street closures (partial or full)
6. Special events

Performance bonds will be required for all improvements located in the public rights-of-way, including but not limited to all utilities and drainage construction. Estimated cost plus 50% ($1,000 minimum).

Maintenance bonds will be required at the time of final acceptance of the constructed public improvements and/or improvements required by the City. (20% of documented final cost of improvements.)

When Do I Need a Sign Permit?
The City of Woodinville regulates signs under Woodinville Municipal Code Chapter 21.20.20. and Uniform Sign Code. Contact the Development Services Department for questions regarding sign regulations and for permit requirements.

Signs that do not require a permit per WMC Chapter 21.20.030:

1. Historic site markers or plaques, gravestones, and address numbers
2. Signs required by law , including but not limited to:
   •  Official or legal notices issued and posted by any public agency or court
   •  Traffic directional or warning signs
3. Plaques, tables or inscriptions indicating the name of the building, date of erection, or other commemorative information, which are an integral part of the building structure or are attached flat to the face of the building, which are non-illuminated, and which do not exceed four square feet in surface area
4. Incidental signs, which shall not exceed two square feet in surface area; provided, that said size limitation shall not apply to signs providing directions, warnings or information when established and maintained by a public agency
5. State or Federal Flags
6. Religious symbols
7. The flag of a commercial institution; provided, no more than one on-site flag is permitted per business premises, or one per tenant in a multi-tenant building; and further provided, the flag does not exceed twenty (20) square feet in surface area and does not advertise a product.
8. Signs or displays not intended to be visible from streets or public ways, signs in the interior of a building more than three feet from the closest window and not facing a window, and point of purchase advertising displays, such as vending machines;
9. Wayfinding signs installed as part of a City-sponsored and coordinated way finding program; and
10. Public gateway entrance signs.

When Do I Need a Site Development Permit?
A Site development permit is required for the installation of infrastructure and drainage improvements.

Regular Plats - A drainage review must be completed and a Site Development Permit obtained prior to beginning any site improvements. A Land Surface Modification (grading permit) is required to clear and grub a site.

Short Plats - May require a drainage review and Site Development Permit depending on the project. Contact the Planning Department for plat requirements and the Permit Center for permit requirements.

Performance bonds will be required for all improvements, including but not limited to all utilities and drainage construction and landscape. Estimated cost plus 50% ($1,000 minimum).

Maintenance bonds will be required at the time of final acceptance of the constructed improvements and/or improvements required by the City. (20% of documented final cost of improvements.)

Why Do I Need to Submit an Application?
An application form (e.g. Employment Application) gives us an official record of your particular request. State law requires many applications and forms.

How Do I Apply for a Permit?
Forms provided on our web site are available to download to your computer and print out. You need to submit the application forms to the appropriate department during regular office hours.

The Development Services Department currently accepts complete mechanical and plumbing permit applications (that do not require review), and right-of-way permit applications by fax or through the mail. Incomplete applications are returned to the applicant and not processed.

What Type of Associated Fees are Involved?
Fees are associated with most permits processed by the Development Services Department, Public Works Department and Fire Marshal's Office. Please contact the appropriate department for fee information.

Am I required to obtain a permit prior to outdoor burning?
Yes. Contact the Fire District for permit processing information. Large land clearing burns require a permit as well. Permits are issued at the Fire District Headquarters during regular office hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. (with exception of holidays). Their current location is 17718 Woodinville-Snohomish Road.

Burning permits are issued for two specific periods: April 1st through May 31st and October 1st through November 31st. A permit issued in the first period is valid for the second period.

Can I burn yard waste where I live?
The answer depends on where you live. If you are a Woodinville City resident, you are not allowed to burn yard waste outdoors. If you live in unincorporated King County, please contact Woodinville Fire and Life Safety District Headquarters to determine if you live in an area that allows burning.

If I am allowed to burn, what size fire can I have?
Call Woodinville Fire and Life Safety District Headquarters at 425 483-2131 to learn the latest requirements regarding the size of any fire that is allowed. Fires are restricted to daylight hours only.

What type of material may I burn?
The fire may contain only natural vegetation. The burning of any milled lumber such as two-by-fours and other construction related materials is prohibited.

Is there a permit fee?
There is no fee for residential burn permits. The fee for land clearing burns if $150.

How do I report a suspected outdoor burn violation?
Call 9-1-1. Your reporting such complaints provides documentation to the District of such violations. You can all report suspected violations to Puget Sound Air Pollution Control Agency (PSAPCA) at 800.552.3565.

To find out more information, please contact the District Headquarters Office at 425.483.2131.

When is a permit required for a special event?
If you are considering hosting a public event such as a wine festival, outdoor fair, parade, or other special event, you may need to apply for a Special Event Permit from the City. The City's Special Event Permit Program helps you in preparing for a safe and successful event. A special event is any activity that occurs on private or public property and affects the ordinary use of public streets, right-of-way, and/or sidewalks.

Special Event Permit Program Informational Flyer

Special Event Permit Application

Page last modified: June 30, 2010