Do I Need a Permit?
All applicable commercial and residential construction in Anacortes requires a permit to ensure that safety matters are addressed, as well as Washington State Code, Anacortes Municipal Code, & International Building Codes.
Generally, Anacortes requires a building permit (or a mechanical, plumbing, or grading permit) anytime you erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, convert, or demolish a building or structure.
If in doubt, please ask! 360-293-1901 or buildingpermit@cityofanacortes.org.
Types of Work: Building Permit Not Required*
Painting, papering, & similar finish work
Shelves & counters
Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
Residential storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided that the area does not exceed 144 square feet. The structure must comply with required setbacks from property lines.*
Retaining Walls 4 ft. or less with no unbalanced backfill or supported surcharge*
*A permit may be required if the property is near a critical area such as a wetland, stream, steep slope, or shoreline.
Types of Work: Building Permit Required
- Additions
- Antenna towers, extensions, & replacements
- Change in location of plumbing fixtures
- Decks
- Demolition of structures, tank removals, or any removal of materials with asbestos
- Fences
- Fireplaces, including gas
- Flag poles
- Garage conversions
- Heaters & log lighters
- Interior remodels
- Membrane structures
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- Mobile homes
- Moving or removing walls
- Range hoods
- Re-roofs
- Replacement of mechanical fixtures (i.e. furnaces, water heaters, & gas piping)
- Satellite dishes
- Siding
- Solar panels
- Solariums
- Structure framing
- Water heaters
- Window or door replacements
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Find Permit Applications HERE.
Submit an Application
Please send applications in PDF format with a file and message size no greater than 30 MB. An email with a link to a file share site (Dropbox, Google Drive, OneDrive, etc.) is acceptable.
- Building Permit Submittals: buildingpermit@cityofanacortes.org
- Planning Application Submittals: pced@cityofanacortes.org
Electrical Permits
The city does not permit or inspect electrical work, but it does make sure that permits were obtained prior to structural approvals. For an electrical permit or inspection, contact Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).