Do You Need a Permit for That?

Does your home improvement project need a permit? Find out below. 

Use the City of Mukilteo Online Permit Portal to apply for required permits.  

If You Are Removing Trees

Removing any tree from a wetland or stream buffer, steep slope (over 40%), or a Native Growth Protection Areas requires a permit, regardless of tree size. 

Outside of protected areas, removing evergreens 8 inches or larger in diameter at breast height (DBH) or deciduous trees 12 inches or larger DBH requires a permit. DBH is measured 4.5 feet above ground level.  

Use our tree permit checklist to get started.

If You Are Pruning Trees

Tree-topping is prohibited, but responsible and modest pruning that protects that health of trees is allowed and does not require a permit. You and any company you hire are responsible for following all city regulations.  

Select limbs may be removed through windowing, inter-limbing, or skirting-up methods as long as:

  • Any pruning done in the top third of the tree is limited to 25% in a growing season and results in even distribution of limbs and branches throughout the crownDone Editing
  • The pruning does not remove more than 40% of the tree canopy
  • Skirting up does not go higher than 20 feet above ground level
  • All debris is removed from the slope

If You Are Building a…

  • Deck: No permit needed if less than 200 square feet and less than 30 inches from the ground. If you are building (or replacing) a deck that is larger/higher than that, you will a permit. Use our building permit checklist to get started. If you are replacing the boards on an existing deck and nothing more, a permit is not needed. Anytime handrails or stairs are altered, a permit is needed.
  • Fence: Fences are measured from the ground to the highest point on the fence. When fences are on top of a retaining wall, the fence and wall height are added together. No permit required if it's 6 feet tall or shorter (4 feet tall or shorter within the front yard setback). If you're building a fence taller than 6 feet, you need to apply for a fence modification. Use our checklist to get started. Modifications allow a maximum fence height of 8 feet in residential zones. You will also need a building permit if the fence is over 7 feet tall. 
  • Retaining wall: Is the wall taller than 4 feet? Will it be load bearing (supporting anything other than the dirt or the weight of the wall itself - tiered walls and walls that hold back slopes, support driveways, or support buildings/foundations are load bearing)? If you answered no to both questions, no permit is required. If you answered yes to either question, you will need an engineering permit. Use our engineering permit checklist to get started. 
  • Shed: No permit is needed for unheated structures smaller than 200 square feet. If your structure is larger than 200 square feet, you will need a building permit. Use our checklist to get started. Regardless of size, your structure must comply with the setbacks in MMC 17.20.020 and MMC 17.20.025.18.

If You Are Remodeling a…

  • Bathroom: No permit is required for cosmetic changes (e.g., new sink, vanity, flooring), but you need a permit any time plumbing or fixtures are moved or significantly altered (e.g., tub becomes shower).
  • Kitchen: No permit required for cosmetic changes (e.g., new counters, cabinetry, flooring), but you need a permit any time plumbing or fixtures are moved (e.g., relocation of stove or dishwasher).
  • Any demolition of walls requires a building permit. Use our checklist to get started.
  • Electrical work that requires new wiring, circuits, or breakers must be approved and inspected by Washington Labor and Industries.

If You Are Replacing Your…

  • Hot water heater: You need a plumbing permit to install or replace a water heater. 
  • Furnace/air conditioning: You need a mechanical permit to replace a furnace, heat pump, or air conditioning unit. 
  • Roof: All re-roofing projects require a permit (even overlays).
  • Windows: All new windows require a building permit.

Other

  • If you are paving (or repaving) a driveway that connects to a public street, you need a right-of-way permit. Use our checklist to get started. 
  • If you need to close the street: If you need to block the street for any reason - from construction work to a block party - you need a right-of-way permit. Use our checklist to get started. 
  • If you are doing drainage work that constructs, makes alterations, or repairs a stormwater facility, you'll need an engineering permit. All connections made to existing public or private drainage systems also need an engineering permit. Use our engineering permit checklist to get started.

If you have specific questions that are not answered above, please email the Planning Department.