Development Review
Welcome to the Development Review Division. The Development Review Division creates and maintains a safe and pleasant physical environment by ensuring compliance with codes and land use regulations, by providing a public information counter, plan review of new construction, issuance of building permits and inspection services, and overseeing environmental and land use planning issues related to development.
"Development Review" is the term used to identify the process by which project application submittals are reviewed for compliance with city, state, and/or federal code requirements and regulations. Depending on the proposal, project submittals are reviewed by Building, Land Use, Transportation, Utility, Fire, Parks, and Planning staff.
The Development Review Division is responsible for the implementation of the International Codes as adopted by the State of Washington and amended by the City of Covington. These codes include the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Property Maintenance Code, International Existing Building Code, Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, Washington State Historic Building Code, Washington State Manufactured Homes Installation Requirements or Mobile Homes Installation Requirements and the Washington State Factory Built Housing and Commercial Structures Installation Requirements or Modular Installation Requirements.
Plan Review
The Plan Review staff is responsible for the review of all construction plans submitted for permit. These plans are reviewed for compliance with the adopted International Code and City regulations. Our staff is certified by ICBO and other organizations to review plans using the International Building Code, International Mechanical Code and International Plumbing. Plan reviews are completed using checklists to ensure the completeness of the review.
FAQ
Do I need a permit?
The International Building Codes states, "No building or structure regulated by the International Building Code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a permit has been obtained from the building official..." There are some exceptions which you will find under the Exempted Work provision of Section 105.2 of the 2006 International Building Code.
What are the Building Codes used in the City of Covington?
The City of Covington uses the International Codes as adopted by the State of Washington and amended by the City of Covington. These codes include the International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, Washington State Historic Building Code, Washington State Manufactured Homes Installation Requirements or Mobile Homes Installation Requirements and the Washington State Factory Built Housing and Commercial Structures Installation Requirements or Modular Installation Requirements.
What are the permit fees in the City of Covington?
Permit fee information may be found in the City's Fee Schedule.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a permit?
We are open to the public from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Monday through Thursday, excluding Fridays, weekends and holidays. For best possible services, call (253) 638-1110 and make an appointment with Permit Services which are necessary to make sure the specific staff members you need are available.
An appointment is also required when applying for a Building Permit for any new commercial or multi-family building. To schedule an appointment, please call the Inspection Line at 253-638-1110 extension 2222.
May I start work before my permit is issued?
No. Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site.
How long will it take to get a permit?
The process of obtaining a permit is an interactive process. There are several factors that affect the length of time necessary to receive a permit:
- Completeness of plans.
- Does your submittal contain all of the required information.
- How quickly the contact person responds to review comments.
- Current workload of the City Plan Review staff at the time of submittal.
- What type of review is required.
Plan reviews for permit issuance are completed on a "first in - first out" basis.
What are the hours that construction is allowed in the City of Covington?
Construction is allowed between 7:00 am and 8:00 pm Monday through Friday and 9:00 am to 6:00 pm on Saturdays, Sundays and federal holidays.
Public Participation
Covington Municipal Code 14.25 and 14.30
Current Planning – Development Activity
Development Activity Reports
Development Activity Map
Inspections
All Inspection requests must be made through our Inspection Line voicemail system at 253-638-1110, extension 2222. All permits and approved plans are required to be on-site or in the general contractor's site offices at the time of the inspection. The general contractor or permit holder is responsible for insuring that all areas are inspected prior to concealment. Areas of inspections need to be ready when the inspection is requested and the contact person on-site during the inspection. If these requirements are not met, this may cause a delay and/or a re-inspection fee. Requests for inspections received before Noon will be done on the next business day.
Maps
Zoning Map (PDF format, 4,506 KB)
Hearing Examiner Decisions
The City's Hearing Examiner is an independent official selected by the City Council to conduct quasi-judicial hearings on matters or appeals involving the application of land use and development regulations and compliance with city codes.
The Hearing Examiner conducts public hearings to hear arguments regarding application of Covington laws and ordinances to development proposals. The Hearing Examiner also hears appeals of Code Violation Notices. The applicant, appellant, city departments, and all interested persons are encouraged to use these hearings to provide any relevant information and argument, either orally or in writing. In carrying out duties of the office, the Hearing Examiner reviews available information submitted by staff or by the applicant, maintains an accurate record of the proceedings, determines findings of fact from the record, and forms conclusions in support of recommendations and decisions.
Depending upon the type of application or appeal being considered, the Hearing Examiner's report will be in the form of either a recommendation to the City Council or a final decision that can then be appealed to the Council or to the Superior Court.
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