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CALL AHEAD! The Permit Counter is now open from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Mondays through Thursdays, excluding Fridays, weekends and holidays. However, based on staffing and availability, permit counter hours will be temporarily changed and/or reduced in conjunction. Please take note of any temporary changes as listed on the city homepage or news section. Appointments are necessary to reserve time during these hours, as appointments will be given priority to walk-in customers. Building Inspection hours are from 8 a.m. to Noon Mondays through Thursdays excluding Fridays, weekends and evenings.
Permit Services
Need permits for a major building development, a simple home remodel or a water heater? Perhaps you need a Business License or Peddlers Permit? The Permit Center can help you out with one stop for licenses, planning, building, and fire permit applications and information.
One-Stop Permit Center
The City established a one-stop permit center which is located in the main lobby of City Hall, 16720 SE 271st Street, Suite 100, Covington, Washington. The permit counter operates from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., Monday through Thursday and is closed Fridays, weekends and holidays. Please contact a permit specialist at ext. 2269 to set up an appointment. If you happen to arrive without an appointment, we may not be able to serve you at that time. Staff will be happy to assist you through applicable permits and explain the review process in detail. Knowledgeable staff is available to help or direct you to the person with the most expertise to answer your questions.
Inspection Request Line
All Inspection Requests must be made through our Inspection Line voice mail system at 253-638-1110, extension 2222. Building Inspection hours are Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to Noon, closed Fridays, weekends and holidays. Requests are taken up until Noon each business day for the following business day. 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 must be on-site.
Permit Applications, Forms, Submittal Requirements and Fees
The City has many different types of permits for residential and commercial development and for all other types of projects. You can find the most common permits, submittal requirements, informational forms and fees on this site.
They are presented as downloadable pdf (Adobe Acrobat) documents. In order to view or print the forms you must have the Adobe Acrobat Reader installed on your computer. (Obtain free Acrobat Reader)
Business Licenses
The City of Covington requires all businesses located within the city limits, or who conduct business within the city limits, to be licensed with the city.
The City participates in a joint licensing program with the State of Washington Department of Licensing (DOL), Master Licensing Service (MLS). This combined licensing system allows the business owner to meet the local and state requirements with one transaction. Applications may be picked up at City Hall, you can contact the State of Washington directly at 360-664-1400 or the fastest and easiest way is to apply online.
For clarification of your individual circumstances, please consult Title 5 of the Covington Municipal Code and the City's Business License Fees.
Peddlers Permits
Individuals and companies selling or offering to sell anything door to door or by approaching individuals within city limits must obtain a Peddler’s Permit. An application for a Peddler’s Permit is submitted with the City of Covington. Please click on the following link to access the Application form for a Peddler’s Permit.
Fees
Permit fee information can be found on the Fee Schedule
FAQ
Do I need a permit?
The International Building Codes states, "Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change 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, or to cause any such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit."
What are the Building Codes used in the City of Covington?
The City adopted the 2006 International Building Code (IBC) with the Washington State Amendments. The Washington State Building Code Council determines, through legislative action, which building code will be used by the local jurisdictions throughout the State of Washington.
What are the permit fees in the City of Covington?
Permit fee information may be found in the Fee Schedule.
Do I need an appointment to apply for a permit?
Appointments are necessary for permit applications. To schedule an appointment, please contact one of our Permit Technicians at 253-638-1110. The Permit Counter is open Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. and closed Fridays, weekends and holidays. If you happen to arrive without an appointment, we may not be able to serve you at that time.
May I do the work myself or do I need to hire a contractor?
Any person may work on their own property, whether they occupy the property or not. Any person may work on their personal residence, whether owned by them or not. This applies to all types of work including electrical work, as long as it is not done with the intention and for the purpose of selling the improved property. Owners of commercial property may use their own employees to do maintenance, repair and alteration work on their own properties. A leaseholder may perform electrical work on their leased property or use their own employees to do the work. A permit is still required for work on your own property. If you are a homeowner or occupant of a personal residence doing the work yourself and not hiring a contractor, you must complete the Contractor License Requirements form.
What do I need to know when hiring a contractor or remodeler?
If you intend to hire a contractor or remodeler, please "Shop Smart" and go to http://www.lni.wa.gov/ipub/625-084-000.pdf for information on hiring a contractor or remodeler from the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.
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.
Do I need a permit to build a deck?
Decks and other similar platforms are required to have building permits. There is no exemption based upon height above grade.
Is a permit required for a detached storage/play shed?
No, if the shed is one story and has a floor area that does not exceed 120 square feet then a permit is not required. However, setback requirements must still be met.
Do I need a permit to re-roof my home?
Generally yes, with the exception of replacing like for like for – equal weight material where no sheathing is replaced. When required, the permit is issued over the counter with some basic information provided by the person applying for the permit. Inspections are performed of the roof sheathing and final installation of the roofing material.
How long will it take to get a permit?
The process of obtaining a permit is an interactive process. There are several factors that effect 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 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 Saturdays, Sundays and Federal Holidays.
News
Click here for the Covington News and Announcement system.
Maps
Zoning Map (PDF format, 4,506 KB)
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