Impact Fee Schedule
Impact fees are a type of one-time charge permit applicants pay to help finance their proportionate share of the cost of the roads, parks, schools, and other facilities necessary to serve new development. Impact fees are usually due at the time a building permit is issued. While Skagit County does not levy its own impact fees, it collects them for certain other jurisdictions when permits are issued within their boundaries. For more information, see www.skagitcounty.net/cfp.
Planning & Development Services Fee Schedule
Skagit County collects fees to cover the cost of processing applications for development permits and other permits issued by the Planning & Development Services department.
General Provisions
Miscellaneous Fees
| Hourly rate |
$129.60/hour |
| Use of outside consultants |
consultant fee + County hourly rate |
| Copies |
$0.16 per side per letter-size copy |
| Postage |
at cost; 50 mailed notices included in each Planning fee |
| Recordings (with Auditor) |
at cost |
Publications
In addition to any other fees, publication fees ($140 per occurrence, or actual cost, whichever is higher) will be charged each time a public notice in the newspaper is required. The Publications column indicates how many publication fees will be initially assessed for each application type.
Appeals
| Item |
Base Fee |
Publication Fees |
| Appeal of Code Enforcement Order to Hearing Examiner |
$265 |
2 |
| Appeal to Hearing Examiner (all other matters) |
$1080 |
2 |
| Reconsideration of Hearing Examiner Decision |
$194.40 |
1 |
| Appeal to Board of County Commissioners |
$540 |
1 |
Additional Fees for Code Enforcement
In addition to any other fees, the Department may assess civil or criminal penalties as daily fines as described in SCC Chapter 14.44 and RCW 90.58.210.
Building violations |
100% of the resulting building permit fee |
| Planning violations |
100% of the resulting planning fee |
| Critical areas violations |
200% of the resulting critical areas fee |
| Shoreline violations |
100% of the resulting planning fee |
Refunds
The Department may refund up to:
- 80% of the plan review fee paid when an application for a permit is withdrawn or canceled before the department reviews the plans.
- 80% of the permit fee paid if construction on the permitted work has not started.
- Any fee which was erroneously paid or collected.
- 80% of a Comprehensive Plan Amendment application fee if the applicant withdraws the application before docketing, or the Board of County Commissioners does not docket the application.
Building Permits
Each building permit includes a Plan Review Fee (charged at time of application) and a Permit Fee (charged when the permit is issued). Both fees are based on project valuation.
New Construction Valuation
| All new structures not specified below |
Based on the most recent edition of the table “Square Foot Construction Costs” from the International Code Council’s published Building Valuation Data |
| Fences |
$32.40/linear ft |
| Bulkheads and retaining walls |
$108/linear ft |
| Foundations |
$108/linear ft |
| Decks |
$13.88/sq ft |
| Unfinished Wood post frame buildings < 2,000 sq ft |
$23.76/sq ft |
| Unfinished Wood post frame buildings > 2,000 sq ft |
$14.04/sq ft |
| Finished accessory buildings |
$78.64/sq ft |
| Prefabricated metal carport/storage < 1,000 sq ft |
$8.48/sq ft |
| Water storage tanks |
Documented bid price or the following, whichever is higher:
$0.81/gallon up to 100,000 gallons;
$0.54/gallon between 100,000 and 1,000,000 gallons;
$.032/gallon over 1,000,000 gallons |
Remodel Valuation
Valuation of structures being remodeled is based on the value calculated per the table above, multiplied by the percentage that corresponds to the extent of alteration in the table below. The extent of alteration includes one or more of the listed items.
The floor area will be calculated based on the entire area of the rooms where the alterations are proposed. If a project has areas for which it is reasonable to distinguish as being of different categories, it is appropriate to calculate the areas separately to develop the valuation.
Extent of
Alteration |
% of Building
Valuation |
Definition |
| Minor |
25% |
Addition, removal or repair of some walls or partitions
Minor mechanical, electrical or plumbing work, such as residential remodeling of bathrooms or kitchens
Some refinishing of existing walls, ceilings and floors
Replacement of some windows
Replacement of ceiling grid system
|
| Major |
50% |
Addition or removal of many walls
Extensive mechanical, electrical or plumbing work
Significant refinishing of walls, ceilings and floors
Replacement of many windows
Limited structural modification and addition
|
| Full |
75% |
Demolition of all non-structural portions leaving a structural shell
Installation of new or substantial replacement of mechanical, electrical or plumbing
Significant structural upgrading
Extensive structural repair.
|
Permit Fees Based on Valuation
Building permit fees for new or modified building area are calculated using the following table.
| Total Valuation |
Fee |
| $1 to $500 |
$25.92 |
| $501 to $2,000 |
$25.92 for the first $500, plus $3 for each additional $100, or fraction thereof, to and including $2,000. |
| $2,001 to $40,000 |
$74.52 for the first $2000; plus $11 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $40,000. |
| $40,001 to $100,000 |
$525.96 for the first $40,000; plus $9 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $100,000. |
| $100,001 to $500,000 |
$1,109.16 for the first $100,000 plus $7 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $500,000. |
| $500,001 to $1,000,000 |
$4,133.16 for the first $500,000 plus $5 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof, to and including $1,000,000. |
| $1,000,001 to $5,000,000 |
$6,833.16 for the first $1,000,000 or fraction thereof plus $3 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. |
| $5,000,001 and over |
$19,793.16 for the first $5,000,000 or fraction thereof plus $1 for each additional $1,000 or fraction thereof. |
Manufactured Home Permit Fees
| Manufactured homes |
$567 |
| Modular homes |
$567 plus foundation or basement permit |
| Title elimination |
$129.60 |
Grading Permits
Permit fees are as determined by this table, plus the plan review fee.
| From (in cubic yards) |
To (in cubic yards) |
Base Fee |
Additional Fee |
Cubic yard increment for additional fee |
| 1 |
50 |
$25.68 |
0 |
0 |
| 51 |
100 |
$39.59 |
0 |
0 |
| 101 |
1000 |
$39.59 |
17.50 |
100 |
| 1001 |
10,000 |
$208.65 |
14.50 |
1000 |
| 10,001 |
100,000 |
$347.75 |
66 |
10,000 |
| 100,001 |
999,999,999 |
$983.33 |
36.50 |
10,000 |
Other Fees
| Plan review |
65% of building or grading permit fee |
| Plan review of stock plans (for use on multiple lots) |
100% of the plan review fee for the first plan set;
50% of the plan review fee for subsequent plan sets |
| Stormwater review (of building/grading permit applications) |
$0.08 per sq ft of new or replaced hard surface |
| Stormwater review of subdivisions |
$159 per lot |
| Flood Area Development Permit |
$108 |
| Flood Area Development Permit -Exempt |
$54 |
| Inspections outside of normal business hours |
$129.60/hour (2 hour minimum) |
| Reinspection fees |
$129.60/hour (1/2 hour minimum) |
| Plan review or inspection required by changes, additions, or revisions to plans |
$129.60/hour (1/2 hour minimum) |
| Final inspection of expired non-commercial projects less than three years old |
$81 |
| Demolition Permit |
$27 |
| Mechanical Permits |
$54 base fee + $10 per fixture |
| Plumbing Permit |
$54 base fee + $10 per fixture |
| State Building Code Council Surcharge |
$4.50 + $2 for each additional residential unit |
| Building Permit Extension (up to 6 month extension of unexpired permit, allowed one time) |
Free |
| Building Permit Renewal (up to 3 year renewal of unexpired permit or within 6 months of expiration, allowed one time) |
30% of the cost of the previously assessed building permit fee |
Fire Marshal
Building permit plan review
| Basic site and access review |
$ 100.70 |
| Certificate of occupancy inspection |
$ 100.70 |
Fire protection sprinkler systems
| Type |
Number of heads |
Fee |
Commercial NFPA 13 and 13 R systems
The stated fees will be assessed on the first three inspections per system. Additional inspections will be assessed $110 per inspection per system. |
<25 |
$139.10 |
| 25-100 |
$208.65 |
| 101-1000 |
$347.75 |
Residential 13d system
The stated fees will be assessed on the first three inspections per system. Additional inspections will be assessed $110 per inspection per system. |
<25 |
$139.10 |
| 25-100 |
$208.65 |
| 101-400 |
$278.20 |
| Underground supply main/sprinkler or private hydrants (permitted separately) |
|
$139.10 |
| Building emergency radio coverage system |
|
$139.10 |
Kitchen Hoods/Spray Booths
The stated fees will be assessed on the first inspection. Additional inspections will be assessed $110 per inspection. |
|
$100.70 |
| Smoke control systems |
|
$347.75 + third party costs |
Alternative/Clean agent suppression systems
The stated fees will be assessed on the first inspection. Additional inspections will be assessed $110 per inspection. |
|
$208.65 |
| Review of revised plans |
|
$129.60/hour (1/2 hour minimum) |
Fire alarm and detection
Additional inspections are billed at $65 per hour with a minimum of 1.5 hours. Inspections outside of normal business hours are billed at $130 per hour with a 2-hour minimum.
Number of devices |
Fee |
| < 25 |
$ 169.60 |
| 25-100 |
$ 238.50 |
| 101-1000 |
$ 318 |
| Transmitter replacement only |
$69.55 |
| Panel replacement only |
$69.55 |
Special permits
(fees apply to the first inspection only)
| Burn permit—residential |
$37.45 |
| Burn permit—large (commercial or land clearing) |
$139.10 |
| Fireworks stand |
$100 |
| Fireworks display event |
$174.90 |
| Fuel Tank Installation—Residential |
$65 |
| Fuel Tank Installation—Commercial |
$130 |
| Fuel Tank Removal/Decommissioning Permit Residential |
$65 |
| Fuel Tank Removal/Decommissioning Permit Commercial |
$130 |
| Gates--Residential |
$65 |
| Gates—Commercial |
$130 |
| Special Events |
$130 |
| Fire Code permits not otherwise classified |
$130 |
| Additional Inspections |
$110 |
Planning & Land Division
Planning and land division fees are based on the Department’s hourly rate. When staff time multiplied by the hourly rate exceeds the base fee, the Department may invoice additional review fees at the hourly rate.
The planning fees listed below do not include SEPA review fees, when applicable.
Each application will also require upfront payment for the number of publications listed in the table. The Department will invoice additional publications if needed.
Planning Fees
| Item |
Base Fee |
Publication Fees |
| Administrative Decision |
$907.20 |
2 |
| Administrative Interpretation |
$907.20 |
2 |
| Boundary Line Adjustment |
$324 |
0 |
| Comprehensive Plan Amendment—Site-Specific Policy or Map Amendment or Rezone |
$5,443.20 |
0 |
| Comprehensive Plan Amendment—General Policy Amendment |
$0 |
0 |
| Critical Areas Review |
$324 |
0 |
| Critical Areas Review for Land Divisions |
$777.60 |
0 |
| Development Agreement |
$5,443.20 |
0 |
| Forest Practice Conversion |
$1,296 |
2 |
| Forest Practices Conversion Option Harvest Plan |
$1,296 |
0 |
| Forest Practice Moratorium Waiver—Administrative (Residential Use) |
$1,944 |
1 |
| Forest Practice Moratorium Waiver—Hearing Examiner |
$1,944 |
2 |
| Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA) Review |
$0 |
0 |
| Land Use Review of Public Water System |
$270 + direct consultant costs if required |
|
| Lot Certification—Administrative |
$64.80 |
0 |
| Lot Certification—Reasonable Use Exception |
$324 |
2 |
| Lot Certification – Recording Fee Only |
Auditor’s fee (at cost) |
|
| Lot Certification—Standard |
$324 |
0 |
| Modification of Land Use Approval |
$129.60/hour |
0 |
| Pre-Application Meeting |
$518.40* |
0 |
| Pre-Development Meeting |
$0 |
0 |
| Shoreline Substantial Development Permit |
$4,406.40 |
4 |
| Shoreline Variance/Conditional Use Permit/Map Amendment |
$4,406.40 |
4 |
| Shoreline Letter of Exemption with Site Visit |
$518.40 |
0 |
| Shoreline Letter of Exemption without Site Visit |
$259 |
0 |
| Special Use Permit—Administrative |
$2,721.60 |
2 |
| Special Use Permit—Temporary Manufactured Home |
$648 |
2 |
| Special Use Permit–Hearing Examiner |
$3,240 |
3 |
| Variance—Administrative |
$1,944 |
2 |
| Variance—Hearing Examiner |
$4,406.40 |
3 |
| Variance—Board of County Commissioners |
$4,406.40 |
2 |
| Wireless Services Eligible Facilities Determination |
$127.20 |
0 |
* No hourly rate charged. Full credit will be applied to any complete project application submitted within six months of the meeting.
Land Divisions
| Item |
Base Fee |
Publication Fees |
| Binding Site Plan (1-4 lots) |
$8,164.80 |
0 |
| Binding Site Plan (5-8 lots) |
$8,164.80 |
2 |
| Binding Site Plan (9-50 lots) |
$8,164.80 |
3 |
| Binding Site Plan (more than 50 lots) |
$8,164.80 |
3 |
| Urban Reserve Development Permit (1-4 lots) |
$5,443.20 |
0 |
| Urban Reserve Development Permit (5-8 lots) |
$9,201.60 |
2 |
| Urban Reserve Development Permit (9 or more lots) |
$9,201.60 |
3 |
| Final Plat Alteration |
$636 |
0 |
| Final Plat Approval |
$254.40 per lot |
2 |
| Final Plat Approval for Binding Site Plans |
$254.40 per acre |
|
| Short CaRD (4 or fewer lots) |
$3,180 |
|
| Short Subdivision (4 or fewer lots) |
$3,888 |
0 |
| Long CaRD (5 or more lots) |
$7,128 |
3 |
| Long Subdivision – Administrative (5-8 lots) |
$5,443.20 |
3 |
| Long Subdivision (9 or more lots) |
$7,646.40 |
4 |
SEPA Review
| Item |
Base Fee |
Publication Fees |
| SEPA (consolidated with another land use permit) |
$648 |
1 |
| SEPA (standalone or with development permit) |
$648 |
2 |
| SEPA Addendum |
$259.20 |
|
| Environmental Impact Statement |
Direct costs + staff coordination at hourly rate |
Water Source Review
Water source review fees are based on the department’s hourly rate. When staff time multiplied by the hourly rate exceeds the base fee, the Department may invoice additional review fees at the hourly rate.
Group A Water Systems
| Sanitary survey |
$802.50 |
| Community water system evaluation (building permit) |
$160.50 |
| Non-community water system evaluation (building permit) |
$374.50 |
| Evaluation (land division or land-use project) |
$4258 |
| Review of water system plan per CWSP (first 5 hours) |
$321 |
| Well site inspection (public system) |
$428 |
Group B Water Systems
| Building permit |
$374.50 |
| Land division |
$428 |
| Group B loan letter — file review only no field visit |
$160.50 |
| Group B sanitary survey or loan letter with field visit |
$374.50 |
| One year extension of water approval for building permits (no changes) |
$107 |
| Group B annual operating permit |
$107 |
| Residential two-connection approval |
$481.50 |
| Well site inspection (public system) |
$428 |
Individual Well Site
| Paperwork review only |
$160.50 |
| Review with field visit |
$321 |
| Evaluation for individual well with building permit or Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) |
$294.25 |
| Water supply review for development with 1 site visit, when individual wells |
first well $535;
each additional well $133.75 |
Other Fees
| Individual water supply evaluation (alternative system) |
$481.50 |
| Individual water supply evaluation (rainwater catchment) |
$481.50 |
| Individual water supply evaluation relying on mitigation program (Main Stem, Big Lake, and others) |
$481.50 |
Administrative Fees for Non-Trust Lands within the Swinomish Reservation
When a fee-simple parcel is located within the reservation, the applicant has a choice to have either Skagit County or the Swinomish Indian Tribal Community perform the lead role with application review and inspections. The agency not selected for the lead role will perform an administrative review. The administrative review fees can be deducted from the fees for the lead reviewer when a receipt is submitted to the lead agency.
Residential Building Permit
| 50-500 sq. ft. |
$100 |
| 501-1,000 sq. ft. |
$200 |
| 1,001-2,499 sq. ft. |
$400 |
| 2,500-4,999 sq. ft. |
$800 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. and over |
$2,500 |
Commercial/Industrial Building Permit
| 50-500 sq. ft. |
$300 |
| 501-1,000 sq. ft. |
$500 |
| 1,001-2,499 sq. ft. |
$700 |
| 2,500-4,999 sq. ft. |
$2,500 |
| 5,000 sq. ft. and over |
$2,500 plus $100 for every 1,000 sq. ft. or fraction thereof over 5,000 sq ft |
Other Actions
| Major Development (long plats, binding site plans, etc.) over $150,000 in value |
$350 plus $10/lot |
| Non-residential development under $150,000 |
$75 |
| Short plat |
$200 plus $10/lot |
| Grading Permit |
One-fourth of normal permit fee |
| On-site sewage (septic) permit |
$50 |
|
