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Skagit County, WA Building Safety: Plumbing Permits (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Plumbing code
2021 IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, SCC 15.04.020(4)
Excluded chapters
UPC Chapters 12 and 14 not adopted
Also excluded
UPC venting/combustion-air rules, building sewer sections
Permit expiration
Stand-alone plumbing permit voids in 6 months
Appeals
SCC 14.06.150 process, no separate Board of Appeals

Summary

Unincorporated Skagit County plumbing work runs on the 2021 IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted by SCC 15.04.020(4) with several chapters carved out, and a stand-alone plumbing permit issued under Title 15 expires in six months if the work is not completed, per SCC 15.04.030(1)(d).

These county ordinances apply to unincorporated areas of Skagit County. Incorporated cities within the county may have their own rules that take precedence over county-level regulations.

(4) IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Edition, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, together with supplements and amendments thereto; Appendices A, B, I and M; provided, that Chapters 12 and 14 are not adopted; provided further, that those requirements of the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code relating to venting and combustion air of fuel fire appliances as found in Chapter 5 and those portions of the Code addressing building sewers are not adopted. ... 4. Every stand-alone mechanical, plumbing, and demolition permit issued by the Building Official under the provisions of this code will expire by limitation and become null and void if the work authorized by such permit is not completed in accordance with the permitted requirements within six months from the date of issuance.

Full Breakdown

020(4) adopts the 2021 Edition of the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as the plumbing code for unincorporated Skagit County, together with Appendices A, B, I and M. 48. 020(9) separately adopts the IAPMO Uniform Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement 2012 Appendix B for potable rainwater catchment systems. 030(1)(d)4, a stand-alone mechanical, plumbing, or demolition permit expires and becomes void if the permitted work is not completed within six months of issuance, a shorter window than the three-year term given to a general building permit. 030 uses for building permit fees generally.

Violations & Fines

Plumbing work performed without the required permit, or a stand-alone plumbing permit left open past its six-month window under SCC 15.04.030(1)(d)4, is enforced by the Skagit County Building Official under Title 15; a lapsed permit voids the authorization and requires a new permit application, with any Building Official decision appealable through the SCC 14.06.150 process rather than a separate board of appeals.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code applies in unincorporated Skagit County?
The 2021 Edition of the IAPMO Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted under SCC 15.04.020(4) with Appendices A, B, I and M, but without the Code's Chapters 12 and 14 or its venting, combustion-air, and building-sewer provisions.
How long does a Skagit County plumbing permit stay valid?
A stand-alone plumbing permit expires and becomes void six months after issuance if the permitted work is not completed, under SCC 15.04.030(1)(d)4, a much shorter window than the three years allowed for a general building permit.
Does Skagit County regulate rainwater catchment plumbing?
Yes. SCC 15.04.020(9) separately adopts the IAPMO Uniform Green Plumbing and Mechanical Code Supplement 2012, Appendix B, to cover potable rainwater catchment systems in unincorporated Skagit County.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Skagit County

All Skagit County rules

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