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

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

Key Facts

Adopted code
2018 Uniform Plumbing Code
Governing section
SCC 30.52E.010
Permit validity
18 months from issuance
Application expiration
18 months from filing
Extension allowed
One extension, up to 18 months
Work before permit
Investigation penalty under SCC 30.86.400(9)

Summary

Unincorporated Snohomish County enforces the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code as its plumbing code under SCC 30.52E.010. Any plumbing work needs a permit from the building official, fees set by chapter 30.86 SCC, before installation begins.

City-specific rules exist: Edmonds, Lynnwood, Everett, and Marysville have their own plumbing permits rules that differ from Snohomish County's county-level regulations. If you live in one of those cities, check the city-specific page instead.

The 2018 edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, which includes Appendices A, B, and I, and included in chapter 19.27 RCW, except chapter 1, and as otherwise expressly amended, is incorporated herein and made a part of this chapter by reference and is adopted as the Plumbing Code of Snohomish County, herein referred to as the "plumbing code." (Added by Ord. 07-086, Sept. 5, 2007, Eff date Sept. 21, 2007; Amended by Ord. 11-022, Aug. 3, 2011, Eff date Aug. 18, 2011; Amended by Amended Ord. 14-056, Aug. 27, 2014, Eff date Sept. 13, 2014; Amended by Ord. 17-059, Oct. 18, 2017, Eff date Nov. 9, 2017; Amended by Ord. 21-029, July 14, 2021, Eff date July 25, 2021).

30.52E.020 Appendices - adopted. (Added by Ord. 07-086, Sept. 5, 2007, Eff date Sept. 21, 2007; Amended by Ord. 11-022, Aug. 3, 2011, Eff date Aug. 18, 2011; Amended by Amended Ord. 14-056, Aug. 27, 2014, Eff date Sept. 13, 2014; Repealed by Ord. 17-059, Oct. 18, 2017, Eff date Nov. 9, 2017).

30.52E.030 Title. (Added by Ord. 07-086, Sept. 5, 2007, Eff date Sept. 21, 2007; Repealed by Amended Ord. 14-056, Aug. 27, 2014, Eff date Sept. 13, 2014).

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through legislation passed August 12, 2026).

Full Breakdown

27 RCW. 50 SCC govern plumbing permits directly. 154 requires a fee for each plumbing permit set by that same fee chapter. 156 folds materials and labor value for plumbing equipment into the building permit valuation used to calculate that fee. 400(6) and (7). 164.

Violations & Fines

SCC 30.50.162 makes starting plumbing work before obtaining the required permit trigger an investigation penalty set under SCC 30.86.400(9), charged in addition to the standard permit fee, not instead of it. The building official can also suspend or revoke a plumbing permit under SCC 30.50.146 by cross-reference to SCC 30.71.027, 30.85.300, or 30.85.310, and can order utility service disconnected under SCC 30.50.168 where an unapproved connection creates an immediate hazard.

Frequently Asked Questions

What plumbing code applies in unincorporated Snohomish County?
The county has adopted the 2018 Uniform Plumbing Code, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, as its plumbing code under SCC 30.52E.010. That includes UPC Appendices A, B, and I.
How long is a Snohomish County plumbing permit good for?
The permit expires 18 months after it is issued under SCC 30.50.144, and an unissued application expires 18 months after filing under SCC 30.50.140. The building official can grant one extension of up to 18 months if you request it in writing before expiration and show justifiable cause.
What happens if I start plumbing work without a permit?
SCC 30.50.162 subjects you to an investigation penalty set under SCC 30.86.400(9), charged on top of the regular permit fee you still owe. The building official can also refuse to approve utility connections until the work is properly permitted and inspected.
When does a plumbing inspection have to happen?
SCC 30.50.450 requires rough inspection of plumbing systems before the work is covered or concealed, before fixtures or appliances are set, and before the framing inspection. Waiting until after drywall goes up means uncovering the work again for inspection.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Snohomish County

Building PermitsSome RestrictionsGreen Building CodeSome RestrictionsScaffold & Sidewalk ShedSome RestrictionsChildcare Center RulesSome RestrictionsBuilding InspectionsSome RestrictionsNoise Ordinances: Aircraft NoiseFew RestrictionsParking Rules: Loading ZonesSignificant RestrictionsParking Rules: Curb Color RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Neighbor Fence RulesSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Material RestrictionsSome RestrictionsFence Regulations: Fence Permit RequirementsSome Restrictions

All Snohomish County rules

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Plumbing Permits in Cities Across Snohomish County

Edmonds, WAEverett, WALynnwood, WAMarysville, WA