Building Safety in Everett, WA (2026)
5 verified building safety rules for Everett, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Elevator Maintenance
Everett requires buildings with passenger elevators to keep at least one elevator running whenever the building is occupied, under the city's amendment to the International Property Maintenance Code.
Everett Requires One Working Elevator
Some RestrictionsEverett Municipal Code § 16.09.010(P) (amending IPMC § 606.2)
606.2 Elevators. In buildings equipped with passenger elevators, not less than one elevator shall be maintained in operation at all times when the building is occupied. Exception: Buildings equipped with only one elevator shall be permitted to have the elevator temporarily out of service for testing or servicing. Exception: If it can be shown that the building could be constructed under the c...
Green Building Code
Everett requires LEED silver certification for new city-owned buildings over 5,000 square feet, while only encouraging, not mandating, green building practices in private development citywide.
Everett Requires LEED Silver on City Buildings
Light RestrictionsEverett Municipal Code § 16.13.030(A)(1)
For new city building projects exceeding five thousand square feet, LEED silver certification shall be required unless the city council determines it is not practicable or appropriate considering such things as the type of structure (certain utility structures, etc.), available resources, construction costs and life-cycle costs. Projects qualifying for LEED certification shall be registered thr...
Building Permits
Everett adopts the International Building Code and International Residential Code by reference, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council, and the building division administers all permits under these codes.
Everett Building Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsEverett Municipal Code § 16.005.030
The city of Everett hereby adopts the following codes by reference, which are incorporated herein as fully as if set out at length herein: A. The current edition of the International Building Code … as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-50 WAC … B. The current edition of the International Residential Code … as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Counci...
Electrical Permits
Everett requires a separate electrical permit from the Building Official before any electrical work is installed, altered, replaced or extended, with narrow exceptions for like-kind replacements and emergency repairs. Article 80 of the city's National Electrical Code amendments, EMC 16.05.010, spells out the permit process, inspections and a misdemeanor penalty for violations.
Everett Electrical Work Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsEverett Municipal Code § 16.05.010, Article 80-10 and 80-11(a)
80-10 VIOLATION. It shall be unlawful for any person, firm, or corporation to install, alter or extend any electrical equipment in the City, or cause the same to be done, contrary to or in violation of any of the provisions of this Code. 80-11 PERMITS AND INSPECTIONS. (a) Permits required: No person, firm or corporation shall install, alter, replace or extend any electrical work or equipment ex...
Plumbing Permits
Plumbing work in Everett requires a permit under the Uniform Plumbing Code, adopted by reference in EMC 16.005.030 and administered by the city's building division.
Everett Plumbing Permit Requirements
Some RestrictionsEverett Municipal Code § 16.005.030(E)
Except as provided in RCW 19.27.170, the current edition of the Uniform Plumbing Code and Uniform Plumbing Code Standards, published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials as adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapters 51-56 and 51-57 WAC, as now or hereafter amended; except that any provisions of such code affecting sewers or fuel gas piping...
Looking for Snohomish County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Everett city rules.
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