Environmental Rules in Skagit County, WA (2026)
4 rules for unincorporated Skagit County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
SCC Chapter 14.32 requires a project permit before new development or redevelopment breaks ground in unincorporated Skagit County, governed by the county's NPDES permit, with design standards built around low-impact development and mimicking predevelopment hydrology.
Skagit County Stormwater Management Rules
Some RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.32.010
(1) Purpose. This Chapter seeks to help protect adjacent landowners and others from downstream flooding, erosion, and pollution in compliance with the County’s NPDES permit. The requirements of this Chapter govern both temporary and long-term stormwater management. This Chapter describes the County’s authority, regulatory requirements, submittal requirements, and procedures for stormwater dr...
Erosion Control
In unincorporated Skagit County, SCC 14.32.130 requires every development project to control erosion and sedimentation during construction. Crews must keep stabilizing materials on hand year-round, mark clearing limits before grading, and clean any sediment tracked onto paved roads by the end of each work day. Planning and Development Services enforces the standard.
Erosion Control, Unincorporated Skagit County
Some RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.32.130
All development must control erosion and sedimentation during construction. In addition to the requirements of the stormwater management manual, development must do the following: ... (a) Stabilization of Exposed Soils. At all times of the year, sufficient materials, equipment, and labor must be readily available to stabilize and prevent erosion. All exposed, disturbed soils must be stabiliz...
Flood Zones
A floodplain project permit is required before any construction or development in a special flood hazard area in unincorporated Skagit County, per SCC 14.34.100. Even septic tanks, drain fields, and hazardous waste storage need one, though routine landscaping and normal utility repairs are exempt. Permits are processed under SCC Chapter 14.06.
Floodplain Project Permits, Skagit County
Significant RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.34.100
A floodplain project permit, processed per SCC Chapter 14.06, must be obtained prior to construction or development on any property within a special flood hazard area as established in SCC 14.34.050. The permit is required for all structures and development activities, as well as those activities listed in Subsection (1) of this Section that may or may not otherwise require a project permit.
Flood Elevation Requirements
New homes and substantial improvements in a Skagit County special flood hazard area must have their lowest floor elevated at least one foot above base flood elevation under SCC 14.34.160(1)(a). Enclosed space below that floor cannot be occupied and must include flood-venting openings sized to the enclosed area.
Base Flood Elevation Freeboard, Skagit County
Significant RestrictionsSkagit County Code § 14.34.160(1)(a)
New construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure shall have the finished floor elevation of the lowest floor elevated one foot or more above the base flood elevation. Fully enclosed areas below the lowest floor that are subject to flooding are prohibited from occupancy and shall be designed to automatically equalize hydrostatic flood forces on exterior walls by allowing...
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