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City Hall to function as warming center

City Hall and other public facilities are closed for typical business Nov. 20 AND Nov. 21, as crews clear away debris from last night's storm.  We encourage everyone to stay at home, shelter in place, until the roads are safe. If you need a place to warm up, City Hall will function as a warming center until 5 p.m. on both days.

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Getting Started and FAQs

Below is the step-by-step permit and plan review workflow to assist you through the permit process, including application preparation, submittal, and inspection scheduling.  The flowchart is also available as a PDF here. 

For basic information regarding any potential project you wish to do on your property, please start by requesting Project Guidance. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

WHY ARE PERMITS IMPORTANT?

IT'S THE LAW

Work requiring permits are made such by City Ordinance. Work without a permit may be subject to removal or other costly remedies.

So, before you start a project, see if a permit is required.

HELPS PROTECT PROPERTY VALUE

Your home or business is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by your community, the value of your investment could be reduced. 

SAVES MONEY

Property insurers may not cover work or damages caused by work done without permits and inspections. 

MAKES SELLING PROPERTY EASIER

When property is sold through a multiple listing association, the owner is required to disclose any improvements or repairs made and whether permits and inspections were obtained. Many financial institutions will not finance a purchase without proof of a final inspection. If you decide to sell a home or building that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or make costly repairs.

IMPROVES SAFETY

Your permit allows the code official to reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction to provide for public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum safety standards and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, and your friends or future owners. Mandatory inspections complement the contractor’s experience and act as a system of checks and balances, resulting in a safer project.
DO I NEED A PERMIT FOR MY PROJECT?

In general, new construction and alterations or repairs to existing structures or systems require a permit.

Some projects that may require a permit include:

  • Changing the layout of a home
  • Adding on to a home
  • Building a deck or dock (new or repair)
  • Removing Trees
  • Replacing a water heater or furnace
Submit for Project Guidance to determine if your project needs a permit.  Project Guidance is a free service that provides you with essential property-specific code information early in the project planning stage.
HOW DO I APPLY FOR A PERMIT?

All permit applications are submitted online at www.mybuildingpermit.com .  This regional portal offers 24/7 online permitting services where you can:

  • Apply for your permit
  • Upload plans and documents
  • Pay online
  • Check you permit status
  • Request and cancel inspections
HOW MUCH WILL MY PERMIT COST?
Permit fees depend on your project’s scope of work.  Some permit fees are flat rates, while other permit fees are deposits.  Building and electrical permit fees are based on the fair market value of the work.  You can view our Fee Schedule.
WHEN DO I PAY FEES?

Fees come in two categories:

  1. Submittal Fees: These are fees you pay when you apply for your permit and cover plan review.
  2. Issuance Fees: These are fees you pay when your permit and approved plans are issued. They generally cover inspection and administrative services and may include impact fees, where applicable.
DO I CHECK THE STATUS OF MY PERMIT?

Check the status of your permit and find permit history at www.mybuildingpermit.com

Learn how to search for permit status and history
WHAT IS CONTRACTOR REGISTRATION?

Under state law, the City of Sammamish is obligated to provide written notification to all homeowners regarding the contractor registration requirements set forth in the Revised Codes of Washington (RCW), Chapter 18.27, and to advise homeowners of the risks associated with using an unregistered contractor. 

Any contractor conducting business in the city must be licensed by the State of Washington Department of Labor and Industries. Learn more about contractor registration requirements.  You may also wish to read the noted sections in RCW Chapter 18.27 for the exact language.
WHAT ARE CONSTRUCTION HOURS?

Under the Sammamish Municipal Code SMC 16.05.030, construction is allowed:

  • Monday through Friday from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
  • Saturday from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Construction is not allowed on Sundays or on New Year’s Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, or Christmas Day. 
WHEN DO I SCHEDULE AN INSPECTION?
Inspections are scheduled online at www.mybuildingpermit.com If you are unsure which inspections are necessary, please email our inspection team at inspections@sammamish.us
WHAT IS AN EXPIRED OR CANCELED PERMIT?

Submitting the required application is the first step in the permitting process.  The goal for the City of Sammamish review staff is to complete our work within timeline targets and decide whether or not the application can be approved. 

We have expiration and cancellation code provisions to ensure that applications actively progress through the permitting process.  It is important for you to know that a submitted application has a limited life. SMC 16.20.225
WHAT IS RIGHT-OF-WAY?

Right-of-Way – all public streets and property dedicated to public use for streets, together with public property reserved for public utilities, transmission lines and extensions, walkways, sidewalks, bikeways or equestrian trails.

Right-of-Way permits are also submitted online at www.mybuildingpermit.com, and you can find the applications/checklists on our Forms, Applications, and Checklists page.
HOW DO I REQUEST COPIES OF PROJECT PLANS?
To request copies of plans and project documents, submit a Public Records Request here.
WHERE CAN I FIND ZONING OR LAND USE MAPS?
Explore our Maps and GIS Gallery. Also, refer to our Sammamish Property Tool, an interactive map to view various Property, Zoning, Sensitive Areas, and Imagery layers.