New program helps Mount Vernon makes permit process easier

In April, the city of Mount Vernon's Development Services department launched an over-the-counter permit review program that provides residents an opportunity to get minor residential projects approved quickly, and to get guidance from city staff.

From 2 to 4 p.m. every Tuesday and Thursday, a staff member is available at the Development Services desk at Mount Vernon City Hall to review residents' projects and go over permit requirements.

Small residential projects such as single-family residential interior remodels, decks, patios, fences, solar installations, and plumbing or mechanical permits are eligible for over-the-counter permit review.

The program has sped up the time it takes to get minor residential projects approved, said Morgan Morrison, Development Services building inspector.

Morrison said if the resident brings all the necessary documents, it's possible to approve a permit within minutes.

Residents should bring their completed permit application, the project's plans and documents, contractor information, project valuation and a payment method.

Morrison said that she's been able to approve a patio cover permit within 15 minutes - something that once could take weeks.

Same-day permit approval isn't guaranteed, but it's likely that making use of the over-the-counter program will speed up the process and give residents a clearer idea of the requirements for their project.

Morrison joked that speaking to a staff member at the over-the-counter permit review hours is like having a personal project consultant.

She said the program benefits residents and the city.

For residents, the program makes the permitting process easier, Morrison said.

She said she hopes this will lead to more residents coming in during the early phases of their projects, which will allow city staff to catch any mistakes and address safety concerns.

"If we're catching those ahead of time and giving people the handouts they need, they'll know how to build it correctly," Morrison said.

Development Services Building Official Tim Woodard, who established the program, said the program helps ensure safety, which is the city's No. 1 priority when it comes to permitting.

Woodard said he hopes the program leads to higher compliance.

The city issues about 45 permits a year for projects that are now eligible for the over-the-counter permit review program, but Woodard estimates there are about 50 such projects a year that are completed without permits.

"I think the fear around permitting kind of keeps people held back from doing it when they look at, ‘Well, I'm just adding this covered patio, I know I'll do it correctly, and I don't want to risk it taking six months if I go down to the city and they make me get a building permit,'" Woodard said.

Because projects can be approved quickly with the over-the-counter permit review, Woodard said he hopes more residents comply with the city's permit process, which is in everybody's best interest.

"I think what's best for the community is to have predictable construction that they know is safe, and they have a third-party person that's verifying that it meets all the codes and standards," Woodard said. "By doing so, I believe it heightens our community in a way where our real estate, hopefully, is not devalued."

Woodard said that even if a project doesn't qualify for the over-the-counter permit review program, he hopes residents will come during the designated hours to get clarification. His goal is to make residents feel welcome and that they can ask questions of city staff.

Eventually Woodard said he would like to see the program expand and have staff available during all business hours, but for now his department will do what it can with its limited staff to help residents navigate permitting.

"No matter what it is, it's opening up those lines of communications where (residents) feel empowered. That you know we're going to be there and we're going to answer the questions that they have in regards to those projects," Woodard said.

For residents who can't attend the over-the-counter permit review hours, Woodard encourages them to email the Development Services department at PermitTech@mountvernonwa.gov or call at 360-336-6214.

Building permit applications can be found on the city's website at mountvernonwa.gov/1287/Building.

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This story was originally published June 5, 2026 at 7:06 AM.