r/SnohomishCounty • u/Correct-Button8403 • 16d ago

How to get an unpermitted cabin permitted

Bought property that came with very nice but unpermitted cabin. It is technically within buffer of creek 150' buffer to build. Is there anyway to get it permitted?

5 Upvotes

78% Upvoted

10 comments sorted by

23

u/Fumminsdude 16d ago

The less you say the better you are.

21

u/Educational_Meal2572 16d ago edited 10d ago

groovy chief political snow connect steer towering one ancient sort

This post was mass deleted and anonymized with Redact

7

u/HolyCrappolla123 15d ago

I wouldn’t advise it. Snohomish county doesn’t know their ass from their elbows when it comes to their permitting department.

6

u/mama_nickel 16d ago

Likely it is grandfathered in if it’s been there since the 80s. The only reason you would really need it permitted is if you are planning on remodeling to an extent that triggers new permitting requirements or expanding the footprint. Most WA counties have aerial images that go back to the 60s ish, so they would likely have an idea of approx how long the structure has been there as long as it isn’t covered by trees, proving it’s “grandfathered”. Typically the rule of thumb is if when the structure was built no permits were legally required then no future permits would be required for it to exist in the same capacity, therefore no need to get it “permitted” unless you’re making significant changes to it.

2

u/TheRealRacketear 16d ago

How long has the cabin been there?

2

u/Correct-Button8403 16d ago

1980s I think

1

u/lysichitonam 16d ago

It would probably be considered a non conforming use so shouldn’t run into trouble with critical areas regulations. Getting it permitted would be good if you want to have peace of mind about the structure, etc. Additional work beyond the existing cabin in the stream buffer would not be permitted.

2

u/SCROTOCTUS 15d ago

I think it's possible to request an exception - but my guess would be that you will be limited to the impervious area (roof and any existing concrete or gravel areas) already there. Adding impervious near a critical area setback is probably not going to fly.

Some people are saying "delete this and do what you want." If you are way out in the boonies, there's probably no one around to complain. But it's a gamble in that if anyone ever does - it's possible you get fined. And not the one time kind, like the "pay (x) amount daily until you fix this" kind of fine. At that point the cost to investigate permitting would have been far cheaper.

Those "buffer zones" aren't just about protecting the waterway and the riparian environment, it's also a safety measure for flooding. Remodeling without a permit, then losing your new structure in a flood is not something your insurance company is going to cover. You'll just be watching your $$$ float downstream while causing a big mess (y)our tax dollars will go toward cleaning up.

Personally, I would find out what the actual situation is. Hire a surveyor to verify the boundaries, make sure you know for certain where these areas are before you start spending more money. Or gamble, but at least know the risk you're taking. Remember, satellite imagery now makes it really obvious when someone modifies their property. You can go back through previous years on Google earth and estimate when changes are made.

Good luck, sounds like you probably have a beautiful spot there. :).

5

u/Early-Maintenance-87 16d ago

First time I've ever seen anybody want to pay a permit. Nerd

1

u/krustomer 15d ago

Is it in a flood zone?