Frequently Asked Questions

Visit the Staff Directory to find all department and staff contact information.

Click on the link and follow the website instructions.

Click on the link and follow the website instructions.

BUILDING:

1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses that are 200 square feet or less. (A planning permit is still required)

2. Retaining walls that are not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge. 

3. Sidewalks and Driveways (may require an Engineering permit)

4. Water tanks supported directly on grade less than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1. 

5. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.

6. Prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 30 inches deep.

7. Swings and other playground equipment. 

8. Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support.

9. Fences less than 7 feet in height from adjacent grade that do not have masonry or concrete elements above 6 feet only when a fence permit is obtained from the Development Services Department.

10.  Decks, associated platforms and steps accessory to residential buildings constructed under the provisions of the IRC which are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade plain and not over any basement or story below when a permit authorizing the location of said improvements is obtained from the Development Services Department.

11. Residential re-roof with only one existing layer and no roof decking repair.

12. Window and door replacement in-kind window replacement where no alteration of structural members, window U-value meets prescriptive requirements of the energy code, safety glazing is provided where required, fall protection is provided where required, and egress requirements are maintained.

ELECTRICAL:

Repairs and maintenance: A permit shall not be required for minor repair work, including the replacement of lamps or the connection of approved portable electrical equipment to approved permanently installed receptacles.

 GAS:

1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.

2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

 MECHANICAL:

1. Portable heating appliances.

2. Portable ventilation appliances.

3. Portable cooling units.

4. Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.

5. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.

6. Portable evaporative coolers.

7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower (746 W) or less.

8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

9. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; provided, however, that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made as provided in this code.

10. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.

Please find your property on our Zoning web map. Please note that Skagit County Assessor information does not include your City of Mount Vernon zoning district. Also feel free to email our Permit Technicians at:  PermitTech@mountvernonwa.gov, or call staff at the Development Services Department and they can assist you, (360) 336-6214.

Many properties in the City are located in the 100-year floodplain. You can look up your property on FEMA’s Map Service Center, https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search, or you can contact us and we can provide both the flood zone and what that means. 

The first step is to contact a Permit Technician to discuss your project. You can email, call or visit us in person at City Hall. permittech@mountvernonwa.gov 360-336-6214

Yes, permits are required for all new fences and fence replacement. Planning permits are for fences under 7 feet in height, building permits for fences 7 feet or taller. You can apply for a fence permit through the permit portal or in person at City Hall.

Sheds up to 200 sq. ft. require shed permits, called site plan for minor improvements. One shed is allowed on a residential property. If the shed is larger than 200 square feet a building permit is required. You can apply for the permit through the permit portal or at City Hall.

Yes, permits are required for all signs and sign refaces. The sign regulations vary by zone. Please contact staff about the requirements for your property. No signs are allowed in Residential zones without additional permits.

When you apply for your Washington State business license through the Department of Revenue (https://secure.dor.wa.gov/), apply for a City of Mount Vernon endorsement or Home Occupation. The DOR will forward your information to the City. 

The 2019 population estimates from the Office of Financial Management are as follows:

• Mount Vernon is 35,740
• Skagit County is 129,200

Permit turnaround times will vary depending on how complex a project is, how many corrections of plans are needed, and how quickly and completely responses are submitted back to the City when corrections are needed.  Following are average time frames for the listed permit types:

• Building permits for new single-family residential homes:  initial review comments in 2 - 4 weeks
• Building permits for new commercial buildings:  initial review comments in 4 - 6 weeks
• Civil permits (Fill & Grade) for commercial projects:  initial review comments within 4 weeks
• Planning Permits for Administratively Approved projects: initial review comments in 4 - 6 weeks 
• Planning Permits for projects requiring Hearing Examiner recommendations or approvals:  initial review comments in 6 - 8 weeks

Frequently Asked Questions
Reporting SR 538 & SR 536 Road Surface Concerns

Please click the links to view answers to frequently asked questions related to noise from train horns and the establishment of quiet zones:

Train Horns and Quiet Zones 

Railway Quiet Zones - 2/17/21 Presentation to City Council

Street lighting is managed by Puget Sound Energy. There are two ways to contact them, you can call (888) 225-5773 toll free or click on the link below.

Snow Removal - Frequently Asked Questions

Snow & Ice Response - Did You Know Slides

• Confirms Mount Vernon Police Department's commitment to professionalism.
• Enhances community's understanding of law enforcement, its goals, and objectives.
• Assures the department's policies are effective, responsive, fair, and equitable and that the department is providing services of the highest quality.
• Commits the department to a broad range of effective police service programs.
• Ensures managerial and operational policies and procedures are in accord with statewide policing standards, and that the department continues to make a concerted effort to maintain that professional status.

• Assures the department is delivering quality service to citizens.
• Provides objectivity in justification of decisions relating to personnel policies and budget requests.
• Potentially reduces premiums for liability insurance and claims.

• Promotes relationships with other law enforcement agencies.
• Requires establishment of mutual aid agreements.
• Promotes standardization of operational policies, thereby increasing efficiency in handling calls for assistance and joint Investigations.
• The accreditation manager is Administrative Services Lieutenant Jerry Dodd, who is a member of the WASPC Accreditation Committee, and serves as a mentor for agencies working towards their accreditation.

1. Contact Mount Vernon Police Department community service officer at 336-6250
2. Set a meeting date and location
3. Invite your neighbors

Please click on the link below:

Public Records Request

Police Public Records Request

Claim for Damages forms and instructions are available in the City Finance Department, Attorney's Office, or you may use the Claim for Damages form provided on this web site. PLEASE MAKE COPIES FOR YOUR RECORDS PRIOR TO SUBMITTAL TO THE CITY.

Claim for Damages Packet

Via Comcast

Full programming can be found on Comcast Channel 10. You can watch TV10 if you live in Skagit County (except Anacortes) and have at least a basic Comcast cable subscription. View the TV10 Schedule.

Spanish programming can be found on our sister station Canal 26, which can be viewed on Comcast Channel 26. View the TV26 Schedule.

Live Streaming

Live Streaming is available for some public events and meetings. To view these please click the "Live Events" link on our department webpage or subscribe to the City of Mount Vernon, WA - Government Television YouTube Channel for updates on when Live Events will occur

Video On-Demand

Watch TV10 produced shows online and on-demand via our YouTube page.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provides the official maps that show if a property is located within a floodplain; and if so, which category of floodplain that particular property is within. Click in the following link to be directed to FEMA's website where you can type in a property address to see if it is within the floodplain.

This depends, in large part, on whether or not your lending agency requires it. If you are renting you can get flood insurance to cover the contents of your home or business. Below is a link to the National Flood Insurance Program where you can find additional information.

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) contracts with private insurance companies to provide flood insurance. Click on the link below to be directed to the NFIP website where a list of these companies can be found.

Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation administration office is located in Hillcrest Park at 1717 South 13th Street. Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8am to 5pm. We are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and all major holidays. We can be reached at (360) 336-6215 or via email at mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov.

Our office hours are Monday - Friday 8am to 5:00pm. We are closed Saturdays, Sundays, and all major holidays. We can be reached at (360) 336-6215 or via email at mvparks@mountvernonwa.gov.

The Parks & Recreation Department accepts credit and debit cards with a VISA, MasterCard, American Express or Discover logo.

You can find our program listing on our registration website at https://apm.activecommunities.com/mvparks/ . If you are looking for something specific or need help locating an appropriate program, please call our office at (360) 336-6215. Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation invites individuals with special needs to participate in our programs. Please call in advance if accommodations are necessary for successful participation.

Unless otherwise posted, all recreation programs through Mount Vernon Parks & Recreation do require preregistration. Most programs do require a minimum number of participants. If a program does not receive the required minimum number of participants, the program may be rescheduled or canceled. In order to register for a program, a program registration form must be completed and signed either by a legal guardian or program participant if over 18 years of age. The registration fee, if applicable, must be paid in full at time of registration. You can register online at https://apm.activecommunities.com/mvparks/ , or in our office at Hillcrest Park (1717 South 13th Street) or over the phone at (360) 336-6215, with a VISA, American Express, Discover, or MasterCard.

-Hillcrest Park (1717 South 13th Street) hosts 2 large outdoor rental facilities; the Gazebo and Woodland Shelter, 2 small outdoor rental facilities; the North View Shelter and the South Side Shelter and the Hillcrest Lodge, a large indoor facility. -Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street) is home to the Vaux Retreat Center, a smaller indoor facility. -Indoor rental facilities are available for rent year round. -Outdoor facilities are available for rent year round. -Reservations are made on a first come, first served basis. -Rental fees must be paid in full at time of reservation. To check availability of any of the above mentioned facilities, please call our office at (360) 336-6215.

The spray park at Kiwanis Park (500 South 18th Street) operates from 10am to 9pm daily, Memorial Day through Labor Day.

The Sports Center at Bakerview Park (3101 East Fir Street) is operated by the YMCA. The Skagit Valley Family YMCA can be reached at (360) 336-9622.

In 2026, the Mount Vernon Police Department will host its 31st annual Citizens Academy class. Citizens Academy is a 12-week program, starting in late January and running until mid April. Students are required to attend class from 6:30p - 9:30p every Thursday night during the academy, with a Saturday afternoon mock scene day in mid April. If you're interested, applications are now available online or at the Mount Vernon Police Department.

You have the right to live free of discrimination based on a disability.

If you have a question for, a request of or an issue with the City of Mount Vernon under ADA Title II, please contact:

Chris Phillips, City of Mount Vernon ADA Coordinator
1024 Cleveland Avenue
Mount Vernon, WA 98273

Email ADA Coordinator
(360) 336-6204

City Council Meetings:
Hearing assistance equipment is available for use by the hearing impaired at City Council meetings.

Please let us know at least 48 hours in advance if you will need any special accommodations to attend a meeting. Contact the ADA coordinator at the phone number, email or address above to arrange any special accommodations that you require.

/DocumentCenter/View/14869/SW-Utility-and-Answers-Slides

While the City makes an effort to avoid address changes, there are times when an address must change to improve 911 response efficiency. This includes:

• Addresses out of sequence (e.g., 101, 107, 103)
• Even or odd numbers on the wrong side of the street
• Irregular or confusing formatting (e.g., 1100 ½, 907-2)
• Access inconsistencies (e.g., street name change, new street construction, home remodel, alleys)

The City will notify key services like Cascade Natural Gas, Comcast, Skagit 911, and USPS. You may need to inform banks, employers, family, and other organizations.

Post your address sign in a location visible from the access road. The sign should be facing the street and be placed near the main entrance(s). Place signs a few feet above the ground to avoid vegetation or other visual obstructions. See Mount Vernon Code: Chapter 15.08.130, Section 505.1, Address identification.

No, but it’s a convenient way to meet visibility requirements. For residential, if you choose not to use a blue sign, your address numbers must be at least 4 inches high and contrast with the background. See Mount Vernon Code: Chapter 15.08.130 Section 505.1, Address identification. 

If deliveries are misrouted, we recommend adding your property link from Skagit County iMap in the delivery notes. Delivery drivers can use this source for the most accurate address information.

You can apply for an address by visiting the City’s SmartGov Portal.

• Create an account if you do not already have one. 
• Once logged in, click on Apply.
• Select Addressing from the drop-down menu. 
• From there, you can request a blue sign, an address verification letter, a new or changed address, and more. 
• If you have an active building permit, your address will be assigned/reviewed under that process.

Popular mapping databases like Google Maps can be slow to update. You can report errors directly to Google Maps by searching for your old address and selecting the “Suggest an edit” option.

Request this through the SmartGov Portal. Once verified, the letter will be mailed or emailed to you.

Mail sorting is managed by USPS. The City assigns addresses based on official needs, like adding a new suite or accessory dwelling unit with a building permit.

Street numbers increase as you move away from the intersection of Division Street and N 4th St/BNSF Railway. Numbers may be spaced apart to allow for future development. In denser areas, numbers are closer together.

The United States Postal Service (USPS) manages all mail delivery and mailbox-related issues. The City of Mount Vernon does not oversee these matters.

You can find USPS information at: https://www.usps.com/

If you’re experiencing issues with your mail, such as delays, missing mail, or problems with delivery routes, please contact your local post office. They can assist you with these concerns.

Mount Vernon Post Office
1207 Cleveland Ave
Mount Vernon, WA 98273-9998

Phone: 360-336-5812
Main Phone: 800-275-877
TTY: 877-889-2457

Find USPS Locations

For damaged or malfunctioning mailboxes, please reach out to your local post office. They can guide you on repairs or replacements.

Before installing a new mailbox or replacing an old one, it’s important to follow specific guidelines set by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS). Because mail delivery is a federal service, USPS rules govern mailbox size, placement, construction, and approval—whether you live in a single-family home, apartment, or new development.

While the City of Mount Vernon does not regulate mailbox installation, we’re happy to help point you to the right resources. 

We recommend:

• Contacting your local post office: They can provide specific guidance and answer any questions you may have. Always consult your local postmaster to confirm compliance.

Mount Vernon Post Office

1207 Cleveland Ave | Mount Vernon, WA 98273-9998
Local Phone: 360-336-5812 | Main Phone: 800-275-8777 |TTY: 877-889-2457

• Reviewing USPS guidelines on Mailbox Installation for step-by-step guidance on installing, placing, and maintaining your mailbox. These cover:
  • Curbside mailboxes: Placement height, distance from the curb, and support post requirements.
  • Mailbox construction: Use of USPS-approved designs or custom boxes that meet Postmaster General (PMG) standards.
  • Door slots and wall-mounted mailboxes: Specifications for slots and approval process for wall-mounts.
  • Maintenance tips: How to ensure your mailbox stays in good condition and is easily accessible.

Mailbox rules are federally regulated. For all mailbox placement and design questions, the USPS is your best source. By following these steps, you can ensure that your mailbox is compliant and that your mail delivery remains efficient.

Yes, you can sign up for USPS's Informed Delivery service, which provides daily email updates on the status of your mail and packages.

Here are some helpful USPS resources:

• Local Post Office Contact Information
• USPS Mailbox Installation*
• USPS Look Up a ZIP Code by Address

*Please note installation of mailboxes must meet specific standards, which can be obtained from the local Post Office™ facility.

To help delivery drivers find your home, consider including your property address Skagit County iMap into the customer comments when placing orders online. This can help ensure that delivery drivers have the most accurate address information.

If you notice incorrect address information or road names in Google Maps, you can report it directly to Google. Search for your address in Google Maps and click the pencil icon to submit a correction.

Developers should contact the local post office to inquire about the USPS requirements. The city does not govern or oversee the USPS. 

USPS website offers comprehensive information that includes but is not limited to:

• USPS Requirements for City Delivery Mail Receptacles FAQ Page*
• USPS Developers and Builders Guide (Updated July 2020)*

*Please note installation of mailboxes must meet specific standards, which can be obtained from the local Post Office™ facility.

Please find your property on our Zoning web map. Please note that Skagit County Assessor information does not include your City of Mount Vernon zoning district. Also feel free to email our Permit Technicians at: PermitTech@mountvernonwa.gov, or call staff at the Development Services Department and they can assist you, (360) 336-6214.

Many properties in the City are located in the 100-year floodplain. You can look up your property on FEMA’s Map Service Center, https://msc.fema.gov/portal/search, or you can contact us and we can provide both the flood zone and what that means.