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Lynden building permits
Lynden, Washington — as published 2026-09-16.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
Required for construction in Lynden. The city adopts the International Building Code with no edition year and takes future state amendments automatically.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the International Building Code as currently adopted by the State Building Code Council - LMC 15.02.010 names no edition year
- Sewage disposal approved by the health department must be established first
- If the building is within 400 feet of an existing sewer line, it MUST connect
- Compliance with zoning, subdivision and all other applicable laws must be established before the permit issues
- Filed through the city's SmartGov Online Permit Center
Required documents
- RequiredPermit applicationPermit application, filed through the city's SmartGov Online Permit Center
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | LYNDEN PUTS BOTH HALVES OF THE FEE CALCULATION OUTSIDE ITS CODE, SO NO AMOUNT IS PRINTED HERE. Show full citationHideLYNDEN PUTS BOTH HALVES OF THE FEE CALCULATION OUTSIDE ITS CODE, SO NO AMOUNT IS PRINTED HERE. LMC 15.02.060 provides that "The valuation schedule to be utilized by the planning director or his or her designee in administering the International Building Code shall be set by resolution of the city council" and that "Building permit fees shall be as set forth by resolution of the city council." Both the valuation basis AND the fee are council resolutions, so neither can be read off the municipal code. Ask the Building Division for the current resolution. AND BUDGET FOR ONE MORE THING: under LMC Chapter 15.26 the city may require third-party review of your application at your sole cost, payable as a deposit before review begins. |
Shed or Detached Accessory Building
Lynden exempts the smallest detached accessory buildings from a building permit, and its code states both the exemption and its converse.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Exempt only if one story, used as a tool or storage shed, playhouse or similar use, and not exceeding one hundred twenty square feet of floor area
- The code states expressly that "A permit is required for any building that is more than one hundred twenty square feet of floor area."
- Zoning setbacks and lot coverage still apply even where a building permit does not
Required documents
- RequiredPermit applicationPermit application, filed through the city's SmartGov Online Permit Center
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | LYNDEN PUTS BOTH HALVES OF THE FEE CALCULATION OUTSIDE ITS CODE, SO NO AMOUNT IS PRINTED HERE. Show full citationHideLYNDEN PUTS BOTH HALVES OF THE FEE CALCULATION OUTSIDE ITS CODE, SO NO AMOUNT IS PRINTED HERE. LMC 15.02.060 provides that "The valuation schedule to be utilized by the planning director or his or her designee in administering the International Building Code shall be set by resolution of the city council" and that "Building permit fees shall be as set forth by resolution of the city council." Both the valuation basis AND the fee are council resolutions, so neither can be read off the municipal code. Ask the Building Division for the current resolution. AND BUDGET FOR ONE MORE THING: under LMC Chapter 15.26 the city may require third-party review of your application at your sole cost, payable as a deposit before review begins. |
Verify a Contractor Licence
Washington contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Registration is a STATE record; Lynden does not issue it.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Check contractor registration with Washington State Labor & Industries
Required documents
- OptionalNo city document requiredNo city document - check the state register
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | LYNDEN PUTS BOTH HALVES OF THE FEE CALCULATION OUTSIDE ITS CODE, SO NO AMOUNT IS PRINTED HERE. Show full citationHideLYNDEN PUTS BOTH HALVES OF THE FEE CALCULATION OUTSIDE ITS CODE, SO NO AMOUNT IS PRINTED HERE. LMC 15.02.060 provides that "The valuation schedule to be utilized by the planning director or his or her designee in administering the International Building Code shall be set by resolution of the city council" and that "Building permit fees shall be as set forth by resolution of the city council." Both the valuation basis AND the fee are council resolutions, so neither can be read off the municipal code. Ask the Building Division for the current resolution. AND BUDGET FOR ONE MORE THING: under LMC Chapter 15.26 the city may require third-party review of your application at your sole cost, payable as a deposit before review begins. |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Lynden building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.