Everett Driveway Permit Guide: Site Work, Curb Cuts and Stormwater
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Replacing or adding a driveway in Everett involves more paperwork than many homeowners expect. The city treats the approach and curb cut as work in the public right-of-way, and its development standards also reach paving on private property. Add stormwater thresholds and critical-area rules, and the permit path shapes both design and schedule. This guide covers what the City of Everett requires, which permits a typical project needs, and how to apply before your concrete driveway is formed.
Which Everett permit covers a driveway
Everett Municipal Code (EMC) 13.16.020 says no one may remove, alter, or construct a curb, sidewalk, driveway approach, gutter, or pavement in the public right-of-way or on city-owned property without a permit from the city engineer, supported by a drawing showing the location and size of the proposed improvements. EMC 13.16.020 Section 1-7 of the city's Design and Construction Standards goes further: a permit is required for all work in the public right-of-way and city utility easements, and for work on private property, including paving and retaining walls. Everett Standards
That work runs through Permit Services. The city has renamed its Public Works permits as Site Work permits, though some older documents and links still use the old name. Everett Permits When a driveway is part of a residential building project, the Site Work permit must be applied for at the same time as the building permit, with matching site plans.
Project type and the permits likely needed
| Project | Permit(s) likely needed |
|---|---|
| New, widened, or rebuilt approach and curb cut | Site Work (Public Works) permit under EMC 13.16.020 |
| Sidewalk panels across the driveway | Site Work permit; work by a licensed and bonded contractor |
| Replacing or paving the private slab | Site Work permit (Design Standards Section 1-7 lists private paving) |
| Driveway with a new house or addition | Building permit plus a Site Work permit, submitted together |
| 2,000 sq ft or more of new plus replaced hard surface | Stormwater drainage review under EMC 14.28.030 |
| Work on or near a steep slope, stream, or wetland | Critical area review under EMC Chapter 19.37 |
Approach and curb cut rules
EMC 13.16.060 caps a residential driveway approach apron at 30 feet or 50 percent of the lot frontage, whichever is less, with a 10-foot minimum where a driveway is permitted. EMC 13.16.060 Where an alley is available, EMC 19.34.110 requires access to off-street parking from the alley; street access on an alley lot is an exception the city engineer must approve.
The city's Design and Construction Standards call for driveway approaches built per Standard Drawings 315, 316, or 317 (cement concrete driveway Types 1 to 3). Existing curb and gutter must be removed entirely and replaced to current standards; the city does not allow "knocking off" existing curb. Everett Standards The same rules cover the concrete sidewalk panels your driveway crosses: the city says right-of-way construction requires a permit under EMC 13.80 and must be performed by a licensed and bonded contractor.
Stormwater and critical areas
Under EMC 14.28.030, drainage review is required when a project creates 2,000 square feet or more of new plus replaced hard surface, or disturbs 7,000 square feet or more of land. EMC 14.28.030 The city's small-project tip sheet applies Minimum Requirements 1 through 5 to projects between 2,000 and 5,000 square feet of hard surface. Everett tip sheet Requirements vary by basin: the city's stormwater checklists split rules between the combined sewer area and separated storm areas, and its small-project template treats a site that discharges directly to Puget Sound or the Snohomish River as exempt from flow control.
Critical areas fall under EMC Chapter 19.37. No clearing, filling, or grading may occur until any required critical area information is reviewed and approved, and a geological assessment letter is required when a potential geologically hazardous area lies on or within 200 feet of the project. The city council approved an update to these regulations on April 15, 2026, effective June 1, 2026, so older summaries may be out of date. Everett CAO
How to apply in Everett
- Define the scope: note whether work touches the curb, gutter, or sidewalk, and total the new plus replaced hard surface.
- Prepare a site plan: show existing and proposed driveway and curb cut dimensions.
- Add stormwater documents: at 2,000 square feet or more, include a drainage plan and small-project drainage report.
- Apply online: submit through the city's eTRAKiT portal at onlinepermits.everettwa.gov. Contractor accounts require a Washington State contractor license and a City of Everett business license.
- Pay fees: nothing is due at submittal. The schedule effective January 1, 2026 lists $25 for a residential concrete apron or curb cut, plus plan review (1.5 percent) and inspection (3 percent) of the approved engineer's cost estimate, each with a $20 minimum. Everett fees
- Schedule inspections: request them through the online permitting portal.
Everett climate and soils
Everett's long wet season makes drainage as important as the slab. An approach should shed water to the street, not toward the sidewalk or garage. Steep lots often need a transition zone inside the property line so cars do not scrape at the apron. Replace soft or organic soils with compacted structural fill. Our Seattle driveway approach permit guide covers how these issues play out under SDOT, the Bellevue driveway permit guide covers the Eastside, and the concrete permits hub links every permit guide by project type.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a permit to replace my driveway in Everett?
Usually, yes. Everett's Design and Construction Standards require a permit for work in the public right-of-way and for work on private property, including paving. Any change to the curb, sidewalk, or driveway approach also needs a permit from the city engineer under EMC 13.16.020.
How wide can a driveway approach be in Everett?
EMC 13.16.060 limits a residential driveway approach apron to 30 feet or 50 percent of the lot frontage, whichever is less, with a 10-foot minimum where a driveway is permitted.
When does a driveway trigger stormwater review in Everett?
EMC 14.28.030 requires drainage review when a project creates 2,000 square feet or more of new plus replaced hard surface, or disturbs 7,000 square feet or more of land.
Can a homeowner build the curb cut themselves?
The City of Everett says construction work in the right-of-way requires a permit under EMC 13.80 and must be performed by a licensed and bonded contractor.
How do I apply for an Everett driveway permit?
Apply through the city's eTRAKiT online permitting portal with a dimensioned site plan and any required stormwater documents. No fees are due at submittal, and inspections are requested through the same portal.
Sources
- Everett Municipal Code – EMC 13.16.020, Improvement permit required
- Everett Municipal Code – EMC 13.16.060, driveway approach width
- Everett Municipal Code – EMC 14.28.030, stormwater requirements for development
- City of Everett – Design and Construction Standards
- City of Everett – Permit Services
- City of Everett – Site Work Permit Fees (effective January 1, 2026)
- City of Everett – Tip Sheet for Small Project Stormwater Requirements
- City of Everett – Critical Area Ordinance Update
Plan the permit before the pour
In Everett, the permit shapes the driveway: apron width, curb details, and drainage are settled before concrete is ordered. A free on-site estimate confirms your right-of-way and hard-surface scope. Call (206) 552-9998, visit our Everett concrete contractor page, or budget with the concrete driveway cost guide. You can also start from the Seattle Concrete home page.
