Mason County Tiny Home Permits

Table of Contents

Permitting an ADU in Mason County 

Have you been interested in finding steady additional income or moving a family member onto your property while maintaining your privacy? If you’re in Mason County, adding an accessory dwelling unit might be for you. What is it? Also known as an ADU, an accessory dwelling unit is a secondary housing unit that is placed on a residential lot.  

Given that the ADU’s purpose is to serve as a residence, it must include facilities for sleeping, cooking, and sanitation. If such facilities are provided, an ADU can take many structural forms including, garage conversions, basement conversions, additions to an existing house and can even be built as a separate living unit detached from the primary residence, when the code allows. 

In Mason County, generally, in unincorporated Mason County, ADUs are allowed in most zones except for non-residential zones such as mineral Resource or Industrial zones. 

If you have property in a residential zone and are interested in moving a family member onto your property, you can do so if you meet the criteria in the code section.

The permit process can seem daunting. After years of permitting projects in Mason County, we’re happy to share some of what we have learned. Here’s a basic outline of what you need to be aware of before you begin the permitting process. 

Permitting Can Be Difficult – Do Your Research 

Development on a property is determined by the property’s zoning. You’ll need to know your property’s zoning and read through the associated code to determine if your project is allowable. Mason County has a comprehensive database online to help you find your property’s information. The Mason County Geographic Information Services is a wonderful tool and will allow you to look up information you need in order to determine if your project is feasible. 

Here, you can find information like your property’s parcel number, legal description, size in acres etc. This also offers links to the Scanned Property Records which will show you previous permits for your property. Tax and sales history can also be found as well as any assessor, treasurer and appraisal information. 

Every property will have different documents on file. 

This may all sound overwhelming, because it can be! If you need help to determine the feasibility of your tiny house dreams, please reach out to our office! We have experts who are available to help you. 

Finding a Tiny Home Builder in Mason County 

It’s important to find a builder who knows your jurisdiction’s building code and can complete your project to meet those standards. Other things to consider are the quality of materials used, efficiency of their processes; do they get their jobs completed in a timely manner? Are they affordable and priced fairly? Do they have knowledge of your jurisdiction’s zoning code and land use requirements to help determine if your project is feasible and permittable? Can they handle the permitting process for you; create a plot plan, stormwater plan, and erosion control plan that will be required by the county? Do they have enough experience to give you peace of mind and take the stress of a building project off your shoulders rather than create additional stress for you? Do they have positive reviews and a good reputation?  

Forms and Fees 

You’ll need to find the forms required for your permit applications and associated fees which in most cases, these can be found on the “Forms and Fees” page on the County website. Mason County Building Department (masoncountywa.gov)  

It’s important to remember that you need to determine the correct permit type to apply for, and associated applications to complete. They type of construction and use the of the structure will determine what permit type and applications are required. 

It’s also important to review the submittal and plot plan checklists provided by the county. These checklists outline all the county requirements when you submit your application. It’s very important to show up with all required documents when you apply for your permit in the Mason County Permit Center. If you are missing information, you run the risk of being sent away without being allowed to submit your permit application. To help you budget, find the fess associated with your permit on the application forms. 

What Documents Are Required? 

Currently, for residential projects you can expect to submit the following documents in Mason County: 

  • 1 copy of the plot plan 
  • Water and Sewer Documents (Septic Authorization/Plan if applicable, Well eater analysis and log if applicable) 
  • Completed and signed building permit application 
  • Vicinity Map 
  • 2 copies of Structural/Architectural Plans 
  • 2 copies of Calculations 
  • Geotechnical Report (if applicable) 
  • Completed Washington State Energy Code Form 

Your project may have different requirements, depending on the specific property, scope of work and type of construction. You can always ask a question at the Mason County Permit Center, either in person, via email or over the phone. Remember, the Permit Center is a busy place! 

How to Apply for a Home Permit 

In Mason County, there are two steps to the application process. Once you’ve done your research and collected the required documents, you’re ready to apply!  

First, you’ll go online and choose a date to go to the Permit Center and apply for your permits. Mason County Permit Center – Shelton, Washington (appointy.com) 

Second, you will go into the Permit Cetner on the date you chose and present your building permit and submittal documents to the assigned intake reviewer. You will need to make sure all your applications and are filled out and signed upon arrival of your appointment. Make sure you take a check or a credit/debit card with you to your submittal appointment to pay the fees due at the time on intake. 

Be sure to use the checklists the county makes available. Check your plot plan for all the required information and bring all the required documents with you. If you are missing anything, they will likely not accept your application submittal. 

The Permit Review Process 

There will be several reviews your application will go through at the Mason County building department. Every project can vary due to the scope of work, environmental constraints, geological hazards and a variety of other requirements that may be unique to your property. The review process is typically about 10-12 weeks from date of submittal intake. If there are any additional review requirements like land use or shoreline review etc. the review process could take up to 4-8 weeks longer. Once the permit reviews are complete and have received their approval, you get your building permits! Once your permits are ready to issue, the building department will notify you via email. 

You will pick your permit up at the Mason County Permit Center (same place you dropped it off for submittal) located 615 W Alder Street Shelton, WA 98584 

The process can seem long and tedious, because, well… it is! It is worth the effort in the end. Once you have your permits in hand, the fun begins. You or your contractor can start the work, call for inspections and see your dream come to life! 

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