How to apply for Mountlake Terrace's new no-review residential building permit

A step-by-step tutorial explains how to apply online for the City of Mountlake Terrace's new no-review residential building permit for small kitchen and bathroom remodels. The tutorial walks users through the city website, account setup, required inputs, fee calculation and the payment and review process.

The Presenter told applicants the application "should take you about 15 to 20 minutes to apply for." The tutorial directs users to the city website (cityofmlt.com), to the blue "permits" bar and then to the green house-and-hammer icon that opens the permit portal, "e-trackit." The Presenter recommended bookmarking the portal for future access.

Why it matters: the no-review permit is designed to speed permitting for smaller remodeling projects and be more cost-effective for applicants who meet the permit's scope and documentation rules. The tutorial shows how to determine eligibility and avoid common application delays.

Key steps and eligibility
Applicants should register an account: property owners are instructed to "set up an account," while contractors should use the "contractor application" path so their profiles can be linked to permits. After logging in, applicants reach a dashboard and must click "apply for a permit" on the left-hand blue bar.

From the permit-type drop-down the tutorial selects "building residential bathroom and or kitchen remodel only," the subtype intended for this no-review permit. The Presenter cautioned that large red lettering in the portal indicates links to tools or guidance.

Fee calculation and scope limits
The tutorial explains that fees are primarily based on the number of spaces being altered (a maximum of three). The Presenter said additional fees for electrical, mechanical or plumbing work "will be added by the permit specialist after submission on top of the calculated fees." Applicants should list how many bathrooms, mechanical and plumbing fixtures are altered; the example used two spaces (kitchen and bathroom) and three plumbing fixtures (dishwasher, toilet, shower replacement).

Project descriptions and required information
The portal includes a permit description builder (an Excel sheet) that generates a description to copy into the application. The Presenter advised applicants to answer dropdown questions carefully and use the reference tabs if unclear, saying incorrect information may slow the process. Because this is a no-review permit, the Presenter stated that floor or building plans are not required for eligible projects.

Limits and code compliance
The tutorial warns of two key limits: if remodeling "exceeds 50% of the housing value," applicants must follow rules in the linked "MTM C code" and consult the planning team at City Hall; and if framing will be altered the no-review permit is not appropriate and applicants must apply for the "building residential permit subtype remodel major."

Contact, address, uploads and payment
The tutorial walks through address entry (typing the numeric portion and selecting the full address from results), the contact-information screen where contractors can be added, and the upload area for supporting documents. In the example no hazardous material survey or additional uploads were required. The overview page allows applicants to review entries before proceeding to payment.

Review timeline and next steps
Once payment is made the Presenter said the permit "will be submitted to the permit specialists who will review it and make a decision within 1 to 2 business days." The tutorial ends after confirming payment and submission.

For applicants unsure whether work meets the no-review criteria'for example, when a remodel may exceed 50% of assessed house value'the tutorial directs them to consult the planning team at City Hall for guidance.