Everett handles permit lookups differently from its neighbors. Bellevue's MyBuildingPermit lets anyone check a status with no login, and Tacoma's Accela portal opens permit records to the public without one either. Everett's system, called eTRAKiT, asked for a login on its search pages when we checked, and a free public account gets through, so this guide starts with the account. Bellevue's process and Tacoma's process both work as public lookups with no setup.
Setting up access
If the search pages ask for a sign in, set up an eTRAKiT account first. There are two kinds.
- A public account, open to anyone, created through the account setup link on the eTRAKiT homepage
- A contractor account, which requires a valid Washington State contractor's license number and a City of Everett business license
Once an account is set up and logged in, have one of these ready.
- A permit number, if it is already known, often formatted as a letter prefix followed by a run of digits
- A property address
- A parcel number, useful when the search is about a lot rather than one specific permit
Searching once logged in
Go to onlinepermits.everettwa.gov/etrakit. The homepage has a bar at the top for choosing between a public user login and a contractor login, with fields for a username and password below. A link to register an account sits nearby for anyone who does not have one yet.
Once logged in, the main menu is organized into sections. Construction Permits covers "Apply for Permit," "Pay Fees," and "Search Permit." Land Use Projects has its own apply, pay, and search options. Properties has a "Search Properties and Parcels" option separate from the permit search, which is useful for seeing everything tied to a parcel rather than one permit at a time. There is also a section for scheduling or canceling inspections, and one for searching code enforcement cases.
Everett issues a range of permit types through this system, including building, residential building, commercial building, demolition, electrical, mechanical, plumbing, site work, and sign permits. Which search fields show up can depend on which permit type is selected, since a sign permit and a commercial building permit do not track the same details.
How the same permits show up on BuildVue
Because eTRAKiT asked for a login on every search page checked for this guide, looking up even a handful of permits takes real effort, even for someone who already has an account. BuildVue pulls the same underlying Everett permit data and puts it on a public page with no login required. On the Everett page, related permits at one address are grouped into a single project, the same way they are for Bellevue and Tacoma. Each project shows a stage, Design Review, Land Use, Construction, or Complete, and a timeline drawn from the application, issue, and completion dates across every permit tied to it.
Everett's project count on BuildVue sits at 28 in total, 14 of them currently under an active construction permit, spread across 12 neighborhoods that have at least one tracked project. Construction value totals show for the city as a whole and for each neighborhood. Browsing by neighborhood or using the interactive map to filter by stage or project type works without logging into eTRAKiT at all.
Frequently asked questions
Is an account really needed just to look up one permit in Everett?
The search pages asked for one when we checked. A public account is free to create and does not require a contractor license.
What is the difference between a public account and a contractor account?
A contractor account requires a valid Washington State contractor's license and a City of Everett business license, and it unlocks the ability to apply for certain permits online. A public account can search and schedule inspections but has fewer application options.
Can a search be run by parcel number instead of an address?
Yes. Properties has its own "Search Properties and Parcels" option separate from the main permit search.
Where should someone go if they cannot get logged in?
Contact Permit Services at PermitServices@everettwa.gov or by phone at 425-257-8810. That is the same office to contact if a status on a permit does not match what was expected.
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