Concrete Patios & Stairs in Everett, WA

Patios & stairs in Everett: what to know

Surface water sets the first decisions for a patio. The fall has to carry runoff away from the foundation, and the outlet has to take that flow onto ground that can absorb it or into a connection we confirm with the city. Low corners and flat stretches are where water collects, so we survey the finished grade and check each corner before the concrete is placed. A patio left nearly level can hold water after heavy rain.

Raised edges are measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall. The city’s one- and two-family exemption sheet exempts a wall not over four feet that does not support a surcharge and is not in the public right-of-way. A wall over four feet, or one carrying a surcharge, goes to the Public Works permit track described in the city’s retaining wall handout, and a patio edge that holds back soil is measured the same way. Steps cut into a slope get that same height check.

Permits and rules in Everett

Each raised edge is measured from its footing to its top and checked for surcharge before we quote. An edge over four feet, or any edge carrying a surcharge, goes to the Public Works permit track, and the estimate states that as its own line. We have not confirmed a patio item from the exemption sheet, so we confirm the slab’s own treatment for your lot before quoting.

Rules change and vary by parcel, so we confirm the current requirements with the city before we start.

How we approach it

Set the fall so runoff clears the foundation
Survey low corners and flat stretches before concrete goes down
Measure each raised edge from its footing to its top
Record any surcharge pressing on an edge before the design is set

For the full process, see our Concrete Patios & Stairs page.

Building in the cold months? See our guide to winter concrete pours.

Our patios & stairs work, serving Everett

Examples of our work. We build patios & stairs in Everett and the cities around it. See all of our work

Questions from Everett homeowners

Does an Everett patio at grade need a permit?

We have not confirmed a patio item in the city’s exemption sheet, so the slab answer comes from the city for your lot. A slab set flat on grade, with no wall involved, is the easiest case to classify, but we still check any raised edge and the loads near it before quoting.

Why does an Everett patio hold water after rain?

Usually the surface has too little fall, or a low corner keeps water from leaving. We correct the pitch and set a clear route for the water before the concrete is placed.

Do stairs cut into an Everett hillside count toward the wall rule?

They can, when they hold back soil. We measure the height from the footing and note any surcharge before the forms are set, and an edge over four feet goes to the Public Works permit track.