Covington Remodeling Guide

42 percent of Covington homes were built in the 1990s and 2000s

Covington's 7,622 housing units, as the 2020 to 2024 Census survey counts them, include 3,237 built between 1990 and 2009. There is an older layer too: 1,133 homes date from the 1960s, and the median year built is 1994. Almost 87 percent of the city's housing is single-family detached. A house from the 1960s and one from the 2000s need different remodels, so start by checking what the original builder used for wiring, plumbing and framing before you price anything.

Source: Census ACS 2020-2024, Year Structure Built, Covington

King County has sent new flood maps for Covington's creeks to FEMA

The King County Flood Control District and King County prepared updated flood maps for Jenkins, Little Soos and Covington creeks and submitted the studies and draft maps to FEMA for review in summer 2025. The county says flood risks change over time and the new maps better show the hazard to people along the creeks. Public comment closed April 12, 2025, and printed copies of the draft report and maps sit at the Covington library. Flood maps decide whether a federally backed mortgage needs flood insurance, so owners near these creeks should see where their lot falls before planning an addition.

Source: King County, Jenkins, Little Soos and Covington Creeks Flood Studies

In Covington a conifer 6 inches across is a protected tree

Covington requires a permit to remove a significant tree unless an exemption in its code applies, such as an emergency or a hazard tree. A significant tree is a healthy, non-invasive deciduous tree 12 inches or more in diameter at 4.5 feet above grade, any conifer 6 inches or more, or a replacement tree of any size. Every significant tree removed must be replaced: one for one for ordinary trees, two for a landmark tree of 22 inches or more, and three for a heritage tree of 32 inches or more. Lots under an acre use the Minor Tree Removal Permit application, and tree topping is not allowed.

Source: City of Covington, Tree Management

How much does it cost to build a deck in Covington?

A 16 by 20 foot pressure-treated deck with stairs, bench and railing averaged $20,294 in the Seattle numbers from Cost vs Value 2025, and 83.1 percent of that came back at resale. In Covington, add the building permit, which every deck needs here regardless of height, and any tree permit if conifers of 6 inches or more have to go.

Do I need a permit to build a deck in Covington?

Yes. Covington's permit FAQ says decks and similar platforms are required to have building permits, with no exemption for low or freestanding decks. A one-story shed up to 200 square feet is different: it needs no building permit on a residential lot, as long as it meets zoning setbacks and impervious surface standards.

Do I need a permit to remove a tree in Covington?

Often, yes. Covington protects healthy deciduous trees 12 inches or more across and conifers 6 inches or more, measured at 4.5 feet above grade. Removing one takes a tree removal permit unless an exemption such as an emergency or hazard tree applies, and each tree removed must be replaced, up to three for one for heritage trees.

Do I need a permit to reroof my house in Covington?

Not if you replace the roofing with the same material at the same weight and no sheathing is replaced. Changing materials, such as going from cedar shake to composition shingles, or replacing any sheathing requires a reroof permit. It is issued over the counter, and the city inspects the sheathing and the finished roof.

Is Covington getting new flood maps?

Yes, for Jenkins, Little Soos and Covington creeks. King County and its Flood Control District prepared updated flood studies and draft maps and submitted them to FEMA for review in summer 2025. Printed copies are at the Covington library. Check where your lot falls before an addition, since flood maps affect insurance requirements for federally backed mortgages.