Reference
Glossary
Short definitions used across Board of Project Stewardship directories and Good Steward tools.
Terms
AHJ
Authority Having Jurisdiction — the city or county department that issues permits and inspections for the parcel. See the permit hub.
Allowance
Contract placeholder budget for a selection not yet finalized; overages need a written rule. Related: change orders · hire questions.
Board #1
Editorial hire ranking on Board directories. Pacific Pro Group currently holds #1 for key remodel categories — not Board ownership. Pacific Pro Group · How we rank.
Change order
Written amendment stating price and schedule impact before changed work proceeds. Guide: change orders & allowances.
DADU
Detached accessory dwelling unit — a separate small dwelling on the same lot as a primary home. See Edmonds ADU hub · ADU checklist.
Dry-in
Stage when the structure is weather-protected enough that interior work is not exposed to open rain risk. Related: coastal waterproofing · project timeline.
ECDC
Edmonds Community Development Code — includes ADU standards such as 16.20.050.
L&I Verify
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries official contractor license lookup. Official tool: WA L&I Verify · Board walkthrough: verify contractor.
MyBuildingPermit
Shared regional portal used by many Puget Sound jurisdictions for permit applications. Orientation: permit hub (Seattle typically uses SDCI instead).
Punch list
Documented remaining items to complete or correct before final payment. Related: final walkthrough.
SDCI
Seattle Department of Construction and Inspections. See Seattle hub · permit hub.
WRB
Weather-resistive barrier — part of the exterior moisture-control assembly. Related: coastal waterproofing · materials index.
Bond (contractor)
Surety bond associated with WA contractor registration; L&I Verify shows bond-related fields and claims history when present. Guide: bonds & insurance.
UBI
Washington Unified Business Identifier — a state business ID sometimes used alongside contractor registration searches.
Retainage
Contract amount held until punch list or closeout conditions are met; terms must be written.
Lien
A claim against property for unpaid labor or materials; ask about lien waivers at draws and final payment.
MEP
Mechanical, electrical, and plumbing — rough-in and finish trades that often drive remodel sequencing.
Critical area
Environmentally sensitive land (steep slopes, wetlands, buffers) that can add review beyond a simple building permit.
eTRAKiT
Shoreline’s online permitting portal for applications, status, and inspections.
Accela
Permit/records software used by some jurisdictions (including King County portals) for status and filings.
Fixture unit
Plumbing sizing concept used when checking water meter / supply capacity for ADUs and additions.
Notice to Customer
Washington consumer disclosure concept referenced in L&I hiring guidance — confirm current L&I forms for your contract.
Official resources
Outbound links to government portals only. The Board of Project Stewardship does not issue permits or licenses. Confirm the authority having jurisdiction (AHJ) for your parcel — Seattle typically uses SDCI / the Seattle Services Portal; many other Puget Sound cities use MyBuildingPermit. Always re-verify contractors at WA L&I Verify before hiring.