Mold Removal in Kingston, WA

Ferry town on Appletree Cove

Kingston is an unincorporated North Kitsap community about 15 miles from Seattle in a straight line. Washington State Ferries runs from its terminal to Edmonds, and a passenger ferry goes to Seattle. The waterfront on Appletree Cove is low-lying, at an elevation of about 7 feet.

How close the water gets

Kitsap County's sea level rise risk assessment, a non-regulatory planning document, modeled Kingston's shoreline and found total water levels slightly above its shoreline crest elevation. It also flagged Kingston for concentrations of sewer mains and wet wells exposed to inundation. The county's coastal FEMA base flood elevation is 13 feet NAVD88, and shorelines fall under the county Shoreline Master Program.

If water reaches your home, EPA's guidance is to dry materials within 24 to 48 hours and assume mold otherwise. If floodwater could carry sewage, the Washington Department of Health says to consider a professional.

The usual suspects uphill

Away from the shoreline, Kingston homes get mold from the same slow sources as the rest of Kitsap County. Gray months keep crawl space soil damp. Cold windows drip condensation onto sills. Roof leaks soak attic insulation without anyone noticing. A musty smell that builds after rain is usually the first clue.

Permits

Because Kingston isn't incorporated, Kitsap County's Department of Community Development Permit Services issues building permits, including repair permits after storms. Removing mold isn't permitted work, but replacing framing or wall materials afterward can be.

Renters

Report leaks to your landlord in writing. Kitsap Public Health says landlords must repair building problems that let water in, such as plumbing leaks, roof leaks and structural moisture, though Washington law doesn't require landlords to perform mold remediation. Washington's landlord-tenant act requires units to be kept weathertight, and written notice starts repair timelines. For unaddressed code violations, Kitsap County DCD Code Compliance takes reports through Report a Code Violation. This is general information, not legal advice.

Health

Kitsap Public Health District doesn't inspect or test homes for mold or enforce landlord-tenant law; it refers tenants to the Washington State Attorney General's Office. EPA says mold can irritate the eyes, skin, nose, throat and lungs.

Calling

You'll be connected with an independent local company. Washington has no state mold license or certification, so look up the company's registration with Washington L&I as a construction contractor on L&I's Verify a Contractor tool. Get written bids and pay by completed phase.