Are Permits Required?

Permits are generally required for most types of work. A few exceptions are:

• Uncovered decks that are under 30 inches in height from grade (the grade level is measured from the lowest point within 5 feet of the deck) and must meet the current development regulations.
• Storage building are exempt as long as they are less than 200 square feet, the main use of the building is storage and are limited to 1 story in height and must meet the current development regulations.
• Fences that are less than 6 feet high and are not on shoreline property are exempt.
  

**Please contact our office if you have any doubts about permit requirements**

I have the application, what is my next step?

The applications should be filled out completely. This includes your name and contact information, contractor name, contact information and registration number, septic/sewer and water/well information, parcel information: parcel number, brief legal description, site address, directions to the site, type of work being done, square feet, number of bedrooms and bathrooms, manufactured home information (if applicable): length, width, make, model, serial number, installer name, and installer certification number.

Along with the application other appropriate information may be required.
If you are building a new stick built home three sets of plans are due when the permit is submitted. In addition a water adequacy form signed by the water system manager or a current bacteria sample for a private well, septic records (if not on a sewer system), four copies of a detailed site plan and a completed Washington State Energy Code compliance form.

If you are installing a new manufactured home or replacing an existing manufactured home three sets of floor plans are required. The floor plan can be hand sketched. In addition to the building permit application submit a completed water adequacy form signed by the water system manager or a current bacteria sample for a private well, septic records (if not on a sewer system) and four copies of a detailed site plan.

Other permits must submit four sets of building plans, three copies of a detailed site plan and septic records (if not on a sewer system).

I have all the information together, where to now?

With all the information assembled you should bring the entire completed package to our office. A planning representative will review your site plan to ensure that all the appropriate information is shown. A building dept. representative will take a quick look at your plans to assess whether the building plans have enough information to complete the plan review.

After the planning and building depts. Have completed their review you will be ready to submit your application. At the time of submittal a portion of the permit fees will be collected. This portion covers the plan review work that will be done prior to issuing the permit. Depending on the time of year and volume of permits the time it takes to approve a permit to issue will vary.

Most re-roof permits, mechanical and plumbing permits are issued "Over the Counter" while you wait. For these types of permits it generally will take about 30 minutes to 1 hour from the time you walk in the door to the time you leave our office with your permit.

My permit is under review

After you submit your building permit the file is distributed to the Building Division, Planning Department, and Environmental Health Department for simultaneous review. While your permit is under review, you may wonder how it is progressing. Rest assured that if there are any problems, questions or discrepancies you will be contacted either by phone or through the mail by department representatives. If discrepancies are found your permit will be put on hold until the issues are resolved. At any time you are more than welcome to call or stop by our office to check the status of your permit.

My permit has been issued

After your permit has been issued you may start work on your project. Permits are valid for 6 months from the date of issuance and are extended for 6 months from the date of each inspection until the project is complete. Inspection requirements vary by project. For instance, a propane tank would only require one inspection where a new home requires a minimum of five inspections.

How do I get an inspection?

Inspections can be scheduled by calling our inspection hotline. Leave a detailed message including the name on permit, site address, permit number type of permit, type of inspection, name and number of a contact person (to confirm inspection appointment) and the date you would like the inspection. We will contact you to confirm the request for the inspection. Other options include: coming into our office, calling our office directly or by submitting your inspection request via our website.