Show All Answers

1. What do I need a building permit for?

All new construction, remodeling, additions, tenant improvements, or structural changes within existing buildings require a building permit. New roofs and re-roofing (up to two layers allowed) also requires a building permit. Plumbing permits are required for any new fixtures and pipes. For further questions regarding building permits, contact the Associate Planner at 360-454-5214.

Electrical permits are required and may be obtained through Washington State Labor and Industries.

2. Can I get a building permit application online?

You can access building permit applications on the Applications, Forms, and Checklists page.

3. Do I need a permit for a fence?

Fences six feet or less in height may be allowed in any required side yard or rear yard, or one four feet or less in a required front yard. No fencing will be allowed to obstruct the sight distance for traffic on any roadway; all fencing that runs along any such roadway must be four feet or less in height at the intersection of all roadway and extending back for a distance of at least 40 feet.

4. What type of land use approval do I need for my project, and what do I need to submit with the application?

The type of approval needed depends upon the location, size, and details of the project. The City’s Community Development Department has developed a Master Permit Application for all land use projects, so only one application will be needed. Each type of land use approval will have a checklist, depending on the type of project, and each checklist will tell you how many copies of each item that you will need to submit with your project. Contact the City Planner for the types of checklist(s) that you may need at 360-454-5220.

5. How long will it take to review my permit application?

Review times are directly dependent on the type of project, the type and number of permits needed, and the quality of the submittal.

6. Do I need a building permit for a shed?

One-story detached accessory structures, such as sheds or other accessory structures, greater than 200 square feet in area will require a building permit. It is a good idea to have sheds that are exempt from requiring a building permit reviewed by the planner for setbacks from lot lines, distance from main building and any easements to insure compliance with zoning regulations.

7. Why do I need to call before I dig?

Requesting a locate is free, but not requesting one can be expensive and dangerous. Locating utility lines buried underground can help you dig around them safely and help prevent personal injury, property damage, interrupted service, and monetary liabilities that can result from a line being hit. It is also the law. Revised Code of Washington 19.122.030 states you must call before you dig.

So contact Call Before You Dig, and you can find out whats buried, for free, before you:

• Install a fence
• Build a deck
• Plant trees
• Build a shed
• Dig a well or septic tank
• Install sprinkler systems
• Install private utilities to a shop, barn, garage, greenhouse, etc.

Make sure you call 811 at least 48 hours before you plan to dig. The Center will then notify agencies with utilities in your area to mark their lines.