Residential Building Permits

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Residential permits are needed to build a new single family home, or to make alterations to an existing residential building.

You need a residential building permit for most construction, alteration or repair work, such as:

  • Changing a building's occupancy, structure or living space
  • Demolishing a building
  • Adding, repairing, or removing any roofs
  • Altering a electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system

Find a Contractor

Before you begin remodeling or repair work, we recommend finding a registered contractor.

Residential Minor Work Permits Process

We typically process the following residential permits within 2-3 business days. Once processed you will be contacted with payment instructions.

Type of Permit What It Covers Forms Intake Scheduling Required? Formal Review 
Residential Plumbing permits
  • For removing or replacing plumbing or fixtures in the same location without removal of any surfaces such as gypsum, framing, etc.
  • Electric hot water tank replacements.
For residential plumbing projects please apply via our permitting portal here, and select 'Minor Work Permits' as the application type, 'Plumbing' as the sub type, and 'Residential' as the work type for step 1.  Instructions on how to navigate the portal may be found here  No  No
Residential Mechanical permits
  • For heating and cooling systems, HVAC, gas pipes, gas hot water tank replacements, and other mechanical systems.
For residential mechanical projects please apply via our permitting portal here, and select 'Minor Work Permits' as the application type, 'Mechanical' as the sub type, and 'Residential' as the work type for step 1.  Instructions on how to navigate the portal may be found here  No  No
Residential Re-Roof
  • State the materials that are being removed from the roof, the type of underlayment (if applicable), and the new materials being installed.
  • If work will be done by a contractor, please include the Washington State contractor license number within the scope.

For residential re-roof projects (1-2 residential units per structure) please apply via our permitting portal here, and select 'Minor Work Permits' as the application type, 'Reroof' as the sub type, and 'Residential' as the work type for step 1.  

 

For non-residential/commercial re-roofs (including multi-family buildings with 3 or more units per structure), please apply via our permitting portal here, and select 'Minor Work Permits' as the application type, 'Reroof' as the sub type, and 'Commercial' as the work type for step 1. 

 

Instructions on how to navigate the portal may be found here

 

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Residential Window/Siding permits
  • Window permits need a site plan and specifications.
  • If work will be done by a contractor, please include the Washington State contractor license number within the scope.

For residential window/siding projects please apply via our permitting portal here, and select 'Minor Work Permits' as the application type, 'Siding/Windows' as the sub type, and 'Residential' as the work type for step 1.  Instructions on how to navigate the portal may be found here  No  No
Demolition permits
  • For removing an entire structure including the foundation.

For demolition permits please apply via our permitting portal here. Instructions on how to navigate the portal may be found here.  The Demolition Pre-Application Checklist will need to be completed prior to applying. 

 

 No  No

Residential Building Permit Process

Step 1: Apply via the Permitting Portal (Please See Below)
Step 2: Gather Application Materials for Your Intake Appointment
Step 3: Get Your Permit
Step 4: Schedule an Inspection

Fire Permits

All fire permits are processed separately. Please see our FIRE PREVENTION PERMITS webpage for additional information. 

Permits from Outside Agencies

Where to find the permits that we don't offer.

Electrical Permits
Mobile and Manufactured Home Permits and Inspections
Septic Systems

Documents and Resources

Maps and Records