Frequently Asked Questions

Q. Is a permit required for a deck at my single family residence?

A. Yes, if the deck is more than 30 inches above the grade level measured within 5 feet adjacent to the deck. Please check out the “construction tip sheets” available at www.mybuildingpermit.comfor some help with your deck building project. Also note that although the Building Department may not require a permit, sometime Zoning regulations may affect the size and location potential of a deck. Always contact the Planning Department before beginning a project.

Q. Do I need a permit for a detached storage/play shed at my single family residence?

A.Not if the shed is 1 story and the combined floor area and usable area under the roof projection measures less than 120 square feet total. Even if a Building permit is not required the structure you build must comply with current building code minimum standards as well as all Zoning requirements. All other structures over the 120 square feet as described above will require submittal of a completed application.

Q. How long will it take to get a permit?

A. The process of obtaining a permit is an interactive process. Factors that influence the length of time to obtain a permit are as follows: Completeness, accuracy and clarity of the plans and application Lot/property specific issues Availability of contacts (owner, agent, architect, engineer etc.) to answer reviewer’s questions. Work load of City Staff at the time of permit submittal The type of permit Depending on the type of permit and the factors listed, the length of time will vary greatly. For example, a very small interior-only project with no engineering requirements might qualify for 1-3 days, but a complex project or one with property issues may take months to coordinate and review all the information. Most will be somewhere in between these examples.

Q. Do I need a permit to enclose the carport at my single family residence?

A. Yes. Concerns such as protection from decay, and the possibility of additional wind-load created by adding wall surface area are checked during the review of the plans and permit application. Jobsite inspections take this to the next step by looking for building code conditions that can only be verified during construction.

Q. I need to know if I can add onto my house.

A. First talk to the Planning Department for height restrictions, setbacks from the property lines and allowable lot coverage. If your project fits within the Planning Department requirements, contact the Building Department for applicable building, plumbing, mechanical, energy and electrical codes.

Q. Can I draw my own plans or do I need to have an architect draw my plans?

A. For most detached single family residential projects you may draw your own plans if you have the ability. The main requirements are that the plans accurately convey the scope of the project, include adequate details and dimensions, and all applicable jobsite conditions are on the plans. It may be necessary to have the property surveyed for property lines, elevations and more, depending on the project.

Q. What scale should my plans be?

A. 1/4 inch = 1 foot is an acceptable scale for plan views, elevations and sectional views. Drawings intended to show more detailed information are commonly scaled at 1/2 or 3/4inch = 1 foot. Site plans typically are scaled 1:10 and are sized to fit on the submitted sheets, but must not be too small to read easily. Please label all scales used on the plans.

Q. Do I have to hire a contractor or can I build this project myself?

A. You may do your own construction on the home you own and live in. You are not allowed to do electrical work or plumbing on structures you do not own and live in unless you are licensed to do this work as required by Washington State law.

Q. What are the hours of construction?

A. Development activity and heavy equipment operation is restricted to 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday. No development activity and heavy equipment operation may occur on Sundays or on the following Holidays: New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, and Christmas Day. The Planning Official may grant written permission to engage in a development activity or to operate heavy equipment outside of the hours established if this will not interfere with any residential use that is permitted in the zone in which it is located. Call the Planning Department at 425-587-3225 for the application form or click here to download. The form should be submitted to the Planning Department for review.

Q. Do I need a permit to add or modify an interior wall?

A. Yes. It's classed as a single family alteration/remodel or commercial tenant improvement.

Q. Why do I need a thermal expansion tank for my water heater?

A. Water purveyors are installing backflow prevention devices at the water meters, thereby creating a “closed” system in the waterline. Without an expansion tank, with no place for water to expand as it is heated in your water heater, the over-pressure device activates with each batch of heated water and releases a small amount of water. Frequent use such as this could create a buildup of minerals and/or prematurely wear out the over-pressure device. You cannot remove the over-pressure device because the increase of pressure could burst pipes or create a potentially life-threatening explosion hazard. A thermal expansion tank is installed to take care of the excess pressure while preserving the over-pressure device. You can see a diagram of a properly outfitted water heater by checking out the “construction tip sheets” available at www.mybuildingpermit.com.

Q. Do I need a permit to build a rockery or other retaining wall?

A. Yes and No. Depends on the height and location of the rockery and whether or not it is supporting a surcharge such as a berm of soil, structure, driveway or any other similar load. Even if a permit appears not to be required it is important to contact all departments in Building Services when considering a rockery to avoid locating it in the Public Way, prevent damage to utilities and trees, and other concerns.

Q. Do I need to get a permit to bring in a load of dirt to landscape?

A. Yes and No. Largely depends on the amount and what they are doing with it. Filling in low spots on the property could deflect water to neighboring properties. Even if a permit appears not to be required it is important to contact all departments in Building Services to prevent damage to utilities and trees, and many other concerns.

Sometimes, we have an inspector go to the site to check out the property and then decide if the project will require a permit or not.