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1. Why is a permit required?

There are many important reasons to obtain the required building permit(s) and inspections for your construction project. 

• Helps protect your property value. Your home is an investment. If your construction project does not comply with the codes adopted by the City of Battle Ground, the value of your investment may be reduced. 
• Saves money. Property insurers may not cover work or damages caused by work done without permits and inspections.
• Makes selling property easier. When property is sold through a multiple listing association, the owner is required to disclose any improvements or repairs made and if permits and inspections were obtained. Many financial institutions will not finance a purchase without proof of a final inspection. If you decide to sell your home that has had modifications without a permit, you may be required to tear down the addition, leave it unoccupied, or do costly repairs. 
• Improves safety. Your permit allows the building official to reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction in order to provide for public health, safety, and welfare. By following code guidelines, your completed project will meet minimum standards of safety and will be less likely to cause injury to you, your family, your friends, or future owner. Mandatory inspections act as a system of checks and balances resulting in a safer project.
• It’s the Law. Work requiring permits are required by City Ordinance. Working without a permit may be subject to removal or other costly remedies.

2. When is a permit required?

A building permit is generally required when changes or alterations are made to a residential building or when any new construction is undertaken. Mechanical and plumbing work also require permits and inspections. Electrical permits are obtained at Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Examples of when permits are required:

• New construction of a single-family dwelling
• New construction of a duplex or accessory dwelling unit
• Additions, alterations, and remodels to existing structures
• Adding a garage, carport, deck over 30” in height, or a covered patio
• Adding or removing wall(s)
• Converting basement, attic, or garage into living space
• Changing the footprint of an existing structure in any way
• Adding a second story
• Reroofing/siding
• Window replacement
• Sheds over 200 square feet
• Fence over 42”
• Lawn sprinklers
• Water heaters, toilets, and sinks
• Retaining walls over 4” in height 
• A/C units, furnace, or ductwork
• Woodstove or pellet stove
• Grading (moving or disturbing) earth over 50 cubic yards

Examples of when a permit is not required:

• Fences less than 42” in height
• Decks less than 30” in height
• Sheds 200 square feet or less
• Painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Patio and concrete slabs on the ground
• Window replacement (same size)

3. What is needed to apply?

• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• For Residential Applications please see: Residential Building Permits
• If a contractor is doing work please see: Contractor Requirements
• Fees associated with the application.
• Plans associated with your work, which will be listed on the permit applications.
  • One digital copy needs to be uploaded to the portal during the application process. 
  • One physical copy, if required needs to be dropped off or mailed to our office. Address and contact information is to the right. 

4. What is the Residential Building Permit Review Process?

Step 1: Submit a permit application

Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"

When an application is considered ‘counter complete’, the permit is created in the permit system, fees are paid, and your project will status is changed to ‘In Review’.

Step 2. Plan Review

Depending on your proposed project, plans will be reviewed by various disciplines. Types of reviews include planning and zoning, structural/building and fire, and possibly engineering. The assigned reviewers check to see that your proposal is in compliance with specific code requirements or regulations. If the reviewer needs additional information or has identified corrections, they will request information from you in writing via email or mail (see step 2a). 

2a) Comment Letter

A comment letter is sent when a reviewer needs additional information or a correction needs to be made to the plans. Once a comment letter is sent, the reviewer takes no further action until you provide a response to the comment letter. 

2b) Revise Plans

Once you have received a comment letter and have gathered all of the additional information and/or made the requested corrections, bring the information to the permit center. Complete and timely responses will speed up the re-review of the project. 

If the revisions are complete, the reviewer will give the plans approval and the project will move on to step 3. If the reviewer needs additional information or has identified additional corrections, they will request this information from you in writing in another comment letter (return to steps 2a and 2b).

Step 3. Plans Approved, Permit Issued

When all required reviews are approved, your permit will be in pre-issue status and you will be notified of the remaining fees and that your permit is ready to pick up. Permit Center hours are Monday/Wednesday/Friday 9:00 am to 5:00 pm – Tuesday/Thursday 8:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Step 4. Inspections

When you pick up your permit, you will receive an inspection card listing all of the inspections you will need during construction.
Please see our Inspections page for more information on requesting inspections. 
When all of your inspections are approved, you will receive a final inspection and your project is complete.

5. What are setbacks?

Property setbacks are ordinances established by Battle Ground Municipal Code that outline where construction or modifications can occur. Specifically, a setback is the distance from the property line to a structure. Setbacks are established to preserve open space and building separation in development and are required to be met prior to building permit issuance. Setbacks are verified via plot plan submittal/review.

6. When is Structural Engineering Required?

Under the International Residential Code (IRC), engineering is required when a project does not comply with the prescriptive structural provisions. Structural engineering shall include engineered drawings, details, layouts, calculations, lateral analysis and gravity load design. Two (2) copies are required. Engineering calculations shall be based on design loads and shall be noted on structural plans and calculations.

The following are some examples of when engineering is required. 

• Pole Buildings;
• Insulated Concrete Form (ICFs) wall construction;
• Structural Insulated Panel (SIPs) wall and roof construction;
• Dormers and second floor additions;
• Moving or removing walls, beams, or headers;
• Decks over 9’ from grade to underside of beam;
• Decks supporting hot tubs and cantilevered decks;
• Second story decks – new or replacement;
• Retaining walls over 4’ in height (subject to a surcharge);
• And a geo-tech report may be needed depending on site location, soil conditions, presence of fill, or certain soils.

The above list are just some instances when engineering will be required. If you have specific questions please call the building line at 360-342-5046 or e-mail us at comdev.info@cityofbg.org. 

7. Do I need a permit for electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing work?

Residential building permits can include trade work such as electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing work.
If you have any questions on whether or not your particular project requires a permit, you can always give us a call or send us an email. Contact information is in the sidebar to the right. 

Electrical permits are obtained through Labor and Industries.