Frequently Asked Questions

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses less than 120 square feet do not require a building permit. (IBC 105.2)
• Accessory structures may include a 
  • Patio cover
  • Deck
  • Woodshed
  • Utility building
  • Gazebo
  • Garbage enclosure
• Applying for a permit: See "Permit Application Process"
  • For commercial permits, we require one physical, large, to-scale copy delivered to Battle Ground City Hall in the "Contact Us" information to the right.
  • Plans must reflect:
    • Site plan
    • Floor Plan
    • Footing/Foundation Plans
    • Elevations
    • Framing
    • Roof plans
    • Mechanical and Plumbing may be included
      • Please see: HVAC/Plumbing for more information
• Fee based on valuation

We now have an online application system called CSS (Customer Self-Service).

• Register for an account (top right hand side of page, click on "Guest")
• You will be sent a registration email - if you do not receive the email please check your spam/junk folder. 
  If you still do not receive the email within a day, please email us and let us know at: ComDev.Info@CityofBG.org
• For permits requiring plans - you will need to submit a digital copy on CSS and one physical plan delivered to our office. 
  Please include the permit number assigned to your project when you bring in or mail physical copies to the address under "Contact Us".

Grading cuts, fills, and/or stockpiling with volumes over 50 cubic yards per calendar year per project.
An early clearing and grading permit may be obtained prior to engineering approval and/or engineering and final site plan approval. 

• Grading Only
  • Type I
    • Grading cuts, fills and/or stockpiling with volumes from 50-500 cubic yards
    • Clearing of over half an acre of land
    • Projects that do not require a SEPA
    • Projects that are not subject to Critical Areas Ordinance
  • Type II
    • Grading cuts, fills and/or stockpiling with volumes greater than 500 cubic yards
    • A SEPA application required for all grading activities greater than 500 cubic yards in volume
    • Critical Areas permit shall be required when grading activity is within or adjacent to a steep or unstable slopes, wetlands, creeks or other Critical Areas
• Submittal requirements
  • Type I & II
    • Property lines and boundaries
    • Existing contours
    • Final grade contours
    • Location of drainage and stream courses
    • Location of proposed & existing structures
    • Erosion Control Plan
  • Type II
    • Soils (geotechnical) report (if applicable)
    • Stamped by Washington registered engineer
    • SEPA checklist
    • A current list of names & addresses of all Property Owners within a 500' radius of the site certified as accurate and complete by the Clark County Assessor or title company
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Currently we require one physical copy of full-size, to-scale architectural plans in addition to the digital upload.
  • One copy each of all other documents.
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Our Fee Schedule lists the Land Use & Grading Permit fees. 

For questions regarding Planning please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org for more information.
For questions regarding Engineering please contact: Eng.Info@CityOfBG.org for more information. 

• All demolition work requires a permit and must have written approval from the SWCAA (Southwest Clean Air Agency). 
• A Demolition Application, site plan depicting all structures on property, and location(s) of demolition.
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Currently we require one physical copy of full-size, to-scale architectural plans in addition to the digital upload.
  • One copy each of all other documents.
• Applying for a permit: See "Permit Application Process"
• Fee: Demolition Permit found on our current Fee Schedule.

• Fences shall not be located within any:
  • Right-of-way
  • Easement
  • Designated fire lane
  • Within any required parking space
• Fences shall not obstruct:
  • Safe vehicular or pedestrian passage
  • Ingress or egress
  • Any sight visibility triangles
• Fences are limited to 6’ in height in commercial zones
• The structural posts & framing members of the fence must be facing the interior of the lot. 
• Fences & retaining walls 42” or less in height do not require a permit, unless such wall is structurally supporting a surcharge.
  • A “surcharge” on a retaining wall is any load in addition to level grade, within that area defined by a 45 degree angle from the bottom of the footing to level grade.
  • Please refer to our Municipal Code 17.135.080 regarding fencing. 
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Currently we require one physical copy the plot plan. For guidance, you can look at our sample plot plan. 
  • One copy each of all other documents.
• Applying for a permit: See "Permit Application Process"
• Fencing fee is available in our Fee Schedule

Fire permits cover the use of flammable materials that could pose a fire related problem. 

• In general, fire permits give permission to: 
  • Use
  • Handle
  • Maintain
  • Store flammable materials
  • Conduct certain activities that will cause conditions that may present a hazard to people or property
  • Install or remove equipment that is connected with these activities
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Fire permits, submittal requirements & inspection requirements can be found on the Fire Marshall's Page
  • New Construction
  • Fireworks
  • We require digital uploads only
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Fire fees are available on our current Fee Schedule

• Repair or replacement of HVAC, furnace, plumbing repair & replacement requires a permit.
  • If HVAC/plumbing work is part of an alteration, it shall be included in the Tenant Improvement application. 
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Please see our fee schedule for Mechanical & Plumbing permit fees.

• All new commercial construction requires submission of an application for a Site Plan review.
• Applicants may submit for building permit after:
  • The project has received preliminary approval 
  • Had at least one completed review of engineering/site plans. 
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
  • Currently we require one physical copy of full-size, to-scale architectural plans in addition to the digital upload.
  • One copy each of all other documents. 
  • Submittal documents are specified on 2nd page of Commercial/Multi-Family/Change of Use Permit Application. 
  • A SDC Worksheet is required for New & Shell buildings as well as Change of Use Permits.
    
    

• A permit is required for the reroof and/or reside of a commercial building. 
• Documents must be uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Currently we require one physical copy in addition to the digital copy. 
  • Please upload the manufacturer specifications/brochure of materials being installed. 
  • For multi-family Reroof & Resides, please upload a copy of the Battle Ground Multi-family Envelope Requirements form. 
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"

• A permit is required for all new signs including:
  • Wall signs
  • Monument signs
  • Projecting signs
  • Roof signs
  • Electronic reader board signs
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Currently we require one physical copy of full-size, to-scale architectural plans in addition to the digital upload.
  • One copy each of all other documents. 
  • Please fill out and upload a Sign Permit Application
    • Submittal requirements are specified on application
    • Signs of the same kind are allowed on the same permit (ie: Wall signs) will be charged only as a single fee. 
    • Signs of two different kinds (ie: wall and monument) require two different applications and will incur separate fees.
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Please see our Fee Schedule for current Land Use/Signs fees.

Swimming pool shall meet setback standards for accessory structures. 

Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application. Please submit one physical copy of plans in addition to the digital upload.

• Pool Permit Application
• Manufacturer’s specifications, installation requirements & pool brochure (if applicable)
• Approved Clark County Public Health permit for the proposed swimming pool, water feature or spa (Commercial only)
• Plot plan indicating proposed location of pool, property lines, structures & full detail of existing barrier (fencing) surrounding pool.
  • If no existing barrier, please indicate proposed barrier
  • For reference: Sample plot plan
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Please see our Fee Schedule for current Public swimming pool/Public spa fees.