What Work Requires a Building Permit?
- Any building, plumbing, mechanical, or electrical work requires a permit. This also includes interior remodeling, improvements, conversion, demolition, and change of occupancy
- The removal or adding of interior walls (bearing and non-bearing) requires plan submittals and a building permit
- For electrical permits, contact the State Department of Labor and Industries, 764-6900.
- Fences more than 7 feet high require a building permit and submittal of plans.
- Fences 7 feet or less in height require a fence permit (PDF) and site plan.
- Fences on commercial property will also be reviewed by the Fire Dept.
Exemptions From Building Permits
The following do not require a building permit:
- For residential uses, 1-story detached accessory storage structures, such as tool sheds or playhouses, less than 200 square feet.
- For commercial and industrial uses, 1-story detached accessory storage structures less than 120 square feet
- Sidewalks and driveways
- Finish work, such as painting, carpeting, cabinets, and counter tops
- Swing sets and playground equipment
- Residential decks if all of the following are true:
- Deck is not attached to a structure
- Deck is less than 200 square feet
- Deck is less than 30 inches above grade
- Deck does not have a roof covering
- Reroofing a single family dwelling or private garage, if less than 25% of the existing roof sheathing is being replaced
- Replacing siding over existing siding or exterior sheathing
- Portable heating and cooling units
- Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures, provided the repair does not involve the replacement of pipes, valves, or fixtures