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Residential Building Information & Permit Applications
- Why is a permit required?
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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.
- When is a permit required?
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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)
- What is needed to apply?
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- 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.
- What is the Residential Building Permit Review Process?
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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. - What are setbacks?
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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.
- When is Structural Engineering Required?
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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.
- Do I need a permit for electrical, mechanical, and/or plumbing work?
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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.
- Contractor Requirements
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- Contractors must have a Battle Ground Business License or Endorsement and specialty licensing through Labor & Industries.
- If the contractor needs information regarding their Department of Revenue Licensing, they can apply for it online at: https://dor.wa.gov/
If there are any questions give the Vancouver DOR office a call, they are very helpful.
Vancouver Department of Revenue
8008 NE Fourth Plain Blvd #320, Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 256-2060 - Labor and Industries – You can check contractor licensing at: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
- Electrical permits and inspections are handled through Labor and Industries.
Labor and Industries Department
312 SE Stone Mill Drive Ste 120
Vancouver, WA 98/684
(360) 896-2300
- Electrical permits and inspections are handled through Labor and Industries.
- Permit Application Process
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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". - Please visit our Building Application page for more information on application types and submittal requirements.
- Register for an account (top right hand side of page, click on "Guest")
- Zoning Information (Lot coverage limits, setbacks, etc)
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- Zoning information ie: Lot coverage (how much building – including sheds, tiny homes, etc – you can have on your property), Setbacks (how far your home and accessory structures need to be away from each other and fence/property lines), etc.
- You can find information by going to the Clark County GIS Property Information Center and searching for your address or parcel number (also known as the “Tax Account”)
- The Account page shows Subdivision information:
- You can find information by going to the Clark County GIS Property Information Center and searching for your address or parcel number (also known as the “Tax Account”)
- The “Codes” link directs you to the Battle Ground Municipal Code webpage, which provides additional information regarding your property’s zoning district.
- Click on “Residential Districts”
- The Battle Ground Municipal Code page provides a variety of information regarding building in Battle Ground.
- If you have any questions regarding Title 17 in our Municipal Code, please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org for more information.
- Zoning information ie: Lot coverage (how much building – including sheds, tiny homes, etc – you can have on your property), Setbacks (how far your home and accessory structures need to be away from each other and fence/property lines), etc.
- Accessory Structures
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- Accessory structures may include detached garage, detached carport and patio cover, deck, woodshed, utility building, or gazebo. One story accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses do not require a permit provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Please see the Battle Ground Municipal Code, section 17.135.015 for more information or our Accessory Structure Handout for easy reference.
- The Residential Submittal Requirements Checklist (2ndpage of building application) provides an itemized checklist of documents required for review at the time of submittal.
- Additional forms are provided in the building permit application packet are not required for small projects. For example:
- Soil Management worksheets and an Erosion Control example. If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Engineering.Inspectors@CityOfBG.org
- 2018 Washington State Energy Code worksheets: If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Building.Inspection2@CityOfBG.org
- Additional forms are provided in the building permit application packet are not required for small projects. For example:
- 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.
- One physical copy each of all other documents.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Accessory structures may include detached garage, detached carport and patio cover, deck, woodshed, utility building, or gazebo. One story accessory structures such as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses do not require a permit provided that the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet. Please see the Battle Ground Municipal Code, section 17.135.015 for more information or our Accessory Structure Handout for easy reference.
- Manufactured/Tiny Home Placement
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- Manufactured or Tiny homes being placed in a Mobile Home park or on private property
- The Manufactured Home Placement Application provides an itemized checklist of documents required for review at the time of submittal. Additional required forms are provided in the application packet.
- Also included:
- Site Plan, if you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org
- Soil Management and Erosion Control
- These only need to be filled out if placing on private property vs. a mobile home park
- If you have any questions regarding these documents please contact: Engineering.Inspectors@CityOFBG.org
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Fee: Manufactured Home, Review fees, etc, found on our current Fee Schedule.
- Adult Care Home
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- Adult Family Care Facilities are similar to Residential Alterations.
- The Residential Submittal Requirements Checklist (2nd page of building application) provides an itemized checklist of documents required for review at the time of submittal. Additional required forms are provided in the building permit application packet. Also included:
- Soil Management worksheets and an Erosion Control example.
- Soil Management is not required if no footprint is being added to the home.
- If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Engineering.Inspectors@CityOfBG.org
- 2018 Washington State Energy Code worksheets
- If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Building.Inspection2@CityOfBG.org
- Soil Management worksheets and an Erosion Control example.
- Adult Family Home Worksheet (required by Washington State)
- 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 showing what is currently there and what will be changed.
- One copy each of all other applicable documents.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Fee based on valuation.
- Demolition Permit
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- 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.
- Fee: Demolition Permit found on our current Fee Schedule.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Driveway/Approach
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- Only one driveway per lot is allowed unless approval is granted by the building and engineering department for a second driveway. Maximum single-family residential driveway width is 25’ for a two-car garage, and 35’ for a three-car garage, or fifty percent of the lot frontage, whichever is less. Please see the Battle Ground Municipal Code, Section 12.116.243 for more information
- ROW Application, please upload a copy to your online application.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Fence/Retaining Walls
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- Fence standards:
- No fence may be higher than 42" may be built within the required front yard setback.
- Maximum allowed side & rear fence height is 6’.
- 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 or for easy reference we have a Residential Fence handout.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Fence standards:
- HVAC/Plumbing
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- 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 Residential alteration permit.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Please see our fee schedule for Mechanical & Plumbing permit fees.
- Repair or replacement of HVAC, furnace, plumbing repair & replacement requires a permit.
- Planter Strip Tree Removal/Replacement
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The responsibility for maintenance, watering, and general upkeep of most planter strips within the City are the responsibility of the private property owner directly abutting the sidewalk abutting the planter strip or directly abutting the planter strip pursuant to BGMC 12.110.090. The abutting property owner, at their cost, must replace any dead trees, shrubs, or plants.
- Shrubs, plants, and ground cover may be removed by a homeowner for planter strips for which they have maintenance responsibilities without a permit.
- Some type of covering, other than bare dirt, is required.
- No tree shall be removed from a planter strip without a Right-Of-Way Permitfrom the Engineering Division. Removal of trees will only be allowed under the following circumstances:
- The tree is dead
- The tree interferes with underground or overhead utilities
- The tree impedes sight distance
- The tree has the ability to harm the life, health, or safety of the public
- If trees are permitted to be removed, they must be replaced with a tree from the City’s Approved Tree List unless not required through the permit.
- Our Tree Planting Handout will guide you on tree height, planting depth, etc.
- ROW Application, please upload a copy to your online application.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Shrubs, plants, and ground cover may be removed by a homeowner for planter strips for which they have maintenance responsibilities without a permit.
- POD (Portable On-Demand Storage)
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- A permit is not required for PODS that are placed on residential property for 30 days or less.
- PODS shall be placed on a driveway or other paved surface on property.
- At no time shall the POD block pedestrian sidewalks; however, it can be placed curbside in a legal parking area with a ROW (right of way) permit & a fee.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Please upload your ROW permit application during the online process.
- We will need a plot plan showing POD placement.
- ROW fee: Please see our Fee Schedule
- A permit is not required for PODS that are placed on residential property for 30 days or less.
- Residential Alteration
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- An addition or alteration is considered to be an alteration to the house itself.
- This may include:
- Wall removal
- Wall addition
- Room addition
- Window and/or door addition/replacement
- Converting a garage to a habitable space
- House remodel with changes to structural members
- This may include:
- The Residential Submittal Requirements Checklist (2nd page of building application) provides an itemized checklist of documents required for review at the time of submittal. Additional required forms are provided in the building permit application packet. Also included:
- Soil Management worksheets and an Erosion Control example.
- Soil Management is not required if no footprint is being added to the home.
- If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Engineering.Inspectors@CityOfBG.org
- 2018 Washington State Energy Code worksheets.
- If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Building.Inspection2@CityOfBG.org
- Soil Management worksheets and an Erosion Control example.
- 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 showing what is currently there and what will be changed.
- One copy each of all other applicable documents.
- Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
- Fee based on valuation.
- An addition or alteration is considered to be an alteration to the house itself.
- Swimming Pool/Spa
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- A permit is not required for wading pools less than 12” in depth, or “storable” swimming pools holding a maximum depth of 48”.
- Swimming pool shall meet setback standards for accessory structures.
- Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
- Currently we require one physical copy of plans in addition to the digital upload.
- One copy each of all other applicable documents.
- Pool Permit Application
- Manufacturer’s specifications, installation requirements & pool brochure
- 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 Private swimming pool/Private spa fees
- A permit is not required for wading pools less than 12” in depth, or “storable” swimming pools holding a maximum depth of 48”.
- Permit Application Process
-
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". - Please visit our Building Application page for more information on application types and submittal requirements.
- Register for an account (top right hand side of page, click on "Guest")
- Contractor Requirements
-
- Contractors must have a Battle Ground Business License or Endorsement and specialty licensing through Labor & Industries.
- If the contractor needs information regarding their Department of Revenue Licensing, they can apply for it online at: https://dor.wa.gov/
If there are any questions give the Vancouver DOR office a call; they are very helpful.
Vancouver Department of Revenue
8008 NE Fourth Plain Blvd #320, Vancouver, WA 98662
(360) 256-2060 - Labor and Industries – You can check contractor licensing at: https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/