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1. 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.

2. 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/
  
  
  • 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

3. Zoning Information (Lot coverage limits, setbacks, etc)

• Zoning information ie: Lot coverage (how much building square footage – 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: 
    

• 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. Setbacks and lot coverage are located in 17.106.030 'Dimensional requirements'.
  
• If you have any questions regarding Title 17 in our Municipal Code, please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org for more information.

4. Critical Area Information

If you have critical areas, or would just like more information regarding them, please see our Environmental Protection page. 

5. Accessory Structures

• Accessory structures may include detached garage, detached carport, 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 and is less than 12 feet in height.  
  • If the accessory structure is used for tools, storage, a play house, greenhouse, hothouse or similar use, a permit is not required.
  • 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 (2^ndpage 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 which 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
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • Currently we require one physical copy of full-size (24"x36"), to-scale architectural plans. 
  • One physical copy each of all other documents.
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"

6. ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), Custom Built

• An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is either attached to the main home or detached on the property. Please see the Battle Ground Municipal Code, Section 17.135.010 ADUs are attached or detached homes with their own kitchen and living spaces. They allow homeowners the flexibility of separate living quarters to care for family or provide companionship and safety. They also increase the supply of affordable housing units.
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • ADUs
    • The Residential Submittal Requirements Checklist (2^ndpage of building application) provides an itemized checklist of documents required for review at the time of submittal. 
      • Soil Management worksheets and an Erosion Control example are not required for ADUs built within the existing footprint of the home. If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Engineering.Inspectors@CityOfBG.org
    • Currently we require one physical copy (24"x36"), to-scale architectural plans.
    • One physical copy of all other documents.
  • Pre-fabricated ADUs
    • Please see "ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), Pre-fabricated" for the appropriate application & documentation requirements.
• Design Standards
  • Design and Appearance. An ADU, either attached or detached, should be consistent with the primary dwelling.
  • New attached additions and detached structures cannot be more than 40% of the total square footage (not including the garage), up to 1000 square feet.
  • Structures must be on a permitted foundation.
  • The structures on the property must not exceed the zoned lot coverage limitations and meet the underlying zoning setbacks. See "Zoning Information (Lot coverage limits, setbacks, etc)"
  • Accommodate one additional off-street parking space.
  • ADU Plot Plan Example
• Addressing
  • No separate address shall be issued for an accessory dwelling, instead the unit shall be addressed with the letter “A” following the address of the principle dwelling. i.e., 1234-A
  • The address shall be visible from the point of entry for the ADU.
  • If the ADU entrance is not visible from the street, the address shall also be added to the primary structure or driveway for flag lots
  • Numbers shall be four inches in height with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch
  • ADU Addressing Example
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Fees: 
  • ADUs are based on valuation (labor + materials)
  • Pre-built ADUs are based on the Manufactured Home placement. 
  • See our current Fee Schedule.

7. ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit), Pre-fabricated

• An Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) is detached on the property. Please see the Battle Ground Municipal Code, Section 17.135.010 ADU detached homes with their own kitchen and living spaces. They allow homeowners the flexibility of separate living quarters to care for family or provide companionship and safety. They also increase the supply of affordable housing units.
• Documents must be filled out and uploaded to the portal at the time of application.
  • ADUs
    • 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 worksheets and an Erosion Control example are not required for ADUs built within the existing footprint of the home. If you have any questions regarding these documents, please contact: Engineering.Inspectors@CityOfBG.org
• Design Standards
  • Design and Appearance. An ADU, either attached or detached, should be consistent with the primary dwelling.
  • New attached additions and detached structures cannot be more than 40% of the total square footage (not including the garage), up to 1000 square feet.
  • Structures must be on a permitted foundation.
  • The structures on the property must not exceed the zoned lot coverage limitations and meet the underlying zoning setbacks. See "Zoning Information (Lot coverage limits, setbacks, etc)"
  • Accommodate one additional off-street parking space.
• Addressing
  • No separate address shall be issued for an accessory dwelling, instead the unit shall be addressed with the letter “A” following the address of the principle dwelling. i.e., 1234-A
  • The address shall be visible from the point of entry for the ADU.
  • If the ADU entrance is not visible from the street, the address shall also be added to the primary structure or driveway for flag lots
  • Numbers shall be four inches in height with a minimum stroke width of one-half inch
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Fees: 
  • Pre-built ADUs are based on the Manufactured Home placement. 
  • See our current Fee Schedule.

Please email: ComDev.Info@CityofBG.org for information

8. Manufactured Home Placement

• Manufactured 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
• For placement on individual lots, please see our Municipal Code 17.135.102 for guidance. If you have questions regarding this please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org 
• Applying for a permit see: "Permit Application Process"
• Fee: Manufactured Home, Review fees, etc, found on our current Fee Schedule.