Frequently Asked Questions

There are many important reasons to obtain the required building permit(s) and to obtain the required 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 could 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 code official to reduce potential hazards of unsafe construction 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, and your friends or future owner. Mandatory inspections complement the contractor’s experience and act as a system of checks and balances resulting in a safer project.
• It’s the Law. Work requiring permits are made such by City Ordinance. Work without a permit may be subject to removal or other costly remedies.

The handouts listed below are easy-reference guides all based on our Municipal Code. If you have further questions, please give us a call or send us an email at the contact information to the right. 

• Accessory Structures
• Deck, Stairs & Patio Cover Standards
• Fence and Retaining Wall Standards
• Neighborhood Design Standards
• Owner Authorization
• Woodstoves & Fireplaces
• Sample Plot Plan for Residential Development
• Right-of-Way Fact Sheet
• Temporary PODS (Portable on Demand Storage) Placement
• Erosion Control Requirements

For questions regarding location and neighborhood design standards please contact Planning@CityofBG.org for more information.
For questions regarding building please contact Building.Inspection2@CityOfBG.org for more information. 
For questions regarding Right of Way, PODS or Erosion Control please contact Engineering.Inspectors@CityOfBG.org for more information. 

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 a permits is 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
• Window replacement
• Sheds over 200 square feet
• New fences over 42”
• Lawn sprinklers
• Water heaters, toilets, and sinks
• Retaining walls over 4” in height or subject to surcharge
• 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
• Replace of existing fences that meet City height requirements (BGMC 17.135.080)

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".

1. Submit for Permit
   See: How do I apply for a permit?
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 possible engineering. The assigned reviewers check to see that your proposal is in compliance with the specific code or regulations. If the reviewer needs additional information or has identified corrections, they will request information from you in written form of a comment letter via email.
3. 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.
   
4. Revise Plans
   When submitting revisions or uploading plans outside of your original submittal please email: ComDev.Submittals@CityofBG.org. If physical copies of your permit was required originally, we will also need physical copies of your revisions. 
   If the revisions are complete, the reviewer will sign off and the project will move on in the process. If the reviewer needs additional information or has identified additional corrections, they will request this information from you in writing in another comment letter.
5. Plan Approval, Permit Issuance
   When all required reviews are approved, your permit will be in ready to issue status and you will be notified your final permit fee total and that your permit is ready to pick up.
6. Inspections
   Please see our Inspection Page.
7. Please note
   The permit process differs for each permit type and may vary depending on how complex your project is. These steps are a general guideline to follow when applying for a permit.

Residential building permits can include trade work such as mechanical and/or plumbing work, (if applicable).

Electrical permits are obtained through Labor and Industries.

The City of Battle Ground administers permits for properties within city limits. Always check the jurisdiction at the Clark County GIS, Property Information Center to determine whose jurisdiction the property falls under. 

For properties located in Clark County’s jurisdiction contact them at (360) 397-2375.

Property setbacks are ordinances established by Battle Ground Municipal Code that outline where construction or modifications can occur. Mainly a distance from 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.

Your zoning will determine some of the regulations for your property.

How do you find your zoning, lot coverage, setbacks, 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.
        
• If you have any questions regarding Title 17 in our Municipal Code, please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org for more information. 
• Questions regarding critical areas can be directed to our Planning Department, please contact: Planning@CityOfBG.org for more information. 
• Do you have a well and/or septic on-site? (These programs are managed by Clark County Health)

• CCR’s and/or neighborhood rules and regulations, (these are regulated by private agreement and not enforced by the City).

Under the International Residential Code (IRC), when a project does not comply with the prescriptive structural provisions, engineering is required. Under certain conditions based on the site locations, soil conditions, scope of work and the proposed design engineered drawings, details and calculations may be required.

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.

Following are some examples of when engineering is required. However, there are other instances when engineering will be 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 or subject to a surcharge
• Depending on site location, soil conditions, presence of fill or a soils report from a Geo-tech engineer may be required

The cost of your permit is based on several factors. For a project specific fee quote, please call us at (360) 342-5040.

Please note that the purpose of this page is to illustrate the way impact, development, and building permit fees are calculated for development within the City. To get a project specific estimate, please contact the Building Division at (360) 342-5046. 

Building Permit fees are based on the following:

• Size of structure (square foot)
• Type of construction
• Occupancy classification

Mechanical and Plumbing Permits and Fees

Permit fees are based upon the quantity of fixtures and/or units installed. If you would like to get an estimate of your plumbing or mechanical project, please complete the form below and fax to the City of Battle Ground Building Division (360) 342-5049.  

Applying for permits: See Help for Homeowners, How do I apply for a permit?

For a complete list of fees, please refer to the current City of Battle Ground Fee Schedule.