Permitting Requirements

Permitting a building can often be one of the most frustrating and time-intensive steps of the construction process.  This document is intended to give you a brief synopsis of what is involved, and explain what may be required when we undertake this process.

Documentation Requirements

This section outlines some of the documents that you will need to obtain in order to submit your permit application.  Generally only a few of the documents listed below will be required, but there are exceptions depending on the scope of your project.  The underlined documents are almost always a requirement. 

Building Permit Application

This is a general overview of your project and contains basic information

Engineered Building Drawings

Drawings will need to be wet-stamped and engineered for loads at your building site.  We will handle this entire step.

Engineered Foundation Drawings

These drawings will also need to be engineered to account for loading of the building and soil conditions.  This step can easily be handled by us unless you have another engineer already selected for this job.

Site Map

This is an overview of your entire property and locates the proposed building location.  It also shows other buildings, setbacks, easements, and any other applicable information.

Geotechnical Surveys

A geotechnical survey requires an on site inspection of your soil conditions and will provide the foundation engineer with definite figures for soil compaction, settlement, and composition. This step can often save you money on foundation costs by allowing the foundation engineer to work with definite numbers

Interior Layout

This document shows what types of things will be stored where in your building.  It is often used to determine usage classifications.

Fill and Grade Permit Application

A fill and grade permit allows you to start clearing and leveling your site. This is usually only required if you are displacing a large amount of land.  Please contact your permit office to determine if one is required for your project.

Documents listed below are less common than the above but are still likely to be seen for some applications:

SEPA Application

This is a review of the environmental impact that a project will have on the property.  This is only required under certain circumstances and it is best to contact your permit office to determine whether or not it is needed.

Energy Code Requirements Plan

This document shows energy system efficiencies, and is only required if the building is heated

Mechanical Plan

Shows the components and relationships of the HVAC system. Only required if heating or AC will be used.

Plumbing Plan

Shows the components and relationships of the plumbing system.  Only required if the building is plumbed.

Landscape Plan

This document outlines your landscaping plan.

Access Permit

This is required for new or modified access off of a county maintained road.

Drainage Plan

This document outlines the draining provisions that have been planned for your project