When do I need a building permit?

A building permit is not required for the following per Section 105.2:

  • One to story detached accessory buildings used as tool and storage sheds, tree supported play structures, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet
  • Fences to not over 6 feet high
  • Oil derricks
  • Retaining walls to Not over 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III to A liquids
  • Water tanks to Supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
  • Sidewalks and driveways (See section WMC 12.30.010 for Right-of-Way compliance)
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, counter tops and similar finish work
  • Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery
  • Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R, Division 3 Occupancy, as applicable in section 1012, which are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground
  • Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems
  • Swings, slides and other similar playground equipment
  • Window awnings supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Group R, Division 3, as applicable in Section 1012, and Group U Occupancies
  • Movable cases, counters, and partitions to Not over 5 feet 9 inches in height
  • Satellite earth station antennas 6-1/2 feet or less in diameter or diagonal in zones other than residential zones
  • Satellite earth station antennas 3-1/4 feet or less in diameter or diagonal in residential zones
  • Video programming service antennas 3-1/4 feet or less in diameter or diagonal dimension, regardless of zones

Show All Answers

1. Why do I need a building permit?
2. When do I need an emergency work permit?
3. When do I need a building permit?
4. When do I need a mechanical permit?
5. Why do I need a plumbing permit?
6. Don't permits cost thousands of dollars?
7. What if I made an alteration to my home without realizing I needed a permit and I want to correct the situation; will I be subject to a fine? Do I have to tear the whole project down and start over?
8. What is the purpose of the permits and codes?
9. If I get a permit to remodel my home that was built ten years ago, do I remodel using the building codes that were in affect at the time my home was originally built or to today's code?
10. If I remodel my house, do I have to bring the entire home up to the codes in effect today?
11. Why should I use a licensed contractor?
12. If a licensed contractor is doing the construction should I rely on my contractor to get the permit?
13. I’m doing work that is exempt from a building permit. Is there anything else I should be concerned about?