Are you planning to build a house or make changes to your existing buildings? If you are building or adding on to your existing structure, you are required to purchase a building permit(s). Here in Spokane, you will need to send in your application for review and also obtain a building permit when you want to build a residential house, commercial house, and do other works such as remodels, mechanical, and plumbing work.

Why do I need a building permit?

According to the law of Spokane County, you will need a building permit before you can start a new construction or make some changes. Before receiving your building permit, you will be provided with a review of your building and also an inspection.

Your application needs to meet at least the minimum construction standards as adopted by the City and State. The purpose of a building permit in Spokane is to give you and the future residents of the house the peace of mind knowing that every minimum life safety requirements have been met and to ensure the quality of the construction will last for decades.

Unlike some locations where your building may be pulled down for not obtaining a permit, a building project done without a permit in Spokane is illegal and can jeopardize your chances of obtaining homeowners insurance. This can also cause potential home buyers to be dissuaded from purchasing the property in the future.

When You Don’t Need A Building Permit?

Before doing any construction work, you will need a building permit. However, there are situations where you don’t need a building permit. Building Permits are not needed for:

• Fences not over six feet high
• Water tanks that do not exceed 5,000 gallons supported directly upon grade and have a ratio and of height to diameter or width not exceeding 2:1.
• Uncovered decks that are not more than 30 inches above grade within a six-foot radius
• Platforms, driveways, and walks not more than 30 inches above grade
• Pre-fabricated swimming pools less than twenty-four inches deep in Group R
• One-story detached accessory structure utilized as playhouses or storage shed. However, this should not exceed 200 sq. feet.

Before Applying for Building Permit

Before you apply for a building permit in Spokane, you will need to first call for an inspection. This can be done by calling 509-688-0054. Note that you can only call for an inspection while the work is visible and accessible.

You can request for an inspection before 7 am from Monday to Friday and your inspection will be performed on the same day.

What Permits Do You Or Your Spokane Home Builder Need To Obtain?

Whether you are applying for the Permit on your own or you are using the service of Spokane Homebuilders, you will be required to get the following permits depending on the type of construction you have.

• Residential Building
• Mechanical Permit
• Plumbing Permit
• Roofing Permit
• Siding Permit
• Windows Permit

Commercial Building

• Fire Alarm System
• Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System – Alteration
• Fire Alarm/Sprinkler System – Minor Alteration
• Fire Sprinkler/Hood Extinguishing System
• Underground Fire Sprinkler Service

What Are the Requirements For Getting My Building Permit?

To get a building permit in Spokane, you will need to fill your application and also meet the following requirements:

• Site Plan
• Foundation Plan
• Floor Plan
• Roof Framing
• Floor Framing
• Cross Sections
• Exterior Elevations
• Energy Calculations
• Structural Calculations

Other Requirements include:

• Proof of Ownership
• Obstruction
• Yard Waiver
• Approval from Historic Preservation
• Encroachment Certificate

Where to Apply For your Permit?

When you need to apply for your building permit, you will need to go to the City of Spokane’s Permit Center. This department is responsible for processing all development permits within the City of Spokane.

Unlike most other counties, if you are doing construction within the unincorporated County such as Town of Rockford, City of Millwood, and Town of Spangle, you can be able to apply for your building permit online. However, before applying online, you will need to verify that your location is within the Spokane service area.

Contact Information

3rd Floor City Hall, 808 W Spokane Falls Blvd, Spokane, WA 99201

bdsinfo@spokanecity.org

Conclusion

The process of getting your building permit in Spokane can seem challenging. However, this is something you can do if you follow the instructions above. Note that the best and easiest way to get your Spokane building permit is to hire an experience Spokane home builder.

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