Official website of the
City of Vancouver, Washington

Building and Development Permits

General Information Regarding Residential Building Permit

Depending on the scope of work, please keep in mind that the following items may be subject to review:

• Setbacks to property line
• Height restrictions
• Building code requirements

Are you building a fence, deck or shed?

If you are building a shed (120 sq. ft. or less), a deck (18" or less above grade), or a fence (6’ or less in height) a permit is no longer required*, except when the project site is identified as subject to a Critical Areas Permit/Review.

*However, you must still construct the improvement in compliance with City building and zoning codes. If you have questions regarding code requirements please call our Permit Center at (360) 487-7800.

Are you ONLY replacing, repairing and/or adding electrical, mechanical or plumbing?

You may need to obtain a permit. Fees will be based on scope of work and/or valuation, including labor and materials. In some instances, plans may be required.

Are you remodeling or adding square footage to your home? Or are you adding a detached building, including a shop, garage or shed over 120 sq. ft.?

You will need to submit the following items when applying for a residential building permit:

• Completed Residential Addition/Alteration permit application
• The name and phone number of a licensed contractor, if the homeowner is not doing the work
• Plan review fee
• Remodel- based on valuation, including labor and materials
• Addition- based on amount of square footage being added

2 Sets of the Following:

• Site plan, drawn to scale, indicating size and location of existing and proposed structures and identifying location of septic system (if applicable)
• Detailed construction drawings to scale (1/4" = 1’)

What is a Site Plan?

A site plan is a "scaled" drawing that shows an overhead view of your lot indicating existing and proposed structures.

What Does "To Scale" Mean?

"To scale" means using a unit of measure that allows you to shrink your drawing to fit on a regular 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper.

Example: Scale 1" = 20'

What Information Is Required?

The basic information required for a site plan includes:

• The lot and structure dimensions,
• The distance from the property line to the structures
• The distance from the street centerline() to the property line()
• The property address
• North arrow
• Scale size

Example only - not to scale