Building Permit Exemptions

Building

  1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 200 square feet for residential and 120 square feet for commercial, however, you must still comply with setback requirements. Call to speak with a City planner to discuss setbacks, (360) 825-3593.
  2. Fences not over 7 feet.
  3. Fences must meet the requirements of EMC 18.06.110
  4. Retaining walls that are 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 IIIA liquids.
  5. Walls must still meet the requirements of EMC 18.06.110
  6. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.
  7. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, and not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route. May require a permit from the Public Works Department.
  8. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
  9. Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
  10. Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, are not greater than 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
  11. Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
  12. Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
  13. Window awnings in Group R-3 and U occupancies, supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require  additional support.
  14. Nonfixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters, and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches. 
  15. Decks not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by code.

Gas

  1. Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances. 
  2. Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
  3. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.

Mechanical 

  1. Portable heating appliances.
  2. Portable ventilation appliances.
  3. Portable cooling units. 
  4.  Steam, hot or chilled -water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by this code.
  5.  Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe. 
  6.  Portable evaporative coolers. 
  7. Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of 1 horsepower or less. 
  8. Portable-fuel-cell appliances that are not interconnected to a power grid.

Plumbing

  1. The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe; provided, however that if any concealed trap, drainpipe, water, soil, waste, or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered as new work, and a permit shall be obtained, and inspection made as provided in this code. 
  2. The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures.