Frequently Asked Questions About Permits
Below are a few questions about permits that are commonly asked by our customers. We hope you find the answers that will help you with your construction project. If you still have questions, please call us at (509) 625-6300.
A building permit is an official document granting permission to begin any construction- related activity in accordance with Federal, State, and City codes and regulations.
Permits are a way for the City of Spokane to regulate construction. They provide the first measure of assurance that all construction in the City is safe and that work is being performed by licensed and bonded contractors, if not the property owner when applicable.
Permits, once all inspections are complete, become a record that identifies that all minimum code requirements were met. In relation to this, property insurers may not cover work done without a permit and inspections.
It is a violation of City and State codes and regulations to begin construction before obtaining a permit.
This may lead to fines and penalties as well as the possibility that the structure or site will have to be returned to its original condition if unable to obtain a permit or pass inspections.
Since property insurers may not cover work done without a permit, lawsuits and fire restoration costs may fall directly on the property owner—as would the costs for removing any addition or modification completed without a permit when an owner wishes to sell their property.
Permits are not generally required for:
In most instances, either a sufficiently licensed and bonded contractor or the property owner (provided the property is not being prepared to be sold within 24 months) may obtain a permit. However, only a contractor may be issued a mechanical permit for rental property.
Permit issuance periods vary depending upon staffing levels, permit activity, the time of year, the location of the project, the type of occupancy, and the scope of work to be performed.
Permits for most residential remodels and additions can be issued over the counter. The approval process for a new home usually takes 3 to 5 business days as long as the application is complete and all plans and engineering documents are supplied as required.
Commercial projects require several different departments and agencies to review the plans. Therefore, it may take anywhere from 3 to 7 weeks or even longer before approval to be issued a permit. However, the better and more complete the plans, the quicker they can be approved.
Inspection arrangements are made by calling your Inspector between 7:30 and 8:30 a.m. on the day you wish to have your inspection. Please have your Permit Number ready for your Inspector to be able to confirm the availability of your inspection request.
Inspection requirements vary depending upon the project. Contact your Building-Plumbing Inspector or your Electrical-Mechanical Inspector directly if you have any questions or concerns. The only inspection common to all permits is the Final Inspection which is required after the job is finished to document that it was completed and Approved in accordance to Code.
The applicant is required to request the appropriate inspections and to have the work remain accessible and exposed for inspection purposes until approved. Failure to call for the required inspections or covering the work before prior to approval may necessitate a $60 re-inspection fee and the removal of certain parts of the construction at the applicant’s expense.
Permits are valid for 180 days from date of issuance, or from the last approved inspection. If your project will take longer than the 180 days, contact your Inspector directly to request an extension. He may ask that your request be made in writing.