Frequently Asked Questions About Permits
Below are a few questions about permits that are commonly asked by our customers. Additional help for construction projects and permitting needs is available on our Applications, Informational Handouts, and the many pages within this website.
Table of Contents
- What is a Building Permit?
- Why do I need a Permit?
- What if I don’t get a Permit?
- Is there any work that doesn’t require a permit?
- Who is authorized to be issued a permit?
- How long does it take to obtain a permit?
- How do I schedule an Inspection?
- What will be required to be inspected?
- What if I have a permit, but never called for an Inspection?
- When will my Permit Expire?
- What are the Engineering Design Standards (i.e. ~ snow load & wind speed) for the City of Spokane?
1. What is a Building Permit?
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 & 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.
Permits and the adherence to construction codes provide for lower utility bills, higher resale values, and reduced risk of damage, injury, or loss of life.
3. What if I don’t get a permit?
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; and 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.
4. Is there any work that doesn’t require a permit?
Permits are not generally required for:
♦ Detached accessory structures (sheds) not exceeding 200 square feet.
♦ Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height.
♦ Walkways & driveways that do not encroach into the City Right-of-Way
♦ Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
♦ Swings and other playground equipment (at a residence).
5. Who is authorized to be issued a permit?
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.
6. How long does it take to obtain a permit?
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 5 to 7 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 8 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.
7. How do I schedule an Inspection?
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.
8. What will be required to be inspected?
Inspection requirements vary depending upon the project. Contact your 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 in accordance to code. Viewing our Basic Inspection Guidelines handout will provide additional information.
9. What if I have a permit, but never called for an Inspection?
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 $75 re-inspection fee and the removal of certain parts of the construction at the applicant’s expense.
If the permit has expired without any inspections, a new permit will need to be purchased at the current rates for the work permitted.
If the permit has expired with approved inspections; the fees for the new permit may be reduced by the percentage of completion (25%, 50%, or 75%) based upon the approved inspections. Processing, State Building Code, and minimum fees will still apply.
10. When will my Permit Expire?
Permits are valid for 180 days from date of issuance. If one inspection is completed within the first 180 days, the permit will remain open for 1 year from the original date of issue. If you will need additional time to complete your project, contact you Inspector directly to request an extension. He may ask that your request be made in writing.
11. What are the Engineering Design Standards (i.e. ~ snow load & wind speed) for the City of Spokane?
The City of Spokane has adopted the following Engineering Design Standards:
♦ Ground Snow Load: 39 pounds per square foot
♦ Basic Wind Speed: 85 mph (3-second gust) Exposure B (Urban and Suburban areas)
♦ Seismic Design Category: C
♦ Weathering: Severe
♦ Frost Line Depth: 24 inches
♦ Termite: Slight
♦ Decay: Slight
♦ Winter Design Temperature: 4 degrees Fahrenheit
♦ Ice Shield Underlayment Required: Yes
♦ Air Freezing Index: ~1250
♦ Mean Annual Temperature: 47.2 degrees Fahrenheit
Click Engineering Design Standards for the printable version. Also available on the Informational Handouts page.
