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1. Is a permit required for a detached storage / play shed?

Maybe, if the shed is one story and has a floor area those measures less than 200 square feet and is an accessory structure to one or two-family dwelling, then a permit is not required. For commercial and multi-family buildings or structures, refer to the IBC Exempt Work (PDF) guidelines.

2. Do I need a permit?

The International Building Code and the International Residential Code have slightly different requirements for when permits are required.

The International Building Code (IBC)

The International Building Code Section 105.1 states, "Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit."

Exceptions

There are some exceptions, which you will find under the IBC Exempt Work (PDF) provision in the Arlington Municipal Code, Chapter 15.08, Section 105.2.

The International Residential Code (IRC)

The International Residential Code Section R105.1 states, "Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, remove, convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system, the installation of which is regulated by this code, or to cause such work to be done, shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit."

Exceptions

There are some exceptions, which you will find under the IRC Exempt Work (PDF) provision in the Arlington Municipal Code, Chapter 15.08, Section R105.2.

3. All I am adding is an interior non-bearing wall. Do I need a permit?

Yes. Minor remodeling projects such as this are considered to be alterations and a permit is required.

4. Are permit fees refundable?

Applicants may apply for refunds when an application or permit is withdrawn or canceled prior to commencing of any review or inspection process. The Building Official shall determine whether a refund is appropriate. Refunds shall be based on the following:

1. Refunds shall be requested in writing, on company letterhead (if applicable), by the original applicant and must include the permit number and the date of the initial permit application.
2. Refunds shall only be issued to the company or person who made the original payment.
3. 100% of any fee erroneously paid or collected shall be refunded, regardless of amount.
4. Permit applications requiring Plan Review that are withdrawn or cancelled before any Plan Review is done may have not more than 80% of the Plan Review Fee refunded.
5. Permits that have been issued may have not more than 80% of the Permit Fee refunded if withdrawn or cancelled before any work on the project has been done. Note that no portion of the Plan Review fee shall be refunded on Permits that have been issued.
6. No portion of the Washington State Building Code Fee shall be refunded.
7. Permit Applications or Permits that are expired shall not be refunded.

5. Do I need an appointment to apply for a permit?

For most permit applications you do not need an appointment. We are open to the public from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. We ask that you arrive by 4 p.m. in order to properly process your application or permit by 5 p.m.

An appointment is needed when applying for a Building Permit for any new commercial or multi-family building, or when applying for more than three (3) over-the-counter permits. To schedule an appointment, please contact the Permit Coordinator.

6. May I start work before my permit is issued?

No. Work on a project may not legally begin before a permit is obtained and on the work site.

7. Do I need a permit to build a deck?

Yes, a permit is required for all decks.

8. What is a Demolition Permit used for?

A Demolition Permit is used when removing an entire building or structure. The Arlington Building Division does not issue Demolition permits for work inside a building or structure to prepare the space for tenant improvement or remodel work. This type of interior demolition is considered to be part of the Commercial Tenant Improvement or Single Family Building Permit.

9. How long will it take to get a permit?

The process of obtaining a permit is an interactive process. There are several factors that affect the length of time necessary to receive a permit:

• Completeness of plans
• Does your submittal contain all of the required information?
• How quickly the contact person responds to review comments
• Current workload of the City Plan Review staff at the time of submittal
• What type of review is required?

Plan reviews for permit issuance are completed on a "first in - first out" basis.