Why should I get a building permit?

A building permit entitles the applicant the right to inspections to verify compliance with building codes and standards. State and local codes were developed to provide for life safety, safeguarding property and the protection of the public welfare.

What is a building permit?

A building permit is an official document issued by the building official authorizing performance of a specified activity as defined in Section No. 301, Uniform Building Code within the jurisdiction of the City of Gig Harbor. The Department of Planning and Building is the official department for processing building permit applications within the City limits.

Do all development projects require building permits?

Any building or structure regulated by the Uniform Building Code (UBC) as adopted by the City of Gig Harbor may not be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official except as specified within Section No. 301 (b), UBC. (IE: decks less than 30" above grade, private storage buildings with a maximum projected roof area of 120 square feet, painting and similar finish work)

Is a building permit difficult to obtain?

Activities which require building permits for other than single family and duplex buildings usually (but not always) require other city department plan review and permits. It is because of the "multiple-departmental" nature of the permit that makes it seem like a difficult process. However, if a complete and detailed application meeting the requirements of each city departmental review is submitted for processing, difficulties can be minimized. See brochures that discuss other departmental plan reviews and permits (IE: Site Plan, Conditional Use, Shorelines Management Permits). It is important to remember that different state and federal agencies may have additional application requirements and review standards. You are strongly encouraged to contact these agencies about their permitting requirements.

How long does it take to get a building permit?

After plans have been approved by other departments for Site Plan compliance, etc., a building permit takes anywhere from 30-60 days to obtain. A building permit for a single family dwelling usually takes 10-20 days.

How long is a building permit valid for?

The law provides that a building permit is valid for one year from the "date of issuance" by the building official. Substantial progress on construction must commence with 180 days of the date of issuance or the permit may be voided by the building official. A permit expires when one year has elapsed since the permit was issued. A permit may be renewed at 1/2 the permit fee if it has not expired . If the permit has expired the entire permit fee must be paid at the current pemit fee rate.

What if I or someone else disagrees with the final decision of the Building Official?

The Uniform Building Code provides for appeal of a decision by the building official on building permits and inspections. Appeals are filed with the City of Gig Harbor Building Code Advisory Board. If a civil penalty order has been issued, the appeal must be filed within 10 days of the date of the issuance of the civil penalty order. Other appeals may be filed at any time. Details on filing of appeals may be obtained from the City Building Official.

Other Standards which should be reviewed:

1. Building height standards

2. Minimum building setbacks

3. Building Design Review (IE: Entrance toward street; Elevations reflect topography; Paint color; Roof slope, Roofing, Fencing, Site develop., etc.)

4. Fire flow standards

5. Wetlands & slopes

6. Shoreline Management

7. Flood Plains

8. Public Works Standards

Other Fees and Utility Hook-up Fees:

1. Plumbing Permit

2. Mechanical Permit

3. Sanitary Sewer Hook-up

4. Water Meter Hook-up

5. Electrical Permit (WA State Labor & Industries)

6. Parks & Traffic Impact Fees

What if I have other questions?

b)      Zoning / Building Design - Diane Gagnon

BUILDING PERMIT FEES

107.2 Building Permit Fees. The fee for each permit shall be as set forth in Table 1-A

The determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this code shall be made by the building official. The value to be used in computing the building permit and building plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment. 107.2 Building Permit Fees. The fee for each permit shall be as set forth in Table 1-A

The determination of value or valuation under any of the provisions of this code shall be made by the building official. The value to be used in computing the building permit and building plan review fees shall be the total value of all construction work for which the permit is issued, as well as all finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, air-conditioning, elevators, fire-extinguishing systems and any other permanent equipment.
                                TABLE 1-A -- BUILDING PERMIT FEES

 107.3 Plan Review Fees. When submittal documents are required by Section 106.3.2, a plan review fee shall be paid at the time of submitting the submittal documents for plan review. Said plan review fee shall be 65 percent of the building permit fee as shown in Table 1-A. The plan review fees specified in this subsection are separate fees from the permit fees specified in Section 107.2 and are in addition to the permit fees.