When is a Permit required?
Permit Required
Installation or moving of an appliance when the installation or move requires the modification or new installation of gas lines, drains, vents or electrical circuits. A permit is required for replacement of a hot water heater, furnace, or air conditioner.
Moving an existing fixture or installing a new fixture that requires modifying existing or installing new water lines, drains or vents. A permit is required for installing showers and bathtubs, even if they are going in the same location.
All carport installations require a permit. A permit is required to convert an existing carport into a garage; a carport is considered a garage when enclosed on three sides.
A permit shall be obtained for the installation of all decks, if the deck is greater than 30 inches above grade at any point, more than 200 square feet, attached to another structure, or has a roof assembly overhead. Any repair or replacement of existing structural members, handrails, deck boards or stairs of a deck requires a permit if the prior listed criteria is applicable.
A permit is required for all construction, alterations and repairs to interior or exterior doors (if alteration of framing is required), skylights, and windows.
The installation of a paved driveway requires a permit. Please contact the Public Works Department for specific requirements.
All electrical permits and inspections are handled by the Washington State
Department of Labor & Industries.
When equipment replacements or repairs must be performed in an emergency situation, work may be performed prior to obtaining a permit; however, a permit for such work must be obtained on the first working day after such work has been performed.
A permit is required for the construction or alteration of a fence in an industrial or commercial zone. Fences installed in residential zones do not require a permit, although they must meet setback and height requirements as established in the zoning code.
A permit is required for the installation or modification of a fire suppression system.
Any installation, construction, alteration or repair of a fireplace, fireplace insert, pellet stove or similar device requires a permit.
A permit is required for installing, moving or replacing a furnace and/or heat pump. A permit is also required for extending or replacing ductwork.
All garage installations require a permit, as well as any alteration, enlargement or repair of an existing garage. A permit is required for the conversion of an existing garage into a living space.
A permit is required for installing or moving garden fountains or decorative pools that are more than 24 inches deep. Fountains and decorative pools should be provided with cross connection control devices if supplied with an automated source of water.
A permit is required for installing new gas lines or modifying existing lines for such items as barbecues, cook tops, dryers, and gas hot water tanks.
Prior to startup of a home business, please contact the Planning Department regarding site specific zoning restrictions.
A permit is required for a remodel that changes the interior of the house, such as creating new walls or converting basements to living areas.
A permit is required for the backflow prevention device on a lawn or garden irrigation system.
Conditional.
A permit is not required for landscaping unless the total amount of excavation or fill dirt exceeds maximum thresholds or the subject property contains critical areas (steep slopes, wetlands, streams, etc).
If the thresholds are exceeded, a permit is required and must be obtained. Depending on whether the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is involved, review and approval may be required by the Planning Department.
For questions concerning the SEPA process, please contact the Planning Department.
Prior approval of an accessory dwelling unit is required through the Planning Department. A permit is required for modifications to a residence to create an accessory dwelling unit.
Conditional.
A permit is not required for patios installed at grade, unless excavation or fill dirt exceeds maximum thresholds.
A permit is required if the patio is to have a roof assembly overhead.
Retaining walls over four feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, will require a permit.
A permit is required for roofing projects that include the installation of new roofing material or the modification or replacement of the sheathing.
A permit is required for the replacement of siding.
A permit is required for the installation or modification of solar panel collectors.
A permit is required for installation of spas and saunas.
Detached accessory structures used as storage sheds, playhouses or similar uses require a permit if the floor area exceeds 200 square feet. These accessory structures shall comply with the required setbacks as stated in the zoning code. This section does not apply to garage and carports, see specific sections related to garages and carports.
Swimming pools and spas 24 inches deep or greater require a permit.
The removal of trees and vegetation will require a permit if the amount of excavation exceeds maximum thresholds.
A permit is required to install, repair, replace, alter, or remove a water heater.
Permit Not Required
A permit is not required for installing a wireless home security system with a plug-in transformer.
A permit is not required for low voltage telephone or data lines.
The City of Airway Heights has adopted the International Building and Residential Codes. Work exempt from permitting is listed within the International Codes and is presented below:
IBC/IRC Section 105.2 – Work exempt from permit
“Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following:”
Building:
- One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet in residential areas, 120 square feet in commercial areas.
- Fences not over 6 feet high.
- Oil derricks.
- 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.
- Water tanks are supported directly on grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2:1.
- 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.
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
- Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
- Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons and are installed entirely above ground.
- Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
- Window awnings supported by an exterior wall that do not project more than 54 inches from the exterior wall and do not require additional support of Groups R-3 and U occupancies.
- Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches in height.
- Decks not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, do not serve the exit door required by IRC Section R311.4 and do not have a roof assembly.