Q: How do I apply for a permit?
A: Community Development only accepts online permit applications for all permit types. You can apply through our Permit Application Portal.
Explore the Permit Pathways page to jump right in to the Permit Application Portal, or you can find more resources that help you set your project up for success.
Q: How can I check if my project or business is allowed on my property?
A: Allowed Uses - Some zones permit specific uses or projects, while others prohibit them in an area. To find the allowed uses for your property:
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Visit Parcel Search (this interactive map is best viewed on a desktop) and search for your property
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View the Land & Location information under Details
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Click the button in Zoning to view more information about allowed uses in that zone.
Q: How do I know what to submit for my permit?
A: Each project type has its own set of required documents and drawings. The best place to start is with the Permit Pathways page, which walks you through what's needed for a successful application.
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Check the Intake Checklists: These lists show exactly which documents you'll need for your project—such as site plans, floor plans, and structural details—so you can prepare everything before you apply.
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Start a Draft Application: Visit the Permit Application Portal to begin your application. You can select your project type to see the submittal requirements specific to your property.
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Follow the Submission Guidelines: Review the Submittal Success Guide on the Permit Pathways page to learn how to label files, combine documents, and avoid common errors that can delay review.
Q: What's the difference between the Permit Application Portal and the Online Permit Center?
A: Use the Permit Application Portal to start and submit new applications. Once submitted, use the Online Permit Center to pay fees, track reviews, and view approved documents. You'll need accounts in both, and you can access them from the Permit Pathways page.
Q: What's the difference between a permit number and a submission number?
A: A submission number is created when you start an application in the Permit Application Portal—it identifies your draft or the materials you've submitted for review. Once your application is accepted and paid for, it becomes an official permit and is assigned a permit number, which you can manage in the Online Permit Center.
Q: What should I know after my permit is issued?
A: Once your permit is issued, you're ready to start your project — but a few crucial steps will help ensure success:
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Keep your approved plans and permit conditions on site. They must remain protected from the weather and be available to inspectors at all times.
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Post your address clearly so inspectors and emergency responders can find your site.
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Build according to your approved plans. Any changes must be reviewed and approved by DCD before continuing work.
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Schedule inspections through the Online Permit Center or by calling (360) 337-5777 with your permit number. Most are scheduled within two business days.
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Know when your permit expires. It remains active for 180 days after the last approved inspection. Each new inspection extends it another 180 days. You can request a written 180-day extension if needed.
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Be inspection-ready. Make sure the work is complete and meets code before requesting an inspection to avoid re-inspection fees.
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Get a final inspection. Every project requires a final inspection to close the permit. Projects that involve occupancy (such as homes) also require Occupancy Approval before use.
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Understand your responsibilities as the builder or permit holder. You are responsible for ensuring the project meets all approved plans and applicable codes. County inspections are spot-checks for code compliance, not full quality reviews, and additional violations may still be identified during follow-up inspections. If an issue isn't noted by an inspector, it still must be corrected—you remain responsible for code compliance, construction progress, inspection requests, and completing the project per approved plans and permit conditions.
Q: How do I make changes to my project after my permit is approved?
A: Changes to approved work are considered revisions.
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You can request a revision any time after your permit is approved or issued, as long as the permit is still active and hasn't received final inspection.
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Your inspector may approve minor field changes during a site visit.
- Larger changes (like layout, structure, or added area) must be submitted for review through the Online Permit Center using the appropriate revision form (Residential, Commercial, or Fire).
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Revisions do not extend your permit expiration date, so check the expiration date before submitting.
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You should not proceed with work on revised areas until the changes are reviewed and approved.
💡 Tip: If the change affects your project's size or valuation, fees may be adjusted during the review.
Q: My permit has expired. What do I do?
A: If your permit is about to expire or has recently expired, don't panic—there are options.
If your permit is still active:
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You can request an extension before it expires.
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Requests must be made in writing and include the reason for the delay (for example, weather, waiting on materials, or scheduling issues).
- If approved, your permit will be extended 180 days.
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Each time you pass an inspection, the expiration date is automatically extended by 180 days.
If your permit has already expired:
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You may be able to reactivate it if it expired less than six years ago (or within two code cycles).
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Reactivation requests must be submitted in writing and may include a reactivation fee based on the length of time since it expired.
- Permits older than six years or more than two code cycles must be reapplied for under the current codes.
