On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Forks
A building permit is required for new residential construction, all commercial construction (including remodels), mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work (electrical via L&I), demolition, and any work not specifically listed as exempt.
Toolsheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and woodsheds that are: 400 sq ft or less in total floor space, 10 feet or less in wall height, set back at least 10 feet from inhabited structures, not used for human habitation or commercial purposes, and properly anchored to foundations
Cargo containers converted for similar storage purposes, meeting the same criteria as above
- Exempt Toolsheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and woodsheds that are: 400 sq ft or less in total floor space, 10 feet or less in wall height, set back at least 10 feet from inhabited structures, not used for human habitation or commercial purposes, and properly anchored to foundations
- Exempt Cargo containers converted for similar storage purposes, meeting the same criteria as above
Note: Even exempt structures must comply with the adopted building codes (IBC and IRC). Adding electrical or plumbing to an otherwise exempt structure requires separate L&I (electrical) or local plumbing permits.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Plans demonstrating structural integrity and code compliance
- Engineering or architect stamp (may be required depending on project complexity)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 Wildland-Urban Interface Code (IWUIC), Washington State Energy Code, National Electrical Code (NFPA 70), and Standards for building accessibility -- per Forks Municipal Code Chapter 15.05.
- Owner-builder
- Washington State owner-builder rules apply (RCW 18.27.090): owners may perform work on their own property or primary residence without contractor registration, but this exemption does not apply to properties being built for sale, lease, or demolition.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with WA L&I (RCW 18.27). Building permit applications must include the prime contractor's WA L&I registration number, business name, address, and phone. Falsifying an owner-builder exemption results in permit forfeiture.
Source: Building & Permits ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time not specified; contact the department for current timeline.
- 01 Contact the Building & Permits department by phone (360) 374-5412 ext. 107 or email paulh@forkswashington.org to discuss project scope and determine what permits are required.
- 02 Obtain application forms from the Building & Permits office at City Hall (500 East Division Street).
- 03 Prepare plans demonstrating structural integrity, life safety compliance, and code adherence. Washington-licensed design professionals may be required for certain project types.
- 04 Submit completed application and plans to the Building & Permits office (in person or mail).
- 05 Pay permit fees established by City Council per the applicable adopted code schedule. A state surcharge of $6.50 is collected for each permit.
- 06 The building official reviews application for code compliance.
- 07 Permit issued upon approval.
- 08 Post permit and approved plans on site during construction.
- 09 Contact the building official to schedule required inspections.
- 10 Request final inspection upon project completion.
Typical processing time: Processing time not specified; contact the department for current timeline.
Source: Building & Permits ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Forks building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Established by the City Council per the applicable adopted code fee schedule.
02
Penalty (no permit)
Unpermitted work surcharge: 50% surcharge added to the standard permit fee if work is commenced before a permit is obtained.
State surcharge of $6.50 collected for each permit. Refunds available: 100% for erroneous payments; up to 80% if no work completed or plan review canceled before starting (within 180 days). Specific fee amounts not published online; contact (360) 374-5412 ext. 107 for current fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (360) 374-5412, ext. 107 (phone)
- paulh@forkswashington.org (email)
- Inspection hours
- Weekdays (specific hours not published online -- contact city directly to confirm)
Typical sequence: Coordinate with the building official to determine required inspection stages for your specific project type.
Source: Building & Permits ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Forks permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Forks, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for new residential construction, all commercial construction (including remodels), mechanical, plumbing, and electrical work (electrical via L&I), demolition, and any work not specifically listed as exempt.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Forks, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Forks, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Established by the City Council per the applicable adopted code fee schedule..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Forks, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Forks, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Building & Permits department by phone (360) 374-5412 ext. 107 or email paulh@forkswashington.org to discuss project scope and determine what permits are required. 2. Obtain application forms from the Building & Permits office at City Hall (500 East Division Street). 3. Prepare plans demonstrating structural integrity, life safety compliance, and code adherence. Washington-licensed design professionals may be required for certain project types. 4. Submit completed application and plans to the Building & Permits office (in person or mail). 5. Pay permit fees established by City Council per the applicable adopted code schedule. A state surcharge of $6.50 is collected for each permit. 6. The building official reviews application for code compliance. 7. Permit issued upon approval. 8. Post permit and approved plans on site during construction. 9. Contact the building official to schedule required inspections. 10. Request final inspection upon project completion.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Forks, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Forks, WA typically run Processing time not specified; contact the department for current timeline.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Forks, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Forks, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Toolsheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and woodsheds that are: 400 sq ft or less in total floor space, 10 feet or less in wall height, set back at least 10 feet from inhabited structures, not used for human habitation or commercial purposes, and properly anchored to foundations; Cargo containers converted for similar storage purposes, meeting the same criteria as above. Note: Even exempt structures must comply with the adopted building codes (IBC and IRC). Adding electrical or plumbing to an otherwise exempt structure requires separate L&I (electrical) or local plumbing permits. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Forks, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Forks, WA via: (360) 374-5412, ext. 107, paulh@forkswashington.org.
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building & Permits before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.