On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Vancouver
A building permit is required for all construction work within the City of Vancouver.
Sheds/accessory buildings 200 sq ft or less (must comply with zoning setbacks)
Fences 7 feet or less in height
Decks/patios less than 18 inches above grade
Cosmetic updates (painting, flooring)
Minor repairs
- Exempt Sheds/accessory buildings 200 sq ft or less (must comply with zoning setbacks)
- Exempt Fences 7 feet or less in height
- Exempt Decks/patios less than 18 inches above grade
- Exempt Cosmetic updates (painting, flooring)
- Exempt Minor repairs
Note: Work requiring permits includes: additions, alterations, remodels to existing homes; new construction; adding/removing walls; decks/patios over 18 inches above grade; changing building footprint; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan (property boundaries, setbacks, planned construction)
- Construction drawings/blueprints
- Engineering plans (if applicable)
- Energy efficiency calculations (new builds/major remodels)
- Contractor information (if using licensed contractor)
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code (IBC with WA amendments), 2021 Washington State Residential Code, 2021 Washington State Fire Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Washington State Mechanical Code, 2021 Washington State Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Washington State Existing Building Code, 2021 International Property Maintenance Code, 2021 Washington State Energy Code. Effective March 15, 2024.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I contractor registration required. Business license required for contractors working in city limits. Electrical permits through WA State L&I (not City of Vancouver).
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Simple permits: 1-4 weeks; Major projects: 4-12 weeks; Home additions and ADUs: 8-16 weeks
- 01 Determine jurisdiction using Clark County GIS Property Information Tool.
- 02 Gather required documents: permit application, site plan, construction drawings, engineering plans (if applicable), energy efficiency calculations, and contractor information.
- 03 Submit application through ePlans portal with all required documents.
- 04 Pay application fee.
- 05 Undergo plan review by Building Division.
- 06 Receive permit and post visibly at job site.
- 07 Schedule inspections at various construction phases.
- 08 Pass final inspection and obtain Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).
Typical processing time: Simple permits: 1-4 weeks; Major projects: 4-12 weeks; Home additions and ADUs: 8-16 weeks
Source: City of Vancouver Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Vancouver building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30.93
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Tiered scale: $1-$500: $30.93; $501-$2,000: $30.93 + $4.01 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $91.17 + $18.43 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $515.55 + $13.28 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $847.99 + $9.21 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $1,308.37 + $7.35 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $4,250.93 + $6.25 per $1,000; $1,000,001+: $7,378.62 + $4.14 per $1,000
Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, eCheck
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- ePlans Portal (online)
- 360-487-7833 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Required inspections (typical): Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical (sign-off by L&I required before final inspection), Final Inspection
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Vancouver permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Vancouver, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction work within the City of Vancouver.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Vancouver, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Vancouver, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $30.93. Fees are calculated as: Tiered scale: $1-$500: $30.93; $501-$2,000: $30.93 + $4.01 per $100; $2,001-$25,000: $91.17 + $18.43 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $515.55 + $13.28 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $847.99 + $9.21 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $1,308.37 + $7.35 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $4,250.93 + $6.25 per $1,000; $1,000,001+: $7,378.62 + $4.14 per $1,000. Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Vancouver, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Vancouver, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine jurisdiction using Clark County GIS Property Information Tool. 2. Gather required documents: permit application, site plan, construction drawings, engineering plans (if applicable), energy efficiency calculations, and contractor information. 3. Submit application through ePlans portal with all required documents. 4. Pay application fee. 5. Undergo plan review by Building Division. 6. Receive permit and post visibly at job site. 7. Schedule inspections at various construction phases. 8. Pass final inspection and obtain Certificate of Occupancy (if applicable).
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Vancouver, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Vancouver, WA typically run Simple permits: 1-4 weeks; Major projects: 4-12 weeks; Home additions and ADUs: 8-16 weeks. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Vancouver, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Vancouver, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Sheds/accessory buildings 200 sq ft or less (must comply with zoning setbacks); Fences 7 feet or less in height; Decks/patios less than 18 inches above grade; Cosmetic updates (painting, flooring); Minor repairs. Note: Work requiring permits includes: additions, alterations, remodels to existing homes; new construction; adding/removing walls; decks/patios over 18 inches above grade; changing building footprint; electrical, plumbing, mechanical work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Vancouver, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Vancouver, WA via: ePlans Portal, 360-487-7833.
last verified April 2026
source City of Vancouver Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/clark/vancouver
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Vancouver Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.