Forks, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Forks.

Department

Building & Permits

Address

500 East Division Street, Forks, WA 98331

Phone

(360) 374-5412, ext. 107

Email

paulh@forkswashington.org

Website

https://forkswashington.org/city-government/departments/building-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

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.

Typical processing time: Processing time not specified; contact the department for current timeline.

Source: Building & Permits

General Requirements

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.

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.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Established by the City Council per the applicable adopted code fee schedule.

Penalty (no permit)

Unpermitted work surcharge: 50% surcharge added to the standard permit fee if work is commenced before a permit is obtained.

Payment note

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.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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

Important: 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.

Inspections

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 inspection sequence: Coordinate with the building official to determine required inspection stages for your specific project type.

Additional Resources

• 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.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Forks Municipal Code (Building)
• WA L&I Contractor Registration
• WA L&I Electrical Permits
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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