City Building Permits

Vancouver, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Vancouver, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Clark County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Vancouver.

Department: City of Vancouver Community Development Department
Address: City Hall, 415 W. 6th Street, Vancouver, WA 98660
Phone: 360-487-7833
Email: ePlans@cityofvancouver.us
Website: https://www.cityofvancouver.us/

Online Permit Portal

Open ePlans Portal

Platform: ePlans • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Determine jurisdiction using Clark County GIS Property Information Tool.
Gather required documents: permit application, site plan, construction drawings, engineering plans (if applicable), energy efficiency calculations, and contractor information.
Submit application through ePlans portal with all required documents.
Pay application fee.
Undergo plan review by Building Division.
Receive permit and post visibly at job site.
Schedule inspections at various construction phases.
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

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction work within the City of Vancouver.

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)

Permit validity: Permits expire if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance.
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.
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).

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $30.93
Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee
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 note: Payment methods: Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Discover, eCheck

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Important: 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.

Inspections

How to Schedule

ePlans Portal (online)
360-487-7833 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections (typical): Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, Electrical (sign-off by L&I required before final inspection), Final Inspection

Additional Resources

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.
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Jurisdiction Verification
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Vancouver Community Development Department before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Vancouver can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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