Oak Harbor, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Oak Harbor.

Department

Development Services Department

Address

865 SE Barrington Drive, Oak Harbor, WA 98277

Phone

(360) 279-4510

Website

https://www.oakharbor.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain a pre-application conference (optional, recommended for complex projects) through the Development Services Department.
2. Prepare construction documents (two sets) and site plan per local requirements.
3. Submit application through LAMA portal or in person to Development Services.
4. City staff conducts counter completeness review to verify all required items are included.
5. City staff conducts technical completeness review within 28 days per RCW requirements.
6. Building plans reviewed for code compliance.
7. Pay permit fees upon approval.
8. Permit issuance and work may commence.

Typical processing time: 28 days for technical completeness review; actual permit issuance timing varies by project complexity.

Source: Development Services Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Oak Harbor.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Two sets of construction documents (prepared and stamped by licensed design professional where required)
• Site or plot plan
• SEPA checklist (if applicable)
• Critical Areas Identification Form
• Geotechnical report (when required)
• Legal description of property
• Contractor verification (or Owner/Contractor Declaration for owner-builders)
• Lender information (for projects exceeding $5,000 per RCW 19.27.095)

Permit validity

Permits expire 2 years from date of issuance. One renewal allowed for 1 year beyond original expiration (50% of original permit fee) if applied for prior to expiration.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 IEBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, ICC A117.1-2017 (Accessibility), with local amendments. Effective March 15, 2024.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption available. Owner/Contractor Form must be signed and submitted with permit application. If owner uses assistance of any person exceeding $500 aggregate compensation, only registered Washington contractors may be used.

Contractor requirements

Washington State licensed contractor required for all work. All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I).

Fees

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees based on valuation of construction per ICC Valuation Data Table. Plan review fees: 65% of building permit fee. Technology fee: 3% of total permit cost. State Building Code Council fee: $6.50 (residential) / $25 (commercial) per RCW 19.27.085.

Payment note

Fees due at time of permit application.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 120 square feet (tool/storage sheds, playhouses)
• Fences not over 7 feet in height
• Oil derricks
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), provided wall is set back from property lines/structures equal to wall height and material retained slopes 1:2 or less
• Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons, height:diameter ratio not greater than 2:1)
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement/story below, and not part of accessible route
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery

Important: Exemptions from permit requirements do not grant authorization for work in violation of code provisions or other laws/ordinances. Even if a building permit is not required, projects may still be subject to other applicable codes and development standards.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 24-hour inspection line: (360) 279-4569 (requests by 4 pm day prior) (phone)
• LAMA portal (if applied through portal) (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests submitted before 4 pm the day prior are guaranteed for the next business day.

Inspection hours

AM inspections: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Time windows

AM window: 8:00 AM - 12:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Permit holder responsible for ensuring all areas are inspected prior to concealment. All permits and approved plans must be on-site at time of inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 IEBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, ICC A117.1-2017 (Accessibility), with local amendments. Effective March 15, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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