Ferndale, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ferndale.

Department

Community Development Department

Address

P.O. Box 936, Ferndale, WA 98248

Phone

(360) 685-2367

Website

https://www.cityofferndale.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain building permit application forms from Community Development Department.
2. Complete application and prepare plans in duplicate, drawn to scale.
3. Provide site plans showing actual lot dimensions, existing buildings, and proposed construction.
4. Submit application with all required documentation to Building Official.
5. Building Official reviews for code compliance and returns one copy marked approved/disapproved; second copy retained during construction.
6. Proceed with construction once permit is approved.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact Community Development Department for estimate

Source: Community Development Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Ferndale.

Required Documents

• Completed application form
• Site plans showing actual dimensions and shape of lot
• Exact sizes and locations of existing buildings
• Location and dimensions of proposed building or alteration
• Information on proposed uses
• Number of families/housekeeping units
• Conditions existing on the lot
• Plans in duplicate

Permit validity

Permits expire if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance. Extensions available for up to 180 days each (written application required prior to expiration). Work suspended/abandoned for 180 days after commencement voids permit.

Building code

International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Washington State Energy Code

Contractor requirements

Washington State L&I contractor registration required. City of Ferndale business license required for land disturbing activity. Valid contractor license must be posted on site.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Contact Community Development Department

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation (contact department for schedule)

Payment note

Contact Community Development Department at (360) 685-2367 for current fee schedule and details.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Community Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (360) 685-2367 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

For land disturbance: 24 hours prior to starting; 24 hours prior to completion

Inspection hours

Standard business hours (contact for specific times)

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections conducted at various construction stages by Building Official or designee. Land disturbance inspections require city notification 24 hours prior to starting and completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, International Fuel Gas Code, International Existing Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code, Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings, Washington State Energy Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Ferndale Municipal Code Titles 14-19
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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