Search form Search Website Fences, Decks, Sheds and General Residential Building Permit Information Depending on the scope of work, please keep in mind that the following items may be subject to review: Setbacks to property line Height restrictions Building code requirements Are you building a fence, deck or shed? If you are building a shed (120 sq. ft. or less), a deck (18" or less above grade), or a fence (6’ or less in height) a permit is no longer required*, except when the project site is identified as subject to a Critical Areas Permit/Review. *However, you must still construct the improvement in compliance with City building and zoning codes. If you have questions regarding code requirements please call our Permit Center at (360) 487-7800. Are you ONLY replacing, repairing and/or adding electrical, mechanical or plumbing? You may need to obtain a permit. Fees will be based on scope of work and/or valuation, including labor and materials. In some instances, plans may be required. Are you remodeling or adding square footage to your home? Or are you adding a detached building, including a shop, garage or shed over 120 sq. ft.? You will need to submit the following items when applying for a residential building permit: Completed Residential Addition/Alteration permit application The name and phone number of a licensed contractor, if the homeowner is not doing the work Plan review fee Remodel- based on valuation, including labor and materials Addition- based on amount of square footage being added Site plan, drawn to scale, indicating size and location of existing and proposed structures and identifying location of septic system (if applicable) Detailed construction drawings to scale (1/4" = 1’) What is a Site Plan? A site plan is a "scaled" drawing that shows an overhead view of your lot indicating existing and proposed structures. What Does "To Scale" Mean? "To scale" means using a unit of measure that allows you to shrink your drawing to fit on a regular 8.5" x 11" sheet of paper. Example: Scale 1" = 20' What Information Is Required? The basic information required for a site plan includes: The lot and structure dimensions, The distance from the property line to the structures The distance from the street centerline() to the property line() The property address North arrow Scale size What plans do I need for a residential building permit? Learn more about what plans and drawings you will need in order to get a residential building permit in the City of Vancouver. Read more Return to Top I want to... Latest News La Ciudad busca un voluntario con problemas de movilidad por discapacidad para participar en la Comisión de Transporte y Movilidad Городская администрация ищет волонтера с ограниченными возможностями передвижения по причине инвалидности для работы в Комиссии по контролю перевозок и транспорта. City seeks a volunteer with a mobility challenge due to a disability to serve on Transportation and Mobility Commission View All News Home Sitemap Employee portal Legal notices Accessibility Wi-Fi Login