When you have a new structural or home repair project in mind, it can feel like it takes forever to get started. And when that project is urgent—like a failing bulkhead or structural issues in your basement—waiting is even harder. It’s easy to get irritated when paperwork and red tape cause delays or when you receive an unexpected bill.
Understanding the permitting process can help you manage your expectations and save yourself from frustration. Here we’ll answer some of the most common questions about building permits in Washington state.
Not all projects require a permit. Small retaining walls that are less than 4 feet tall and not in a critical zone don’t require a permit, for example. Waterproofing projects don’t need one either, although sometimes drainage permits are needed for the runoff.
Larger projects do require building permits. The specific requirements depend on the type of project and the jurisdiction—city, county, or federal.
If you’re not sure if your specific project requires a permit, just ask! At Rescuers Down Under, we have years of experience and can let you know what is needed.
The process looks different for different contractors, and that’s why choosing a knowledgeable contractor is so important. If a contractor tells you that permits are not necessary for your large project, that should be an immediate red flag. A trustworthy contractor will obtain all necessary permits.
At Rescuers Down Under, we handle most of the permit application process for you. Once we receive some initial documents from you, we take care of the rest. We know exactly what is needed and how to apply, and we make sure everything is filed properly so your project can get off to a smooth start.
Requirements vary by project, but in general, we don’t need much from you to get started. You’ll need to know your jurisdiction—either city or county—and you’ll need to have your design and site plan.
If you don’t have a design or site plan yet, don’t worry! We partner with skilled engineering and design companies who can draft exactly what we need for your project.
A fee will also be required before you receive the permit.
Fees vary greatly depending on a variety of different factors. What type of project is it? How large is the project? Is it in a critical zone? All of these answers affect the cost.
In general, the cost ranges from $2,000 to $35,000 just for the permit. And that’s not including the cost of the project itself. If you need a large project like a bulkhead, don’t be surprised if there’s a hefty bill to go along with it. Anticipating that cost before beginning the project will save you from a shock later on.
The wait time varies depending on the jurisdiction issuing the permit. If a jurisdiction is busy, it will take longer. Patience is key.
Bulkhead permits take an especially long time. These must go through a federal application process that involves multiple agencies as well as local tribes. Because of this, it can take two years to receive a permit. If a bulkhead is failing, you can request to have the repair expedited, but you still may have to wait.
Some permits are easier to obtain than others, and it all depends on the specifics of each individual project. In general, the easiest permits that require the least time and effort are parking permits and small retaining walls not in a critical zone. Foundation piering projects and large retaining walls fall somewhere in the middle. And the hardest permits to obtain are those for bulkheads or anything on a body of water.
The permitting process takes time. Even if you manage your expectations, it can be hard to wait. It’s important for homeowners to get ahead and start the process early, especially if they have a deadline for when the project must be finished.
If you have a bulkhead that needs to be repaired or a basement that keeps flooding from structural issues, don’t wait to start the process. Problems will only continue to get worse while you’re waiting for your paperwork to go through. And if you’re planning a large project in a critical zone, you could be waiting for a while.
Don’t delay! Contact Rescuers Down Under to get started right away. We have experience and expertise not only in construction but also in permitting. We will handle all the details of pulling a permit so you don’t have to.
Whether you need a small retaining wall, a large bulkhead, or something in between, we can do it all. Let us walk you through the process and help you every step of the way.
