Local PermitsHandbook Page

Local Permits

Your local county or city government is also responsible for regulating development. The following will provide general information and directions to the appropriate local offices for obtaining local permits and approvals required for your project. These requirements pertain to local zoning and building codes, comprehensive land use and shoreline plans, and local development policies. Listed below are typical local permits and an explanation of what they require.

Permits:

Building Permit: Construction of permanent buildings or additions to existing facilities.

Floodplain Development Permit: Any development (see definition below) within the 100 year floodplain. Development is defined as: any man-made change to improved or unimproved real estate, including but not limited to buildings or other structures, mining, dredging, filling, grading, paving, excavation or drilling operations or storage of equipment or materials located within the area of special flood hazard.

Noise Ordinance: Local governments set maximum intruding sound level limits or adopt statewide statute.

Shoreline Conditional Use Permit: Determined by local government and specified in their Shoreline Master Program.

Shoreline Exemption: Substantial Development Permit Exemption: Activities not considered substantial development are located at RCW 90.58.030. Other exemptions are listed in RCW section order below: Environmental Excellence Program: RCW 90.58.045. Agricultural Activities: RCW 90.58.065. Energy Facility Site Evaluation Council: RCW 90.58.140. Fish Habitat Enhancement Projects: RCW 90.58.147. and RCW 77.55.181. Hazardous Substance Remedial Actions: RCW 90.58.355. Emergency Water Withdrawals & Facilities: RCW 90.58.370. Secure Community Transition Facilities: RCW 90.58.390. Watershed Restoration Projects: RCW 90.58.515. Shoreline Restoration Projects: RCW 90.58.580(3).

Shoreline Substantial Development Permit: All non-exempt developments and uses exceeding $5,718 fair market value. For private residential docks in salt water - $2,500; in fresh water - $10,000. See RCW 90.58.030(3). Fair market value is defined in WAC 173-27-030(8).

Shoreline Variance Permit: Determined by local government and specified in their Shoreline Master Program.

Solid Waste (Handling) Permit: Operation of a solid waste facility (landfill, transfer station, recycling facility, some composting operations, etc.)

Subdivision Approvals: Local governments, through ordinances, have primary authority to regulate the dividing of land for residential or other purposes.

Permit Handbook