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Frequently Asked Questions
WHEN DO I NEED A BUILDING PERMIT?
Most improvements on a residential or commercial lot require a permit. The following are examples of those that do not:
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One story-detached accessory buildings used as a tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the projected floor area does not exceed 200 square feet, and there are no zoning setback issues.
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Fences not over six feet in height (other fence regulations may apply).
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Moveable cases, counters, and partitions not over five feet nine inches in height.
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Retaining walls that are not over four feet in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids.
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Decks, platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade at any point within 5' horizontal, and not over any basement or story below.
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Painting, papering and similar finish work.
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Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
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Window awnings supported by an exterior wall of a single family home and Group U Occupancies when not projecting more than 54 inches.
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Unless otherwise exempted, separate plumbing, electrical, and mechanical permits may be required for the above exempted items. If in doubt about any improvement, call the City of Issaquah Building Department at (425) 837-3100.
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HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO GET A PERMIT?
The permit process can take anywhere from one day to several weeks depending on the type of permit and the corresponding issues. Additionally, several factors can affect the process time lines of obtaining a permit
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Completeness and clarity of plans
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Submittal of all requested information
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Availability of key people (owner, architect, engineer etc.)
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Type of permit requested
Information on the predicted time frame for a given permit is available here, or from the City of Issaquah Building Department (425)837-3100.
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DO I NEED AN APPOINTMENT?
Appointments are required for all new submittals and permit issuance. Revision/Correction submittals and over the counter permits do not require an appointment. Call the Permit Center at 425-837-3100 to arrange an appointment.
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WHAT BUILDING CODES DO YOU USE?
Starting July 1st 2010 the following codes will be used:
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2009 International Building Code – WAC 51-50
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2009 International Residential Code – WAC 51-51
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2009 International Mechanical Code – WAC 51-52
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2008 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58) –WAC 51-52
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2009 International Fuel Gas Code - WAC 51-52
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2009 Uniform Plumbing Code – WAC 51 –56 and WAC 51-57
Before July 1st, The City of Issaquah uses:
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2006 International Building Code
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2006 International Residential Code
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2006 International Mechanical Code
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2006 Uniform Plumbing Code (IAPMO)
All of the above codes are subject to Washington State amendments.
Codes may be found at mybuildingpermit.com
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HOW CAN I GET A COPY OF A PERMIT AND/OR BUILDING PLANS?
A copy of a permit may be obtained at the Building Department upon request at no additional cost.
A copy of building plans will require a copy fee. That fee will depend on the size of and the number of plan pages involved.
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HOW MUCH DOES PLAN REVIEW COST?
A plan review fee is collected at the time of plan submittal. The fee is based upon the value of the project. Please call the Building Department at (425) 837-3100 to find out how much it will cost.
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CAN I PAY BY CREDIT CARD?
Credit cards are not accepted at this time. We are able to accept cash or checks.
Beginning in the Spring of 2002 phase II of mybuildingpermit.com will allow the use of credit cards for those smaller projects not requiring plan submittal.
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CAN I DRAW MY OWN PLANS OR DO I NEED AN ARCHITECT?
You may draw your own plans. However, the cost or type of the project may require a licensed architect, landscape architect, or engineer to draw up the plans. It's a good idea to check with the Permit Center at 425-837-3100 before starting your project. Informational Handouts are available at our Permit Center and at mybuildingpermit.com to help you prepare complete plans.
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MUST I HIRE A CONTRACTOR, OR MAY I BUILD MY PROJECT MYSELF?
Homeowners performing their own work are not required to hire a contractor. In commercial applications however, State law does require the hiring of a licensed contractor.
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CAN I ADD ON TO MY HOUSE?
You must provide plans to the City for approval of an addition before a permit may be issued. The Planning Department may have issues related to height, setbacks, and allowable lot coverage. There may be additional issues with Public Works and the Building Department. For additional information about additions, please see our single family alterations page.
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DO I NEED A PERMIT TO BUILD A DECK?
Yes, when the walking surface is greater than 30 inches above grade measured within 6 ft. of the deck. If less than 30 inches no permit is required. However, we recommend checking with Public Works and the Planning Departments prior to construction of any deck to avoid problems related to restrictions on setbacks, critical areas, native growth areas, easements, or impervious surface issues.
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I WANT TO ADD AN INTERIOR NON-BEARING WALL. DO I NEED A PERMIT?
Yes. Such minor remodels require permits and are considered to be alterations. The exceptions to permits are included in the answer to the first question on this FAQ sheet.
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WHAT SETBACKS EXIST FOR BUILDING A NEW HOUSE?
Setbacks vary greatly within the city of Issaquah. To check on the setback requirements of a given lot, check with the Planning Department at 1775 12th Ave. NW. Or phone (425)837-3080.
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DO SIGNS NEED PERMITS?
Yes. Please check with the Permit Center for fees and applications at (425) 837-3100. More information regarding the permitting of signs are available by following this link.
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DO I NEED A PERMIT TO BUILD A ROCKERY?
Sometimes. Depending on the height of the rockery and what sits on top of it, a permit may be required. Contact the Building Department at (425) 837-3100 for more information.
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WHY DO I NEED A THERMAL EXPANSION TANK?
The Water Department installs backflow devices at water meters to protect the city water supply. This creates a closed loop water system (from house to meter) with no room for expansion when heated. An expansion tank prevents pipes from bursting by providing the heated water the necessary area to expand.
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WHY SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT RETROFITTING MY HOME FOR EATHQUAKE PROTECTION?
According to Seismologists The Pacific Northwest lies within an area of high earthquake hazard extending from the middle of Vancouver Island in British Columbia down through Washington and Oregon to Northern California. Geologic evidence reveals the presence of a major east-west trending fault, called the Seattle Fault, which cuts across Puget Sound from Bainbridge Island through Seattle. A large, shallow earthquake estimated at a magnitude of 7.3 occurred on the Seattle Fault about 1100 years ago, producing tsunamis Puget Sound and landslides into Lake Washington. How this fault is related to present-day earthquake activity and the existence of other shallow fault systems in the area are the subject of on-going studies aimed at improving our preparedness for earthquake hazards in the Pacific Northwest. For information on how to make your home earthquake ready you can go to the web site for Project Impact. There you will find information on contractors, and do it yourself classes available to address the desired results.
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WHERE DO I GET INFORMATION ON SEISMIC RETROFIT?
Information on seismic retro-fit can be obtained by calling the permit center at 425-837-3100. We will be able to provide information on home retro-fit instruction and self help workshops, contractor training and referral.
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DO I NEED A PERMIT TO DEMOLISH A BUILDING?
Yes. The Uniform Building Code states that “No building or structure regulated by this code shall be erected, constructed, enlarged, altered, repaired, moved, improved, removed, converted or demolished unless a separate permit for each building or structure has first been obtained from the building official. The City of Issaquah issues demolition permits through the Public Works Engineering.
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WHAT IS YOUR FAX NUMBER?
The City of Issaquah Building Department Fax Number is (425)837-3109.
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DO I NEED A PERMIT TO RE-ROOF MY HOUSE?
On a single family residence a permit is required if roof decking is being replaced on the house. If the job only requires a tear off of the existing roofing material and replacement of like material or an additional layer added to a base layer (up to two layers total) a permit is not required.
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DO I NEED A PERMIT TO REPLACE WINDOWS?
Yes, if the windows are located in a bedroom for egress, or in locations requiring safety glazing. Some of the more common locations are:
- Within 24 inches of a door
- Within 5 feet horizontally and vertically of the bottom of stairs.
- In a tub or shower stall where exposed glass is within 5 feet of bottom of shower/tub.
- Less than 18 inches above a floor/walking surface where the pane of glass is greater than 9 square feet.
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