How to Get Started

Prepare

1

Research Permit History & Parcel Characteristics

The Records & Parcel Research page provides tips for researching past applications and permits as well as for learning more about your parcel's characteristics and constraints.

2

Check Zoning and Environmental Regulations

Use the resources on the Plan Your Project page. If you have questions, contact Zoning or Environmental Planning staff by email or schedule an in-person or remote counter appointment. If your property relies on an OWTS (e.g., septic system), check with Environmental Health here before proceeding.

3

Prepare Your Application and Run a Fee Estimate

Go to the Apply for a Building Permit page to find the submittal requirements for your project type.
You can run a fee estimate using the Residential Building Permit Fee Estimator.

Apply

4

Apply and pay intake fees

If your project requires plans submitted through ePlan, review How to submit a project in ePlan. For detailed instructions, use the ePlan User Guide. Once you have submitted your project through ePlan Review, staff reviews it to confirm that the required documents have been provided and the formatting is correct. Once accepted, staff notifies you for payment. Payments are made online here.

5

Plan check review

County and outside agency staff review your project to check that it is complete and complies with code requirements. If corrections are required, resubmit your plans and documents as directed. Once they are posted, reviewers’ comments can be read here. Instructions for resubmitting your project are provided here.

6

Submit final documents → Pay Permit Fees → Permit Issued

Once all reviewers have approved the application, you will be asked to upload any final required documents (e.g., school or fire fee receipt) and pay final permit fees. When these steps are complete, the permit will be issued.

Construct

7

Download and print approved plans & permit card

Go to the ePlan website, download, and print a color copy of the plans for jobsite and inspections. Download and print your permit card.

8

Construction may begin

Keep your permit card and a color “job copy” of the project plans & documents on-site. Use the resources on the Manage Your Project page.

9

Inspections & Holds

Your permit is valid for one year from the date of issuance and is extended six months for each approved progress inspection. Your permit card lists the required inspections. Schedule an inspection here. Information about holds is available on the Manage Your Project page.

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