Building Permits in Unincorporated Clark County, WA

If a property sits outside city limits, Clark County Community Development is the permitting authority. Cities such as Vancouver and Camas issue their own permits. Residential permits are applied for online through the County's Land Management System, CC LMS.

Permit types

• NHC, new home construction: single family homes, duplexes and townhomes on their own parcel. It also applies to an existing home more than 60 percent destroyed, or repairs costing more than 60 percent of the assessed value.

• ADS, additional dwelling or structure: additions, ADU remodels, garage conversions, carports, decks, pools and shops.

• ARS, alterations and repairs, plus other types for demolition, fences and retaining walls, re-roofing, re-siding and windows, solar and damage investigation.

What needs a permit

• New construction, additions, alterations and remodels.

• A garage, carport or deck or patio cover.

• Adding or removing walls, or adding a second story.

• Converting a basement, attic or garage to living space.

• Sheathing repair or replacement, re-roofing, siding and window replacement.

• Retaining walls over four feet, measured from the bottom of the footing, or any wall supporting a load. These need engineering by a Washington registered engineer.

What does not

Exempt work must still meet setbacks and other code limits. The County lists fences 7 feet or less, decks 30 inches or less above grade unless used for a hot tub or pool, sheds 200 square feet or less that meet setbacks and easements, finish work, and patios and slabs at grade not on easements.

Trades and other agencies

• Plumbing, heating and cooling, water and sewer connections and road approaches are included in NHC and ADS permits.

• Lawn sprinklers and woodstoves need separate permits.

• Clark County does not issue electrical permits. Those come from Washington Labor and Industries.

• Environmental permits may also be required on some sites.

Before you apply

Check the property's jurisdiction, zoning and critical areas, and the permit history. A wetland, stream buffer or geologic hazard on the lot changes the site plan and can add a separate review before the building permit moves.

Common questions

Who issues building permits outside city limits in Clark County?

Clark County Community Development, through the online Clark County Land Management System.

Do I need a permit for a shed in Clark County?

Not for a shed of 200 square feet or less that meets setbacks and easements. Larger accessory buildings and shops use the ADS permit type.

When does a damaged house count as new construction?

When it is more than 60 percent destroyed or repairs cost more than 60 percent of the assessed value, the County uses the NHC new home construction permit.

Where do I get an electrical permit?

Clark County does not issue electrical permits. Apply through Washington Labor and Industries.

How SASHKOV handles it

• Confirms the jurisdiction, zoning, critical areas and permit history for the parcel.

• Prepares the site plan and permit set to the County's residential checklists.

• Coordinates engineering for retaining walls, structure and critical areas under one SASHKOV contract.

• Applies through CC LMS and carries the permit through inspection to final.

Where a building requires a licensed architect or engineer of record, SASHKOV brings them into the contract.

Start with a Zoning and Site Plan for the parcel, delivered in 3 business days. For review times inside the City of Vancouver, read Vancouver, WA Building Permit Review Times.

Building in Clark County? Send the address and scope, and SASHKOV will confirm the permit type and timeline in business days.