Stop-Work Orders and Unpermitted Work in Vancouver, WA

In Vancouver, the first step for work done without a permit is a $152 Field Evaluation Permit, an inspection that decides which permits you need. The investigation fee equals the permit fees.

Researched and maintained by SASHKOV · Last verified

2026-11-07

JURISDICTION BREAKDOWN

City of Vancouver, WA

LAST VERIFIED

2026-11-07

SASHKOV CAN ALSO

Record existing conditions before covered work is opened, prepare the permit set for the work as built, coordinate the structural engineer, and answer corrections through to final inspection.

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Download the checklist (PDF)

What the order means

The City may issue a stop work order when work is not authorized by a valid permit, departs from the permit or plans, affects neighboring property, rights-of-way or critical areas, or is a hazard (Vancouver Municipal Code 22.02.080). The notice states the right to appeal under VMC 22.03.020.

Deadlines and penalties

A code compliance notice sets a specific timeline to correct. Penalties under VMC 22.02.070 start with an initial penalty, then a daily penalty after the corrective date. The City states that its goal is voluntary compliance.

What it costs

Field Evaluation Permit: $152 in 2026, covering a building and an electrical investigative inspection.
Investigation fee: equal to the required permit fees, due at or before permit issuance (VMC 17.08.130). Title 22 penalties can be added.

Legalizing the work

Start with the Field Evaluation Permit, an inspection-only permit that lists work without a building permit as a use. Schedule inspection 260 (Investigative Inspection BLD) and 770 (Investigation Electrical). The inspector's report sets which permits the work needs. Applications go through the City's Online Permit Center.

How SASHKOV handles it

Reads the notice and sets the response dates in business days.
Records existing conditions and prepares the as-built drawings.
Brings in the structural engineer or other licensed professional the work needs, under one contract.
Prepares the permit application, answers corrections and coordinates inspections through issuance.

Outside city limits, see the Clark County breakdown.

Sources

Guides are general information researched from each jurisdiction’s published sources on the date shown. Fees and rules change; confirm with the permitting authority before you act.