WHEN ARE PERMITS REQUIRED?
Building permits are required in Lewis County, Washington. Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure (including decks) must obtain the required permit. Failure to obtain a required permit may result in enforcement action(s) being taken by Lewis County.
Work exempt from permit includes (but not limited to):
- One-story detached accessory structure used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 sq. ft. Residential or 120 sq. ft. non-residential or commercial.
- Fences not over 6 feet high.
- Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height measured from bottom of footing to top of wall, unless supporting a surcharge.
- Water tanks not exceeding 5,000 gallons and supported directly on grade (ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed 2 to 1).
- Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or structure below. (Fill/Grade permit may be required for driveway)
- Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter work and similar finish work.
- Prefabricated above ground swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep and do not exceed 5,000 gallons.
- Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two- family dwellings.
- Window awnings (residential only) supported by an exterior wall which do not project more than 54 inches from exterior wall and do no require additional support.
- Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes and not including service systems.(non-residential only)
- Moveable cases, counters and partitions not over 5 feet 9 inches (non residential only).
- Uncovered decks less than 30" above grade at any point and less than 300 sq. ft. and does not serve the exit door required by code.