Building Permits


How Do You Know When You Need A Permit?


— By Paul Duffy of RDH Building Science — A


As a typical condominium board member or association manager, you need to understand when a permit may be


required for work to be done on your building. The basic steps to determine when a permit is needed are outlined below.


Building codes take an exemptive approach to permitting projects.


Code Requirements and Exemptions With regard to permits, building codes take an exemptive


18 Community Associations Journal | September 2022


approach to projects. The code is structured to say, ”You always need a permit for any work, unless…” rather than ”If you are doing any of these things, you will need a permit.” To determine specifically if a permit is required for the work on your building, go to your city’s website, and look for the building department page, or call the local building department directly. The department will likely direct you to a detailed permit guide like the examples linked below: › Seattle has this particularly helpful page on their permits home page: seattle.gov/sdci/permits/do-you- need-a-permit


› Kirkland’s website is a little harder to navigate but has a similar page: kirklandwa.gov/Government/ Departments/Development-Services-Center/Do-you- need-a-permit


These types of web pages are reformatted versions of the building code applicable in that municipality, edited and provided by the jurisdiction (city or county) for ease of use


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