How-To: Get a Building Permit in Kent

Renovating your bathroom? Updating the kitchen? Building a deck?

In this how-to guide, we'll explain what kinds of home projects call for a permit from the and which projects don't.

What is a building permit?

In Kent, a basic residential building permit is a necessity for many home improvement projects.

A building permit, issued by the city's building department, gives a property owner the OK to do all sorts of home repairs and upgrades. The permit essentially says your plans comply with city building and zoning codes.

On projects calling for a permit, the owner can't start the work until the city has approved the plans and issued the permit.

When do you need a permit?

Basic remodeling jobs don't require a permit. For example, if you're remodeling your kitchen by installing new cabinets, counters and appliances but you're not changing the location of the sink or making any changes to the electric wiring, then you don't need a permit.

So, when do you need a permit?

• Interior work: changes to plumbing, electrical wiring and the core structure of a house require a permit, including the associated electrical or plumbing permit.
• Exterior work: building a deck, adding an addition to a house, building a garage or doing other work outside the existing foundation and footers requires a permit.
• Roof work: when you're replacing large sections of the actual roof decking, or plywood, that amounts to more than just a minor repair. A basic rule of thumb is if the section is larger than a 4 foot by 8 foot sheet of plywood, as the sheets are part of the actual roof structure.

When you don't need a permit

Not every home repair or remodel job calls for a permit. Here are some examples of jobs that don't need a permit:

• Replacing windows or doors.
• Replacing vinyl siding.
• Putting new shingles on a roof, including a complete shingle tear-off.

How to apply for a permit

The first step in applying for a permit is to obtain detailed construction drawings of your project. Drawings should include foundation information, construction materials, how it's being put together and if the project goes outside the existing structure's footprint.

Work that goes outside the existing foundation, such as a deck, addition or garage, also need a site plan showing where the project will go in relation to the property boundaries.

These plans should then be submitted to the city's building department at 930 Overholt Road.

City building staff then reviews the plans and will work with the owners to make any necessary changes or adjustments in order to comply with Kent's building code.

How much do permits cost?

Permit fees vary depending upon the job and its extent.

• Zoning permit fees, for projects including decks and additions, are a flat fee of $25.
• Building permit fees carry a flat fee of $25 plus $0.05 per square foot. On building permits, the state requires a 1 percent fee.
• Decks start with a flat fee of $50.
• Electrical and plumbing permit fees vary depending upon the number of outlets, fixtures and mechanical equipment being installed.

Still have questions?

Kent's building department staff is friendly and knowledgeable, and if you have questions about whether your project needs a permit or how to go about it, you can call them at 330-678-8108.