Frequently Asked Questions

A building permit serves to ensure that construction projects comply with local building codes, zoning laws, and safety standards. It helps protect the safety of the occupants by requiring inspections throughout the project to confirm that it meets structural, electrical, plumbing, and fire safety requirements. Building permits also safeguard property values by ensuring that work is done to code, avoiding future complications with selling or financing the property. Additionally, permits provide documentation and accountability, creating a record that future owners or inspectors can rely on to verify that the project was completed safely and legally.

Any structure that measures 120 square feet in area or greater requires a building permit. Structures that do not require a building permit must still meet all setback requirements and other development regulations. Please see item #3 for work exempt from building permits.

Construction of a one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided that the floor area is not greater than 120 square feet, fences under 6 feet tall, and retaining walls under 4 feet high (or under 2 feet if there is a surcharge). For confirmation, contact the Building Division at 360-417-4817.

Permits are required for most new structures, additions, and significant alterations including fences over 6 feet in height, decks more than 30 inches above ground level, and structures over 120 square feet. Demolition of any structure also requires a permit. For confirmation, contact the Building Division at 360-417-4817.

If a shed is less than 120 square feet, a permit is not required. If the shed is 120 square feet or larger, you must apply for a general building permit. For more information, contact us at permits@cityofpa.us or call 360-417-4817.

Placement requirements depend on the size of the tank, property lines, and nearby structures. For confirmation, please email permits@cityofpa.us or call 360-417-4817. Alternatively, you can contact an inspector directly by emailing inspections@cityofpa.us.

A permit is generally required for any structural, electrical, mechanical, or plumbing changes. However, if you are only replacing existing fixtures, like-for-like (such as swapping out a faucet, p-trap, toilet, or light fixture), a permit is typically not needed. Certain non-structural work may also require a permit, depending on the scope and nature of the project. For confirmation, contact the Building Division at 360-417-4817.

Yes, if the fence is proposed to be over 6 feet tall.

If you start work without a permit, you may face several penalties. These can include fines, which can increase the longer the work continues; and a stop-work order, which halts the project until a permit is obtained. You may also need to pay additional fees for retroactive permitting and inspections to bring the work into compliance. Unpermitted work can also cause issues when selling your property, as it may not meet legal requirements, potentially affecting property value and financing. It's always best to obtain a permit before beginning work to avoid these complications.

Permit applications can be found our website: www.cityofpa.us/988/Permit-Applications. If you're unsure which permit to apply for, please contact us via email at permits@cityofpa.us or by phone at 360-417-4817. Our team is happy to assist you.

Yes, the City of Port Angeles prefers applications to be submitted online. The permit application includes a checklist outlining the required documents, such as site plans, construction drawings, and sometimes engineering details. Be sure to review the checklist to ensure all necessary documents are included. You can access all permit applications here: www.cityofpa.us/988/Permit-Applications. To submit your application, send an email to permits@cityofpa.us.

An OTC permit applies to simple, residential, low-complexity projects that do not require detailed plans or extensive review. These projects involve minor mechanical or plumbing work or other straightforward tasks that comply with standard codes and can be quickly processed.

Examples of OTC Permits:

• Minor Residential Mechanical Work:
  1. HVAC system installations
  2. Mini-split system installations
  3. New kitchen hood installations
• Minor Residential Plumbing Work:
  1. Replacing or installing water heaters
  2. Connecting appliances to water supply lines
  3. Replacing water or sewer lines
• Residential Miscellaneous Work:
  1. Abandoned tank removals
  2. Residential solar panel installations
  3. Roofing and siding replacements
  4. Residential propane tank installations

Please stop by the Community & Economic Development Counter, located at 321 East 5^th Street in Port Angeles. We offer free Wi-Fi and a computer kiosk that you can use to fill out a permit application at City Hall. If you have any questions during the process, feel free to ask our technicians for assistance; we’re happy to help! Our office is open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Yes, you can apply for a building permit if you are doing the work yourself. In the contractor information section, indicate that you are performing the work. For the project valuation, combine the total cost of materials and double that amount to account for personal labor.

No, you do not need to hire an architect. The City of Port Angeles will accept hand-drawn floor and site plans, provided they meet architectural design criteria and are to scale. When creating your site plan, refer to the Public Use Map Link for a birds-eye view of your property. You can print a photo of your property from the map and add measurements. We recommend using graph paper and a straight edge for accuracy when creating a floor plan and site plan.

Yes, the City of Port Angeles provides a Public Use Map for general use. This interactive map includes information such as sewer line locations, property zoning, and more.

• Access the Public Use Map: Public Use Map Link
• Need Help Using the Map? The city offers a tutorial here: Mapping Tutorial

If you need further assistance, please contact us by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or by calling 360-417-4815.

You can find your tax parcel number by visiting the Clallam County Assessor & Treasurer’s website at https://websrv22.clallam.net/propertyaccess/?cid=0. Search for your property to view your tax parcel number. For further assistance, contact us by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or calling 360-417-4817.

Yes, permit fees can be paid online www.cityofpa.us/866/Permit-Pay). Payment plans are not available; payment of fees is due prior to issuance of the permit.

Fees vary based on project scope, square footage, and valuation. The master fee schedule is available on the City’s website (www.cityofpa.us/1320/Master-Fee-Schedule). You can also call the Building Division at 360-417-4817 for an estimate.

The time required to approve a building permit depends on the project's complexity and whether revisions are needed. If revisions are requested, the review timeline below is on hold.

Typical Review Time Allotted:

• Residential permits: 65 calendar days after payment of permit fees.
• Commercial permits: 65 calendar days after payment of permit fees.
• Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits: 3 business days after payment of permit fees.

For details on what qualifies as an OTC permit, see item #12.

You can check the status of your permit by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or calling 360-417-4815. For faster assistance, please have your permit number readily available.

Revisions may extend the permit review process. The sooner you submit the requested revisions, the sooner we can complete the second review. To avoid additional delays, please ensure your submittal is complete. If you need clarification or have any questions, do not hesitate to reach out by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or calling 360-417-4817.

The City does not offer partial refunds for permit fees once they have been paid. Fees are non-refundable after a permit is issued or an application is processed. These fees cover the cost of review, inspection, and administrative processing, so it’s important to carefully consider your decision before submitting a permit application. If you have any questions about your specific situation, please contact the Permitting Division at permits@cityofpa.us or call 360-417-4817 for guidance.

Permit applications are valid for six months from the date of submission. Issued permits are valid for six months from the date of issuance or the date of the last activity, such as an inspection.

If you need more time to complete your project, you can request an extension. Extensions may be granted for up to 180 days, but you must provide a valid reason for the request. To apply for an extension, please email your request with the necessary details to permits@cityofpa.us

You may begin your project and schedule inspections once your permit has been issued. To schedule an inspection online, please visit our Inspection Requests Portal (www.cityofpa.us/986/Inspection-Requests) and choose the appropriate division. 

 If you’re unsure which division to select, please contact the Permitting Division for assistance: permits@cityofpa.us or 360-417-4817.

Please call 360-808-2613 for information on electrical permits and inspections. You may also call this number to schedule an electrical inspection – when calling, please be sure to have your permit number or job address, or both, and the type of inspection needed.

To pass your inspection, you must ensure that the work follows the approved plans you submitted. If you fail a re-inspection, there is a $95 charge for any subsequent re-inspections. If you have any questions or are unsure about any part of the process, feel free to contact our Permitting Division by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or by calling 360-417-4817. 

You can view the City of Port Angeles's structural design criteria. To explore the adopted building codes, visit the International Code Council's free online resources.

For building code questions, contact our building inspectors by emailing inspections@cityofpa.us. This is a shared inbox, ensuring all inspectors can view and respond to your inquiry promptly.

A Certificate of Occupancy is an official document issued by the City of Port Angeles certifying that a commercial or residential building complies with applicable building codes and zoning regulations. Issuance of a Certificate of Occupancy is required before a building can be occupied or used for its intended purpose.

A Certificate of Occupancy (CofO) is required for all building permits, with exceptions for specific types of work. Permits not requiring a CofO include foundation-only projects, demolition work, plumbing and mechanical systems. For confirmation regarding your specific project, please contact the Permitting Division by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or by calling 360-417-4817.

A CofO ensures that your building meets all safety, structural, and zoning standards. It assures the building is safe for occupants and prevents unauthorized use.

There are two ways to obtain a Certificate of Occupancy:

Issued as part of a Building Permit 

A Certificate of Occupancy is issued once all required inspections for your issued building permit have been successfully completed.  

Submitting a Certificate of Occupancy Permit Application (Building Permit Not Required)

Suppose there has been a change in ownership, or you only need to change the use of the space without performing construction work. In those cases, you must submit a separate application titled "Certificate of Occupancy Permit Application." This application is specifically for situations where a building permit is not required.

For more information, contact us by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or calling 360-417-4815.

Yes, the fees are included as part of your building permit costs. The fees are as follows:

• Certificate of Occupancy – Residential: $190.20
• Certificate of Occupancy – Commercial: $475.50

Occupying a building without a CofO is a violation of the City of Port Angeles' regulations. This can result in fines, penalties, and possible legal action. Please ensure you have a valid CofO before occupying the building.

The time it takes to obtain a CofO depends on the complexity of your project, how quickly your permit is issued, and when final inspections are completed. Plan ahead, by scheduling inspections promptly and ensuring all requirements are met. For more information, please email permits@cityofpa.us or call 360-417-4817.

Once issued, the CofO must be posted in a visible, conspicuous location within the building, such as near the main entrance. It should remain in place for inspection purposes.

If you lose your CofO, contact us by emailing permits@cityofpa.us or calling 360-417-4817 to request a replacement.