Building Services
Building permits are required for new construction and most alterations to existing buildings in the City of La Center.
Our Building Department team is here to provide quality services to the community in a manner that is comprehensive, efficient, knowledgeable and helpful. The Building Department is responsible for enforcing the City’s building and specialty codes, as well as permitting and inspections. From examining plans to maintaining construction records, this department ensures the safety and wellbeing of the citizens of La Center.
If you’re unsure about permitting, call before you start construction at 360-263-7665
CloudPermit
CloudPermit is live!
To apply for a permit, users must create a new account or log in to an existing account. Once signed up, applicants will be able to:
- Apply online for all building permits
- Check land use review application status
- See land use and engineering comments
- Send and receive messages from reviewers
- Upload application packets
- View land use hearing & pre-application conference dates
- Pay invoices online
Please Note: Once an online application is submitted, an invoice will be generated for payment. At this time payments will be accepted in person, by mail or over phone. On-line payments will be available soon.
Permit Applications & Requirements
Single Family Residence *Including plexes and Accessory Dwelling Units
Submittal Requirements
- Engineer’s Calculations
- Engineering calculation shall be stamped by an engineer or architect licensed in State of Washington, Engineering shall be site specific.
- WA State Prescriptive Documents
- WA State Energy Code Compliance Form
Energy efficiency – Many forms, publications, and tools are available through the WSU Energy Program, including these:
– Air Leakage Testing
– Duct and Blower Door Test
– Duct Leakage Affidavit for Existing Construction
– Duct Leakage Affidavit for New Construction
– Duct Sealing Benefits
– Duct Testing Standards
– Getting to know your ventilation system
- Window Glazing Forms
- Heating System Forms
- Floor & Roof Truss Documents
- Complete Set of Plans
- Architectural (and structural, if applicable): Floorplans to be accepted must be drawn 1/4″ = 1′, showing conformance to local and state building laws. Structural details and connections must be submitted with plans or a separated full-size sheet attached to the plans with cross references between plan location an details if home was constructed by an engineer. The detail sheets from the Engineer of Record shall be attached as recorded.
- Foundation Plans
- Floor Plans
- Floor/Roof Framing
- Basement and Retaining Walls
- Manufactured Floor/Roof Truss Design Details
- Beam and Joist Sizes
- Elevation Views
- Wall Bracing
- Architectural (and structural, if applicable): Floorplans to be accepted must be drawn 1/4″ = 1′, showing conformance to local and state building laws. Structural details and connections must be submitted with plans or a separated full-size sheet attached to the plans with cross references between plan location an details if home was constructed by an engineer. The detail sheets from the Engineer of Record shall be attached as recorded.
- Site Plan
- Provide a plot plan that addresses the requirements below:
- Use only standard scales found on an Engineer’s scale (1″=10′, 1″=20′, etc.)
- No plot plans smaller than 8.5″ x 11″ or larger than 11″ x 17″
- Identify Property Features:
- North arrow
- Lot and subdivision name and/or tax lot parcel number
- Property lines and demensions
- Easement (size, type, dimensions)
- Driveway and access point (shown with width, length and distance from the property line)
- Right of ways (street names, width, and centerline dimensions)
- Bridges (if applicable)
- Physical attributes and buffers (wetlands, water, slopes, etc.)
- Identify Proposed Structures and Features:
- Dimension, footprint, and roofline and proposed structure
- Elevations at four corners of structure in addition to property corners
- Setback from closest point of structure property lines, edge of easement, right of ways, water marks/ways, features, and buffers
- Building envelopes, if shown on recorded plat (for geohazard setbacks, habitat buffers etc.)
- Identify Existing Structures and Features:
- Show and label all existing structures including dimensions
- Are trees being removed? Yes/No? How many?
- Zoning & Setback Table
- Provide a plot plan that addresses the requirements below:
- Erosion Control plan – Separate reduced site plan
- No plot plans smaller than 8.5″ x 11″ or larger than 11″ x 17″
- Stormwater plan – Separate reduced site plan
- No plot plans smaller than 8.5″ x 11″ or larger than 11″ x 17″
Residential Remodel
Submittal Requirements
- Complete Set of Plans
- Architectural (and structural, if applicable): Floorplans to be accepted must be drawn 1/4″ = 1′, showing conformance to local and state building laws. Structural details and connections must be submitted with plans or a separated full-size sheet attached to the plans with cross references between plan location an details if home was constructed by an engineer. The detail sheets from the Engineer of Record shall be attached as recorded.
- Separate Mechanical and Plumbing
- For mechanical and plumbing work on a residential remodel, separate permits will be required.
- Site Plan
- Provide a plot plan that addresses the requirements below:
- Use only standard scales found on an Engineer’s scale (1″=10′, 1″=20′, etc.)
- No plot plans smaller than 8.5″ x 11″ or larger than 11″ x 17″
- Identify Property Features:
- North arrow
- Lot and subdivision name and/or tax lot parcel number
- Property lines and demensions
- Easement (size, type, dimensions)
- Driveway and access point (shown with width, length and distance from the property line)
- Right of ways (street names, width, and centerline dimensions)
- Bridges (if applicable)
- Physical attributes and buffers (wetlands, water, slopes, etc.)
- Identify Proposed Structures and Features:
- Erosion control plan
- Stormwater plan
- Dimension, footprint, and roofline and proposed structure
- Elevations at four corners of structure in addition to property corners
- Setback from closest point of structure property lines, edge of easement, right of ways, water marks/ways, features, and buffers
- Building envelopes, if shown on recorded plat (for geohazard setbacks, habitat buffers etc.)
- Identify Existing Structures and Features:
- Show and label all existing structures including dimensions
- Are trees being removed? Yes/No? How many?
- Zoning & Setback Table
- Provide a plot plan that addresses the requirements below:
Residential Accessory Structure *decks, sheds, etc.
Submittal Requirements
- Complete Set of Plans
- Architectural (and structural, if applicable): Floorplans to be accepted must be drawn 1/4″ = 1′, showing conformance to local and state building laws. Structural details and connections must be submitted with plans or a separated full-size sheet attached to the plans with cross references between plan location an details if home was constructed by an engineer. The detail sheets from the Engineer of Record shall be attached as recorded.
- Separate Mechanical and Plumbing
- For mechanical and plumbing work on a residential remodel, separate permits will be required.
- Site Plan
- Provide a plot plan that addresses the requirements below:
- Use only standard scales found on an Engineer’s scale (1″=10′, 1″=20′, etc.)
- No plot plans smaller than 8.5″ x 11″ or larger than 11″ x 17″
- Identify Property Features:
- North arrow
- Lot and subdivision name and/or tax lot parcel number
- Property lines and dimensions
- Easement (size, type, dimensions)
- Driveway and access point (shown with width, length and distance from the property line)
- Right of ways (street names, width, and centerline dimensions)
- Bridges (if applicable)
- Physical attributes and buffers (wetlands, water, slopes, etc.)
- Identify Proposed Structures and Features:
- Erosion control plan
- Stormwater plan
- Dimension, footprint, and roofline and proposed structure
- Elevations at four corners of structure in addition to property corners
- Setback from closest point of structure property lines, edge of easement, right of ways, water marks/ways, features, and buffers
- Building envelopes, if shown on recorded plat (for geohazard setbacks, habitat buffers etc.)
- Identify Existing Structures and Features:
- Show and label all existing structures including dimensions
- Are trees being removed? Yes/No? How many?
- Zoning & Setback Table
- Provide a plot plan that addresses the requirements below:
Commercial Buildings & Tenant Improvements
Submittal Requirements – One Hard Copy & One Digital Copy Required
- All submitted construction documents must be of sufficient detail to show the entire project with emphasis on the following:
- Structural integrity
- Life safety
- Architectural barriers (ADA handicap compliance)
- Geotechnical Report
- Compliance with all codes having jurisdiction
- Scope of work
- Energy Code Compliance Forms
- Deferred Submittal Schedule
- Coversheet for construction documents shall include:
- Project identification
- Project address, legal description, location map, and real estate ID number (tax parcel number)
- All design professionals identified, including addresses and telephone numbers
- Identification of the person who is responsible for project coordination. (All communications should be directed through this individual.)
- Design criteria
- Occupancy group
- Type construction
- Seismic zone
- Square footage and/or allowable area
- Fire sprinkler requirements
- Height and number of stories
- Occupant load
- Land use zone
- Parking requirements required/provided
- Allowed soil-bearing pressure
- Design loads (roof, floor, wind, codes, seismic zones and factors)
- Material strengths
- Soils report
- Landscaping requirements
- Structural Calculations
- WA State Energy Code Compliance Form
- Narrative: A written narrative that describes the proposed project
- Traffic Memo: Traffic Memo/Analysis report showing the proposed trips created by the project
- Separate Mechanical and Plumbing permits are requirement
- Site Plan
- Location of the new structure and any existing buildings or structures
- All property lines with dimensions
- All streets, easements and setbacks
- All water, sewer, hydrants, and electrical points of connection
- Proposed service routes
- Existing utilities
- Required parking, drainage, and grading design
- North arrow and drawing scale
- Existing and proposed grades
- Plans
- Foundation Plan
- All foundations and footings, including sizes, locations, reinforcing, and imbedded anchorage such as anchor bolts, hold-downs, and post bases.
- Floor Plan
- All floors including basements
- All rooms and their use
- Overall dimensions and locations of all structural elements and openings
- All doors and windows
- Door, window, and hardware schedules
- All fire assemblies, area and occupancy separations and draft stops
- Smoke and heat detectors
- Framing Plans – Roof Framing Plans
- All structural members, their size, methods of attachment, location and materials, roof drainage and location of roof-mounted equipment
- Exterior Elevations
- All views
- All openings
- All lateral bracing systems where applicable
- Building Sections and Wall Sections
- All materials of construction
- All non-rated and fire-rated assemblies and fire-rate penetrations
- All vertical dimensions
- Interior Elevations
- All ADA required equipment installations with vertical height clearances shown
- Re-lights, sill heights, elevator operation panels, etc., which are subject to code requirements
- Mechanical System
- Entire mechanical system
- All units, their sizes, mounting details, all duct work and duct sizes
- All fire dampers where required
- Equipment schedules
- Energy conservation calculations per state of Washington
- Indoor air quality standards including radon mitigation systems
- Fire protection systems
- Plumbing System
- All fixtures, piping, slopes, materials and sizes
- Connection points to utilities, septic tanks, pretreatment sewer systems and water wells
- Structural Calculations
- Where required, provide for project’s entire structural system
- Specifications
- Provide either on the drawings or in booklet form
- Further define construction components, covering:
- Construction components, including materials and methods of construction
- Wall finishes
- Pertinent equipment
- Schedules (may be incorporated in project manual in lieu of drawings)
- Planting requirements
- Foundation Plan
Retaining Walls
Submittal Requirements
- Plans
- Plans should include foundation and footings details.
- Site Plan
- Include the north arrow, location of the new structure and any existing buildings or structures, all property lines, streets, easements and setbacks, existing utilities, drainage and grading design.
- Specifications
- Provide manufacturer’s specification if it is a pre-fabricated wall.
- Engineering Calculations
- Engineering calculations shall be stamped by an engineer or architect licensed in the State of Washington. Engineering shall be site specific. Note: Stamped engineering or architectural documents must have a “wet” (original) signature.
Information Center
- Current Building Code
- 2021 International Building Code with Washington Amendments
- 2021 International Residential Code with Washington Amendments
- 2021 International Mechanical with Washington Amendments
- 2021 International Fuel Gas Code with Washington Amendments
- 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code with Washington Amendments
- 2021 Washington State Energy Code
- Maximum height for a fence is 6′ in the side and rear yard and 4′ in the front yard. Read more here.
- A building permit is required for all residential accessory structures 120 square feet and larger. More information here.
Permits are required for many project types, including new or rebuild decks, repairs/replacement of roofing, siding, and windows. If you have questions, please contact the Permit Technician at 360-263-8656.
All electrical permitting and inspecting is handled by the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. Please visit their on-line portal to apply for a permit or request an inspection.
Note: Final electrical sign-off should be obtained prior to your final building inspection.
All fire services in the City of La Center are contracted through Clark Cowlitz Fire Rescue. This includes permits and inspections for fire alarms, fire sprinklers and fire suppression systems.
Note: We require a fire and life safety review for all multi-residential, commercial and industrial projects. We cannot issue permits for these projects without CCFR approval. Please submit your plans directly to CCFR. The City building plan review and the fire review can be done simultaneously to minimize delay.
Building Inspections
Inspections can be requested through CloudPermit or by using the voicemail to the Building Inspection Phone Line; 360-263-6702 When requesting an inspection, please provide the following information.
- Permit Number
- Site Address
- Type of Inspection
- If it is a time sensitive inspection (i.e. concrete), please indicate what time the work is scheduled If you have additional questions about how to schedule inspections, please feel free to contact the Building Department at 360-263-7665.