Vancouver Washington Residential Building Permit Guide

Vancouver residential permits cover one- and two-family work such as additions, remodels, ADUs, garage conversions, structural changes, footprint changes, and many driveway or RV pad projects.

Permit takeaway

Vancouver says a building permit is generally required when changes or alterations are made to a residential building or new construction is undertaken.

Zoning and placement

Work exempt from a building permit must still comply with adopted building codes, the Vancouver Municipal Code, setbacks, height limits, and other local rules.

Building and trade review

Residential building permit applications are submitted electronically through ePlans, and structural or footprint-changing projects require plans and drawings.

Call before applying when

Call before applying if the work changes the footprint, adds or removes walls, converts a garage, basement, or attic to living space, adds a second story, or alters sheathing.

Documents to prepare

• Electronic application
• Site plan
• Foundation plan
• Floor plan
• Elevations
• Framing and section drawings

Inspection planning

• Submit through ePlans
• Respond to plan review
• Download approved plans
• Schedule required inspections
• Keep final approval records

Official sources

• Vancouver Residential Building Permits
• Vancouver Building Permits Licenses and Inspections
• Vancouver Residential Addition Checklist

This guide is a planning summary. Always verify the current requirements with the local office before starting work.