FAQs • Pierce County, WA • CivicEngage

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Is a building permit required to re-roof my house?: A building permit is not required to re-roof a home or private garage having a slope greater than 2' in 12' when the total load of all roof coverings does not exceed 7.5 pounds per square foot. This exemption from permit does not apply to the replacement of roof sheathing. Reference Bulletin #8.

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PPW Development Center - Addition / Remodel / Repair

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1. Can I remove a window in my bedroom and install a door to the outside without a building permit?: No, a permit is required.

2. Do I need a building permit if I want to replace the siding on my house?: Not normally. If you do not replace any of the wall sheathing or weather resistant barrier you should be ok. Products being replaced such as T1-11 and other panel sheathing will trigger building permits since they are structural elements of the wall framing. IRC Section 105, Reference Bulletin #8.

3. Do I need a building permit to remove the wall between two rooms to create a recroom?: No, not as long as the construction does not affect any structural component, reduce egress or natural lighting requirements. The amount of work is limited to 500 square feet per year. IRC Section 105, Reference Bulletin #8.

4. Do I need a building permit to build a cover over my patio or deck that is attached to the house?: Yes, Construction of a cover over a deck or patio requires a building permit and must meet setbacks. Shade structures or arbors where the roof is not solid may be exempt from a building permit but must still meet setbacks. IRC Section 105.

5. Is a building permit required to re-roof my house?: A building permit is not required to re-roof a home or private garage having a slope greater than 2' in 12' when the total load of all roof coverings does not exceed 7.5 pounds per square foot. This exemption from permit does not apply to the replacement of roof sheathing. Reference Bulletin #8.

6. How do I attach the Kraft-faced insulation to the wall studs?: You unfold the edges and staple them to the face (narrow dimension of the stud) where you attach the sheetrock. WSEC 502.1.4.6

7. If I am replacing my porch steps that were unevenly spaced and a building permit is not required can I rebuild as they were?: Even though a building permit may not be required for replacing steps less than 30-inches in height they must meet current code for rise and run. IRC Section R105.2