30.50.103 Work exempt from permit.
Permits shall not be required for the exemptions listed in this section. Exemption from permit requirements of these codes shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of the building code, residential code, or any other laws or county ordinances. Work exempt under this provision may still require the applicable permit(s) when located in flood hazard or critical areas and be subject to other requirements in this title.
(1) Building.
(a) Accessory structures.
(i) Structures under the residential code. One-story detached accessory structures not used for human habitation including but not limited to tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, provided:
(A) For structures located in an urban growth area (UGA), the floor area within the outside perimeter of the exterior walls does not exceed 200 square feet (18.6 m2) and the sidewalls do not exceed nine feet in height measured from grade average. For structures located outside of an UGA, the floor area within the outside perimeter of the exterior walls does not exceed 400 square feet (37.2 m2), and the sidewalls do not exceed 11 feet in height measured from grade average and have a maximum stud height of 10 feet. Any usable area of a structure lacking exterior walls under the horizontal projection of a roof shall be included in the structure’s floor area calculation for purposes of this section;
(B) Eaves may extend a maximum of 24 inches past exterior walls, unless the eaves encroach into a setback, in which case eave extension shall be sized in accordance with the applicable sections in this code;
(C) A storage loft is allowed as long as the area of the loft does not exceed one-third the area of the building footprint. The clear height is not to exceed five feet for an area greater than 70 square feet of the loft’s framed and sheathed surface; and
(D) Permits are required for the installation of plumbing. Heating systems are not permitted in accessory structures exempt from a building permit.
(ii) Structures under the building code. One-story detached accessory structures not used for human habitation including but not limited to, tool and storage sheds, playhouses, agricultural structures, espresso stands, farm stands, and similar uses, provided:
(A) The floor area within the outside perimeter of the exterior walls area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.6 m2) and the sidewalls do not exceed 10 feet in height measured from grade average. Any usable area of a structure lacking exterior walls under the horizontal projection of a roof shall be included in the structure’s floor area calculation for purposes of this section;
(B) Eaves may extend a maximum of 24 inches past exterior walls, unless the eaves encroach into a setback and/or fire separation distance as defined by the building code, in which case eave extension shall be sized in accordance with the applicable sections in this code and the International Building Code;
(C) The accessory structure is located in accordance with this title;
(D) The accessory structure is not required to have fire-resistance-rated exterior walls under the International Building Code; and
(E) Permits are required for the installation of plumbing and mechanical systems in any exempt structure.
(b) Fences not over eight feet (2,438 mm) high that do not have masonry or concrete elements above six feet (1,829 mm). This calculation shall not include wire strands on top of eight foot fences when permitted under this title. The fence shall be set back in accordance with this title.
(c) Retaining walls that are not over four feet (1,219 mm) in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III A liquids.
(d) Water tanks supported directly upon grade if the capacity does not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,927 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width does not exceed two to one.
(e) Sidewalks and driveways.
(f) Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work.
(g) Prefabricated swimming pools regulated under the IRC that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
(h) Prefabricated swimming pools regulated under the IBC that are accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy which are: less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep, do not exceed 5,000 gallons (18,925 L), and are installed entirely above ground.
(i) Swings and other playground equipment accessory to detached one- and two-family dwellings.
(j) Window awnings for Group R-3 and U occupancies and structures regulated by the IRC that are supported by an exterior wall, do not project more than 54 inches (1,372 mm) from the exterior wall, and do not require additional support.
(k) Flag and light poles that do not exceed 20 feet in height.
(l) Oil derricks.
(m) Temporary motion picture, television and theater stage sets and scenery.
(n) Unenclosed overhead shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems.
(o) Non-fixed and movable fixtures, cases, racks, counters and partitions not over five feet nine inches (1,753 mm) in height.
(p) One story jobs shacks that are placed at the job site during construction, for which a permit has been issued or applied, may be allowed on a temporary basis and shall be removed upon final approval of construction. A job shack is a portable structure for which the primary purpose is to house equipment and supplies, and which may serve as a temporary office during construction for the purposes of the construction activity.
(q) Membrane structures as follows:
(i) Membrane structures as are defined in IBC chapter 31 which do not exceed 200 square feet (18.6 m2), or which do not exceed 400 square feet (37.2 m2) when two or more sides are open. Such structures shall not be used as a habitable space.
(ii) Such structures as are defined in WAC 51-50-007 which are used solely for the commercial production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. "Temporary growing structure" means a structure that has the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material and is used to provide plants with either frost protection or increased heat retention. Such structures shall not be used for other non-agricultural uses including, but not limited to, office space, mercantile, manufacturing, or habitable space.
(iii) Such structures as are defined as agricultural buildings in the IBC which have the sides and roof covered with polyethylene, polyvinyl, or similar flexible synthetic material. The combined aggregate total area of these structures shall not exceed 1,000 square feet on a minimum five-acre lot, 2,000 square feet (186 m2), on a minimum 10-acre lot, 3,000 square feet (279 m2) on a minimum 15-acre lot, 4,000 square feet (372 m2) on a minimum 20-acre lot, or 5,000 square feet (464.5 m2) on a lot of 25 acres or larger. Such structures shall not be used for other non-agricultural uses including, but not limited to, office space, mercantile, manufacturing, or habitable space.
(r) Decks, associated platforms and steps for residential buildings constructed under the provisions of the IRC which are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade at any point, not over any basement or story below, and are not part of an accessible route of travel.
(s) Reroof overlay of residential structures if limited to two total layers of roofing material and re- roofing (tear off and replace) using same type of roofing material provided roof sheathing is not removed or replaced.
(2) Gas.
(a) Portable heating, cooking or clothes drying appliances.
(b) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
(c) Under residential code. Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed piping system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
(3) Mechanical.
(a) Portable heating appliances.
(b) Portable ventilation appliances.
(c) Portable cooling units.
(d) Steam, hot or chilled water piping within any heating or cooling equipment regulated by the residential code or building code.
(e) Replacement of any minor part that does not alter approval of equipment or make such equipment unsafe.
(f) Portable evaporative coolers.
(g) Self-contained refrigeration systems containing 10 pounds (4.54 kg) or less of refrigerant or that are actuated by motors of one horsepower (746 W) or less.
(h) Specific to the residential code:
(i) Portable fuel cell appliances that are not connected to a fixed plumbing system and are not interconnected to a power grid.
(ii) Photovoltaic (PV) panels meeting all of the following criteria:
(A) PV system is designed and proposed for a detached single-family house.
(B) PV system is designed for the rooftop of a house in compliance with applicable codes.
(C) The mounting system is engineered and designed for PV.
(D) The rooftop is made from lightweight material such as shingles.
(E) PV system has an approved and issued electrical permit.
(F) To address uplift, panels are mounted no higher than 18 inches above the surface of the roofing to which they are affixed, and except for flat roofs, no portion of the system may exceed the highest point of the roof.
(G) Total dead load of panels, supports, mountings, raceways and all other appurtenances weigh no more than:
(I) Three and one-half pounds per square foot (PSF); or
(II) Four and one-half pounds per square foot for frameless panels on a roof with a slope of at least three vertical in 12 horizontal; or
(III) Five pounds per square foot for frameless panels on a roof with a slope of at least five vertical in 12 horizontal.
(H) Supports for solar panels are installed to spread the dead load across as many roof-framing members as needed to ensure that at no point are loads caused in excess of 50 pounds.
(I) Attachment to the roof is specified by the mounting system manufacturer.
(J) A method and type of weatherproofing roof penetrations are provided.
(K) The house is code compliant with setbacks and height, or the code allows expansion of nonconformity for solar panels.
(4) Plumbing.
(a) The stopping of leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe, except that if any concealed trap, drain pipe, water, soil, waste or vent pipe becomes defective and it becomes necessary to remove and replace the same with new material, such work shall be considered new work and a permit shall be obtained and inspection made pursuant to subtitle 30.5 SCC.
(b) The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures and the removal and reinstallation of water closets when such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures. (Added by Ord. 17-057, Oct. 18, 2017, Eff date Nov. 9, 2017; Amended by Ord. 21-030, July 14, 2021, Eff date July 25, 2021).