Accessory Structures
An accessory structure is a structure that is customarily accessory to and incidental to the dwelling or primary use located on the same lot.
Exemptions
Not every structure needs a permit. Please see Exempt from Permit for those structures not needing a building permit.
Examples
Decks and walking surfaces over 30 inches above grade require building permits.
Detailed Plans are required for the permit including the following:
- Details of ledger and special connections
- Elevations
- floor framing and supports
- Floor plans
- Foundation
- Stair details when required
Docks, piers, and ramps require building permits. They must also demonstrate compliance with all land use and shorelines regulations. Plan views can be combined together, i.e. the elevation views of the dock, piers and ramp can all be one drawing.
Shore Connection Drawings
The most common forgotten drawing is of the connection to the shore even though it may be simple. Drawings of this connection are required for shoreline review as well as for plan review. Typical plans would include foundation plans, elevation plans, framing plan, and connection detail for both ends.
Floating Docks
For floating docks typical plans required include floor plans, framing plans, details for piling location, and the hardware for connection between the dock and pilings along with details of the floats to be used and their connection.
Supported Piers
For supported piers typical plans would be elevations, floor plans, framing plans, and details of how the pier is supported. Typically these structures need to be designed and stamped by a currently licensed Washington State Engineer.
Ramps
Ramps also require elevations, plan views, framing plans, and details of connection at the head end and roller or connection at the bottom end.
Pole buildings are structures that rely on fixed columns to handle the lateral and vertical loads. They are typically used as garages and storage buildings but this construction type is not limited to accessory uses. It has been used for houses, factories, riding arenas, and a myriad of other occupancies. Different land use and building codes are required to be met for each type of use.
To view some prescriptive details that you may use as part of your plan submittal or as guidelines for your design, download the Prescriptive Details document.
Pole buildings require full plans for submittal, and they require engineering per the current code regardless of size.
The only exception is if there are no prescriptive designs for pole buildings per the current code, but Whatcom County had adopted a Wood Post Frame Buildings Policy.
If your building meets the requirements as set forth by this policy then engineering may not be required for construction of your building. If the structure is being used for commercial purposes, engineering may be required even if it meets the prescriptive requirements due to its' intended use.
Pools and hot tubs require building and plumbing permits. Plans are required for submittal and depending on the type and construction, may be required to be reviewed and/or designed by a currently licensed Washington State Engineer.
IBC 3109 has been adopted by Whatcom County with a Washington State amendment of Section 3109.3 for public swimming pools that are regulated by Washington State Department of Health WAC 246-260-031(4). IBC 3109 Swimming Pool Enclosures and Safety Devices includes regulations for pool safety covers and for other gate, fence and warning device barriers to the pool.
Exceptions
- Power safety cover or a spa with a safety cover complying with ASTM-F-1346 excepts applicants from pool-fence type barriers.
- Prefabricated swimming pools installed entirely above ground, less than 24 inches deep and accessory to a Group R-3 (single family residence.)
Helpful Links
Most retaining walls require building permits. If the wall is retaining more than four feet of soil measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall or has a surcharge on the wall then it must be reviewed by a Washington State licensed engineer.
A set of plans are required for submittal including a site plan with location of walls and detailed section view showing construction of wall.
Submittal must comply with land use requirements (critical areas, shorelines, flood, steep slope hazards, etc.)
Exempt from Permit
Retaining walls that are less than 4 feet in height measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, and have no surcharge on them are exempt from a building permit only. The wall must comply with all other regulations and may require permits from the Natural Resources Division.