Residential projects | Clark County

ePlan Review

We have implemented electronic plan review and not longer accept paper submittals. Visit clark.wa.gov/eplan for more information about ePlan Review.

In Clark County, you need permits and follow-up inspections for new residential construction and for most additions and remodeling projects. A permit technician can help you determine your project requirements and related fees.

Fees are established by county ordinance and are calculated automatically by computer during the application process. You will receive a fee estimate during your initial visit to our office and a final cost when you submit your application. Permit fees cover the cost of processing, plan review and inspections.

Forms and submittal requirements

See the residential forms page for applications, checklists, handouts, information and worksheets.

Types of permits

Visit the residential permits page where we explain the different types of residential permits.

Erosion control and stormwater

See our erosion control and stormwater pages for related requirements.

Construction details

Construction details are provided as a service to help customers understand and apply commonly used code requirements for their projects.

LEAN Review Process

Find out if your New Home Construction application is eligible for LEAN Review Process.

Building a home

Basic steps

Homebuilder submits application, pays plan review and other fees
Plans examiner reviews plans
Permit technicians process application
Permit technician issues permit
Work may begin
Inspector inspects construction at important stages
Permit technician issues Certificate of Occupancy

Common handouts

Residential building permit application and submittal checklist - Checklist for building and plot plans and other items needed to submit your application.
Residential plot plan - Checklist and example for simple plot plan for subdivisions and lots less than one acre, no environmental constraints, and no well/septic. Plot plans are not required for interior remodels.
Residential construction guide - Worksheet and construction drawings that can be used for additions or one-story free standing structures of 800 square feet or less.
Residential plan review - Partial list of common code items.
Sample residential plan - A plan set showing typical requirements.
Erosion control plan - All land disturbing activities require a signed erosion control agreement before a building permit is issued.
Fire separation requirements - Requirements for buildings on residential lots.
Structural design information - Structures not conforming to the prescriptive criteria must meet these specifications.
Construction details - Typical details provided for common code requirements.

Typical inspections

Master Plan Program

Building Safety's Master Plan Program offers production-oriented builders an opportunity to have repetitive models pre-reviewed for more efficient permitting. The final Master Plan is stored as an electronic file to improve access and efficiency.

Traffic Impact Fees

Beginning January 16, 2023, Traffic Impact Fees will increase. Contact your Permit Tech for more information.

New Home Construction stormwater review

Beginning June 1, 2022, Development Engineering will review Stormwater Minimum Requirements (MR) #1-5 for NHC/ADS building permits. The Permit Center will notify Development Engineering staff who will reach out to the applicant to start the submittal process. This is an ENG case in CC LMS and the fee is $345.00. The applicant (creator of the job) is responsible for submittals and payments.

Valuation increase

Effective May 1, 2022, building valuations will change based on the International Code Council annual update. Fees calculated on square footage or estimated valuations will increase. The average increase is about fifteen percent.