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Building FAQ's

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1. What work requires a Building Permit?

Regardless of the value of the work any owner or owner's authorized agent who intends to construct,enlarge,alter, repair, move,demolish or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or ti erect install enlarge, alter, repair, remove,convert or replace any electrical, gas, mechanical or plumbing system the installation of which is regulated by the International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Plumbing codes or National Electrical Code or to cause any such work to be preformed shall first make application to the building official and obtain the required permit. 

For a list of work exempt from permits please check Residential or Building codes available from our website at: https://www.go2kennewick.com/907/Building-Codes

For residential work go to section R105 of the IRC. For commercial go to section 105 of the IBC

2. When is an architect required?

All  buildings over 4,000 s.f.and any residential building with more than 4 dwelling units must be drawn and stamped by a Washington State Licensed architect. 

3. Are the Building Codes available on line?

Yes, the building codes are available by going to: https://www.go2kennewick.com/907/Building-Codes

4. Where is an emergency escape and rescue opening require?

Emergency escape and rescue openings are required in all new construction. Basements, habitable attics and every sleeping room shall have not less than one operable emergency escape and rescue opening. Where basements contain one or more sleeping rooms, an emergency escape and rescue opening shall be required in each sleeping room. Emergency escape and rescue openings shall open directly into a public way, or to a yard or court that opens to a public way.

5. What are the size requirements for an emergency escape and rescue opening?

Emergency and escape rescue openings shall have a net clear opening of not less than 5.7 square feet. The net clear height opening shall be not less than 24 inches. The net clear width shall be not less than 20 inches.

6. Are window wells required for emergency escape and rescue openings below grade?

Yes.  The horizontal area of the window well shall be not less than 9 square feet with a horizontal projection and width of not less than 36 inches.  The area of the window well shall allow the emergency escape and rescue opining to be fully opened. 

7. How long is a building permit valid?

In order to keep a permit active an inspection must be completed at least once every 180 days.  Permits with no activity for 180 or more days will be expired.

8. Can an expired permit be re-activated?

Yes. subject to review by the Building Official.

9. Is a building permit required for a retaining wall?

Retaining walls with no slope above or below the wall and up to 48 inches tall measured from the bottom of the footing to the highest point of the wall do not require a permit.  Wall exceeding that dimension and walls  measuring over 2 feet from the bottom of the footing to the highest point of the wall with a surcharge require a permit.  Any retaining wall with slopes above or below them will require a review by the Building Department to determine if a permit is needed or not.   All retaining walls requiring a permit will require engineered drawings stamped and signed by the engineer of record.  

10. How long does it take to get a permit?

From the date of submittal a plan review will be completed and comments sent to the applicant within 15 working daysw

11. Where is safety glazing (glass) required?

The  answer to this is rather lenghtly.  Please refer to section 308.4 in the International Residential Code. You can access the code from our website at https://www.go2kennewick.com/907/Building-Codes

12. Can a building be moved into or within the City of Kennewick?

Yes

13. How many layers of roofing may I have on my residential or commercial buildings?

The International Residential Code and the International Building Code allow a maximum of 2 layers of roofing on any structure.

14. Do I need a permit for a residential fence?

For permit is not required for a residential fence.  Please check with the Community Planning Department for height and placement requirements. The Community Planning Department can be reached at (509) 585-4280.

15. Do I need a permit for to replace or add a water heater?

Yes a Plumbing permit is required for the replacement or addition of a water heater for residential and commercial locations.

16. Is the Climate and Geological design criteria available online?

Yes,  that information can be found at https://www.go2kennewick.com/DocumentCenter/View/119

17. Are foundation only permits available?

Yes, Foundation only permits are available for commercial permits on a case by case basis. The building Official will evaluate the available documentation and determine if a foundation only permit is appropriate.  Please contact the Building Official at  509-585-4387 or tony.ostoja@ci.kennewick.wa.us.  

18. What items are reviewed for an a Residential Plan Review?

The Residential Plan Review Checklist used by the Building Department when reviewing residential plans.