Building Permit in Washington?

[simon]

John ...

   ???Do you know if your 24x14 building (on peir blocks) would be fine ..as far as permits (and building inspectors) in washington state? I know it can very even county to county  .. any ideas?

     ..buildin in progress..    Simon

[John Raabe]

It will vary by where you are building. The maximum sized building that can be built without a permit has recently been raised to 200SF (at least in Island Co.) but that is smaller than the 14x24. If you do need a permit, ask about an owner-builder exemption (not in all counties).

The main concern of the pier foundation is the seismic considerations (coastal WA only) and the anchorage between the ground and the walls. Some people have satisfied their building inspector by using inexpensive "earth augers" with straps or cables fixed into double studs in the walls. This is commonly used on mobile homes in hurricane areas (similar types of bracing issues).

Here is a link as to how to do this: http://www.mygreathome.com/fix-it_guide/tiedowns.htm