Do I Need a Permit? Building Permits in Vancouver and Clark County, WA

November 12, 2026

The first permit question in Clark County isn’t what you need. It’s who issues it. That depends on whether your property is inside a city or in unincorporated Clark County.

Inside city limits

Each city runs its own permit office. If your address is inside city limits, start here:

Vancouver: City of Vancouver
Camas: City of Camas
Washougal: City of Washougal
Battle Ground: City of Battle Ground
Ridgefield: City of Ridgefield
La Center: City of La Center
Yacolt: Town of Yacolt (ask whether your project is reviewed by the town or by the county)

Unincorporated Clark County

Communities such as Hockinson, Brush Prairie, Salmon Creek, Felida, Hazel Dell and Orchards are unincorporated, so building permits come from Clark County Community Development. A Vancouver mailing address doesn’t always mean you’re inside Vancouver city limits. Check your parcel before you apply.

Projects that commonly need a permit

Exact rules vary by jurisdiction and change over time, so always confirm with your permit office. Projects that commonly need permits include:

Additions, structural changes, and removing or moving load-bearing walls
Many decks, especially raised or attached decks
New or replacement furnaces, heat pumps and water heaters (mechanical and plumbing permits)
Most electrical work. In Washington, electrical permits are often issued by L&I rather than the city, so ask which applies
Some re-roofs, depending on scope (for example, replacing sheathing)
Retaining walls over a certain height, and significant grading
Accessory dwelling units (ADUs) and garage conversions

Who pulls the permit?

Usually your contractor does. Get it in writing in your contract. Be cautious if a contractor suggests skipping a required permit or asks you to pull it as the “owner-builder.” Unpermitted work can cause trouble with insurance and when you sell your home.

Before you dig

For fences, posts, decks or anything that disturbs the ground, call 811 or request a locate through Washington 811 a few business days before digging.

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Your permit office has the final word.

Before you hire

Clark County Contractors is a free directory. You contact businesses directly, and we don't vet, rate or recommend anyone. A few minutes of checking can save a lot of trouble:

Check the registration. Look up any construction contractor on WA L&I Verify a Contractor for registration, bond, insurance and violations.

Get more than one written bid. Compare the scope, materials, schedule and payment terms, not just the price.

Ask about permits. Find out who pulls them: your city, or Clark County for unincorporated areas.

Watch for red flags. Be wary of large cash deposits, pressure to sign today, and no written contract.