Do You Need a Permit for New Siding in Vancouver, WA?

Siding replacement without structural repair, window and door replacement in the same openings, and painting, on one- and two-family homes. The city's building code lists work that needs no building permit, including:

• Replacement of siding where no structural modification or repair is required to the structural frame, including wall sheathing, on one- and two-family dwellings, except certain projects under state law.
• Replacement of window and door assemblies using existing framed openings, where no fire-resistive rating is required, in one- and two-family units.
• Painting, papering and similar finish work.

The code adds that an exemption doesn't authorize any work that violates the technical codes or other city laws.

When the job goes past the cladding. Vancouver requires Residential Building Permits for the construction, alteration, addition, repair or demolition of residential buildings, including adding or removing walls and changing the footprint of an existing structure. A re-side that uncovers rotted sheathing or framing, as described on the siding repair page and in siding replacement, no longer fits the siding exemption. Ask the contractor to say in the bid what happens to the permit if that happens.

Each city decides for itself: Camas treats siding as over-the-counter work, Battle Ground and Ridgefield ask for a permit, and Washougal doesn't name siding at all.

• [Camas](@town:camas): siding is on the city's list of over-the-counter projects, for which plans may not be required.
• [Battle Ground](@town:battle-ground): the city lists reroofing and siding among examples of work that needs a permit, while same-size window replacement doesn't.
• [Ridgefield](@town:ridgefield): a Residential Re-Roof/Re-Side permit application, with a $100.00 fee for siding with a full tear-off, with or without sheathing replaced.
• [Washougal](@town:washougal): replacing exterior doors, windows and skylights and residential re-roofs are on the permits-required list; siding isn't named on either list.

Usually the contractor. In most instances, if you have hired a contractor, the contractor is required to take out the permits, and a contractor asking you to get the building permit is a warning sign. Building permits themselves are issued by the county or city where the project is. The hiring guide covers the rest of the paperwork.

They can, whatever the permit says: pre-1978 homes fall under lead-safe renovation rules, and asbestos can turn up in homes of any age. Washington requires RRP certification for renovation, repair or painting work on pre-1978 homes. Clark County's clean air agency also says to take precautions before you remodel, hire a contractor or disturb materials that could contain asbestos. The siding questions page has details and the cost guide shows typical totals.