Frequently Asked Questions

The Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC) advises the Legislature on building code issues and develops building codes used in Washington state. The State of Washington and local jurisdictions, such as the City of Monroe, adopt /amend updated codes on a three-year cycle. To learn the current building codes in effect for the City of Monroe, go to our “Building Codes” webpage. Specific Monroe amendments to these codes can be found in Monroe Municipal Code Chapter 15.04.

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The main difference between these two codes is that the IBC can be used to design any building or structure. The scope of the IBC states that its provisions apply to the "construction, alteration, movement, enlargement, replacement, repair, equipment, use and occupancy, location, maintenance, removal, and demolition of every building or structure or any appurtenances connected or attached to such buildings or structures."

The IRC has a scope that is limited to one and two-family dwellings and townhouses not more than three stories in height with a separate means of egress and their accessory structures, open on at least two sides.

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The International Residential Code (IRC) and International Building Code (IBC) require local jurisdictions to establish minimum structural design criteria for buildings and structures.  

For Monroe, the following structural design criteria apply: 

• Seismic Design Category: IRC/IBC - D1/D2 
• Basic Wind Speed^d: 110 mph 
• Exposure Category: B 
• Frost Depth: 18” 
• Ground Snow load: 25 lbs/sq ft2 

 *A soils investigation is required for commercial projects, residential short plats and subdivisions and some instances residential lots.

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Yes, the city offers a Basic Plan program once the original plan has been approved.  For more information on this program, you can find the details here.

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After obtaining the proper permits (approved and issued by the City), any person may work on their own property, whether they occupy the property or not. Owners of commercial properties may use their own employees to do maintenance, repair, and alteration work on their own properties. A tenant may work on their tenant space with permission from the owner. See RCW 18.27.090 for more information.

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If you intend to hire a contractor please review the information provided on the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries website.

No. Electrical permits and inspections are processed by the WA State Department of Labor and Industries.

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Permit applications forms can be downloaded from the Permit Applications page, obtained at City Hall, or requested to be sent by contacting the Permit Center at 360-863-4501 or building@monroewa.gov.  

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No. The City of Monroe does not currently offer this service.

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No. Work on a project may not begin before the proper permits are obtained and the permit(s) and approved plans are on site. Work commencing prior to permit issuance is subject to double fees equal to permit and plan review fee Table 1-A and Table 103.4.2(A).

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Building, Public Works and Fire Department inspections can be scheduled online.    

To request a building permit inspection by phone, call 360-863-4545 and select extension #1 (24/hour voice mail available).  Building permit inspection requests must be made by 4 p.m. to be scheduled for the next available business day. Leave your name, contact phone number, site address, permit number, type of inspection, and a.m.* or p.m.* request (see below). When pouring concrete, please specify the time of the pour.

 All permits and approved plans printed in color on appropriate size are required to be on-site at the time of the inspection. All inspections must be called in, even if there is a Special Inspection Agency conducting the inspection.

*a.m. - requests between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 12 p.m. 

*p.m. - requests between the hours of 1:00 p.m. and 3:30 p.m.

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First, you will want to verify height restrictions, setbacks from property lines and allowable lot coverage with the Planning Department. The Building Department will then assist you in determining what types of permits will be required and the submittal requirements.  Please call the Permit Division at 360-863-4501.

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Per International Residential Code (IRC) Section 105.2, permits are required for decks that don’t meet any of the following exceptions: Not exceeding 200 square feet in area, that are not more than 30” above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling, and do not serve the required egress door per IRC Section 311.4. 

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If the pool or spa/hot tub is a minimum 24” or deeper, a permit is required. The plans submitted for the pool or spa/hot tub must also include details on the required barrier. For more information, please contact the Permit Center at 360-863-4501 or email building@monroewa.gov.

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Yes. Residential and commercial irrigation systems are required to have backflow protection. A plumbing permit is required to install a backflow prevention assembly. 

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Yes, a fence permit is required. Please call the Permit Division at 360-863-4501 or email building@monroewa.gov for more information. There is no fee for a fence permit.

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If the shed is one story and has a roof area that measures less than 200 square feet and is an accessory structure to a one- or two-family dwelling, then a permit is not required. However, there are still specific setback requirements from the property line. For the specific setback requirements contact the Planning Department at 360-863-4501.

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The City of Monroe follows the Washington State Retention Schedule. Residential plans are destroyed 90 days after final occupancy. To learn how to request public records click here.