Site Plan Resources | Grays Harbor County

A site plan is a drawing that shows the existing features of a property along with any proposed changes or development. It helps illustrate how a project will fit on the land and relate to surrounding structures, utilities, and property features. Site plans are used to ensure projects comply with local and state regulations and provide reviewers with a clear understanding of the proposed work. Site plans may be hand-drawn or digitally created and can be either certified or non-certified, but they must meet the standards outlined in the Site Plan Submittal Checklist. Incomplete or inaccurate site plans may delay the review and approval of your application.

Non-Certified

Created by a property owner or contractor, in a digital or hand drawn format

Certified

Prepared and stamped by a licensed professional (engineer, surveyor, architect, etc.)

What to Include in a Site Plan?

Property boundaries and legal description
Survey or plat map (to scale, if possible)
Existing and proposed structures
Easements
Utilities (water, sewer, electric, etc.)
Adjacent roads and access points
Critical areas (wetlands, slopes, flood zones, etc.)
Property address

When Is a Building Permit Required?

Most construction projects require a permit to ensure work complies with applicable building, zoning, and safety regulations. The examples below highlight common situations where permits are typically required, as well as certain types of work that may be exempt from building permit requirements. Even if a building permit is not required, other permits or approvals may still apply. If you are unsure whether your project requires a permit, contact a Permit Coordinator for guidance.

Building Permits Required

This is not a complete list of when a building permit is required:

New construction
Changes in use of a building
Alterations, repairs, or additions
Decks over 30" above ground
Covered patios, carports, garages
Storage sheds over 200 sq. ft.
Accessory structures over 800 sq. ft.
Plumbing work
Mechanical work (water heaters, gas/propane, heat pumps, fireplaces, etc.)
Demolition
Utility work
Bridges, grading, filling, and driveways
Re-roofing involving structural components or commercial roofs

Exemption from Building Permits

Examples of exempt work include projects specifically exempt under the International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), or County Code:

Accessory storage structures 800 square feet or smaller located on the same lot as a residence
Utility structures 200 square feet or smaller
Certain agricultural buildings up to 5,500 square feet, depending on zoning

Mobile Home Permitting

The Planning & Building Division handles permits and inspections for manufactured or mobile homes (MH) in unincorporated Grays Harbor County, whether in a park or on private property.

The County inspects:

Setbacks
Proper setup and foundation installation

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) may also require inspections and issues permits for electrical work. Contact L&I early to confirm requirements.

In a Park

Placement Permits may be processed more quickly when all required information and fees are submitted.

On Private Property

A Placement Permit is required
The process begins with Step 1: Site Plan Review

Follow the standard residential permitting process

Manufactured Home Requirements

All manufactured homes must have an insignia of approval from L&I or HUD
No minimum year restriction applies
Manufactured homes built on or before June 15, 1976 must provide an L&I Alteration, Fire, and Safety Insignia of Approval label before a permit is issued
Manufactured homes built after June 15, 1976 have a factory-issued insignia
Non-insignia manufactured homes are not permitted

For certification information, visit the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries website.

Title Elimination Process

When a title elimination is requested, the County reviews permit history and inspection records. The results determine how the request proceeds.

Finaled Manufactured Homes Placement Permit

If a Placement Permit was issued and all inspections are approved:

The Planning and Building Division may complete Section 5 of the Washington State Department of Licensing Manufactured Home Application
Requires payment of the applicable fee

Incomplete Manufactured Home Placement Permit

If inspections were not completed:

Pay the Title Elimination Re-inspect fee to reinstate the permit
Prepare the home for inspection, including removal of skirting on one long side
Complete all required corrections
Once approved, Section 5 may be completed with payment of required fees

Installation & Inspection Standards

Manufactured homes must meet installation standards under ANSI A225.1-1994 or manufacturer specifications
All required inspections must be completed and approved

Unpermitted Manufactured Home Placement

If no permit exists, the process must begin with Step 1: Site Plan Review under the residential permitting process.