Appliances:  A permit is required to move an appliance if it will require installing or modifying gas lines, water lines, drains, vents or electrical circuits.  Permits are not required when replacing an appliance with a similar appliance in the same location.  Examples are dishwashers, range tops, ovens, gas logs, washers or dryers.  

 
Bathroom and Kitchen Fixtures:  A permit is required to install a new fixture or move an existing fixture that requires installing or modifying existing water lines, drains or vents.  A permit is not required for replacing a fixture with a similar fixture in the same location.  Examples are wash basins, toilets, bidets and laundry tubs. However, a permit is required for installing showers and bathtubs, even if they are going in the same location. 

Carport Structure:  A permit is required for a new carport; this requires review and can take up to 14 days to issue.  A permit is required for converting an existing carport or garage into a living area; this permit can take up to 14 days to issue, subject to certain conditions.   If the project is more complicated, it requires review and can take up to 21 days to issue.

Decks:  A permit is not required for installing or repairing a deck that is less than 30 inches above the ground.  A permit is required for decks where the highest walking surface is more that 30 inches above the ground.  A permit is required for replacing or repairing existing structural members.  These permits require review and can take up to 14 days to issue.  A permit is required for repairs to existing deck or porch handrails, stairs or deck boards. 

Doors, Skylights and Windows: A permit is required for installing or moving an exterior door, skylight, or window, including making an existing window wider.  This permit requires review and can take up to 14 days to issue. 

Emergency Work:  An emergency, such as a broken water heater or furnace, affects a basic human need such as shelter, heat or sanitation.  A permit is not required before getting an emergency repaired.  However, a permit for that work must be obtained on the first work day after the work started. 

Electrical Circuits and Service:  A permit is required for adding or moving electrical circuits and for changes to the service panel.  Electrical permits and inspections are handled by the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries.  Details can be found HERE.

Fences:  A permit is required for construction of a fence.  For details on fence standards, you can contact the City Planning Department.

Fire Suppression Systems:  A permit is required for installing or modifying a fire suppression system.  This permit requires review and can take up to 14 days to issue.

Fireplaces, Woodburning Stoves, and Inserts: A permit is required for installing a zero-clearance fireplace, fireplace insert, pellet stove or similar devices. 

Furnaces:  A mechanical permit is required for installing, moving or replacing a furnace and/or heat pump.  A mechanical permit is also required for extending or replacing ductwork.  The mechanical permit application can be found HERE.  

Garages:  A permit is required for a new attached or detached garage.  A permit is also required for converting a garage into living space.  Both require review and can take up to 21 days to issue, depending on how complicated the plans are.  

Garden Fountains and Decorative Pools:   A permit is not required for installing or moving garden fountains or decorative pools (less than 24 inches deep).  A plumbing permit is required for installing or moving a garden hose bib or drinking fountain.  This permit can be issued in five minutes.  The plumbing permit application can be found HERE.

Gas Piping:  A mechanical permit is required for installing a new gas line or modifying an existing line for such items as barbecues, cook tops, and gas hot water tanks.  The mechanical permit application can be found HERE.

Home Business:  A permit is required for certain types of businesses conducted from a residence.  This permit requires review, and review time varies.  Other types of business-related work in a residence do not require a permit but may require Tax Office registration.  City Business License applications can be found HERE.

Home Security Systems:  A permit is required for installing a home intrusion alarm. A permit is not required for installing a wireless home security system with a plug-in transformer.

Interior-Only Remodels:  A permit is required for a remodel that changes the interior of the house, such as creating new walls or converting basements to living areas.  Most of the time this permit is issued with very little review time, subject to certain conditions.  If the project is more complicated, it requires review and can take up to 14 days to issue.

Landscaping Work:  A permit is not required for landscaping unless the total of amount of excavation or fill dirt exceeds 50 cubic yards or the total amount of earth disturbance exceeds 1,000 square feet or the subject property contains critical areas (steep slopes, wetlands, streams, etc).  If the thresholds are exceeded, the appropriate Public Works Permits must be obtained.  More information on Public Works permits can be found HERE.   Depending on whether the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is involved, additional involvement and review may be required by the Planning Department.  For questions about SEPA please visit the Planning Department's homepage.  

Irrigation Systems:  A permit is required for the backflow prevention device on a lawn or garden irrigation system.  This Public Works permit typically can be issued the next day after the application is received.  The installer must be on the state list of approved installers and have a City of Airway Heights Business License.  For new home construction, a backflow prevention device test must be performed and recorder with City Hall before a final Certificate of Occupancy may be obtained.

Low Voltage Systems:  A permit is not required for low voltage telephone or data lines.  In addition, a permit is not required for low voltage systems with plug-in transformers.

Mother-in-law Apartments:  Approval of an accessory dwelling unit is required.  For modifications to a residence to create an accessory unit, a building permit is required.  This review can take up to 21 days. 

Patios:  A permit is not required for on-grade patio installation or repair unless the earthwork is above certain thresholds.  See Landscaping Work above.

Pavers:  A permit is not required for installing driveway or garden pavers unless the earthwork is above certain thresholds.  See Landscaping Work above.

Retaining Walls:  A permit is required for retaining walls over four feet high, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall.  A building permit is not required for most walls made from precast blocks (depending on the manufacturer), although the work may require a clearing and grading permit.  This permit requires review and can take up to 14 to 63 days, depending on whether the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is involved.  See Landscaping Work above.

Roofing:  A permit is required for roofing projects that include installing new roofing material or modifying or replacing the sheathing.  This Building Permit typically can be issued the next day after the application is received. 

Satellite Dishes:  A permit is not required for installing a satellite dish 18 inches or less in diameter.  Larger dishes may require permits and will need to be reviewed by the City of Airway Heights Planning Department.

Siding:  A permit is required for the replacement of siding.  Review time is generally less than 7 days, but can vary.

Solar Panel Collectors:  A permit is required for installing or modifying solar panel collectors.  This permit requires review and takes about 21 days.

Spas and Saunas:  Most spas require only a mechanical and/or plumbing permit.  Typically this permit is issued by the next business day, subject to certain conditions.  If the project is more complicated, it requires review and can take up to 14 days. 

Storage Sheds, Play Houses and Gazeboes: A permit is required for a detached storage shed, playhouse or private gazebo with a floor area greater than 120 square feet.  This permit requires review and can take up to 14 days to issue.  Structures under 120 square feet of floor area do not require permits.

Swimming Pools and Swim Spas:  A permit is required for installing a swimming pool over 24 inches deep.  This permit requires a review period that varies.

 
Tree and Vegetation Removal:  A permit is required for removing certain trees and vegetation, subject to certain thresholds.  Some may be issued within a day; otherwise, the review takes about 14 to 63 days, depending on whether the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) is involved.  See Landscaping Work above.

Water Heaters/Furnaces:  A mechanical permit is required for replacing or moving an existing hot water heater or furnace.   This permit is typically issued by the following business day.  The mechanical permit application can be found HERE.