• FreeAdvice has a new Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, effective May 25, 2018.
    By continuing to use this site, you are consenting to our Terms of Service and use of cookies.

Fees and Fines for not getting building permit

Accident - Bankruptcy - Criminal Law / DUI - Business - Consumer - Employment - Family - Immigration - Real Estate - Tax - Traffic - Wills   Please click a topic or scroll down for more.

sadiegirl

Junior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington


We built a garage on our property about 8 years ago and we did not get a building permit because we were told we did not need one for a garage. Now we found out that we were supposed to have gotten a building permit. Is there a statute of limitations on building permits in the state of Washington? How long do they have to come back and charge us for this building permit? Can they charge us fines for not getting the permit? Or if they do not find that our structure is ok, can they make us tear it down?What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?
 


HomeGuru

Senior Member
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)? Washington


We built a garage on our property about 8 years ago and we did not get a building permit because we were told we did not need one for a garage.

**A: who told you that? Did the building department tell you that?


###########

Now we found out that we were supposed to have gotten a building permit. Is there a statute of limitations on building permits in the state of Washington?



**A: no



#########
How long do they have to come back and charge us for this building permit?


**A: there is no time limit in this case.


###########
Can they charge us fines for not getting the permit?



**A: yes.


########
Or if they do not find that our structure is ok, can they make us tear it down?



**A: yes they can make you tear it down.


#####
What is the name of your state (only U.S. law)?


**A: I suggest you talk to the people that know the law.
 

Cedrus

Member
I would think the Building Dept website would have lots of Q&A about your situation. How did this surface? Did you go to the BD and see about improvements? Did BD come over as the result of a complaint to see about the garage? Did a local contractor tell you that you needed a permit for the original construction. Or for some improvements?

When you signed a contract for the garage, did it say "Permits to be obtained by homeowner" or similar? Or: "Permits included"?

Eventually you will probably have to deal with the BD. Sound out some local contractors/house builders, and find out which inspectors are reasonable and which are real jerks.

You might make an app't to see the head of the building department and chat about your problem.

You might not have to tear down the garage, just bring it up to current code. You will have to pay for a permit, but perhaps the fines will be minor. Talk to the head of the BD.

Lastly, did you have plans to improve the garage with another room or bath or ????
 

Find the Right Lawyer for Your Legal Issue!

Fast, Free, and Confidential
data-ad-format="auto">
Top