Roofing Permits and Regulations in Auburn: A Simple Guide for Homeowners

First off, the important thing homeowners should know is that when you hire a quality roofing contractor, they will handle the roofing permits and regulations in Auburn for your project. But if you’re interested in learning more and ensuring that your contractor is handling the project well, spend some time exploring the requirements for your roofing project.

Reading information from your local jurisdiction can be confusing. We explain everything you need to know about roofing permitting in simple, jargon-free language to guide you in the project.

Why You Need a Roofing Permit

When you own a home, it might seem silly to require that you contact your municipality for permission to upgrade your roof when it’s a crucial element in protecting your home. However, permits help protect homeowners and the community in which they live.

By requiring a permit for roofing, your municipality can ensure that the contractor is meeting all building codes, which help promote safety and structural integrity. Plus, they’ll protect the environment by guiding contractors to do the right thing when it comes to disposal of old materials.

Building projects in Auburn, Washington, are governed by the City’s Building Department and the 2021 International Building Codes (IBC). 

Installing a new roof without a permit – even if you choose to do the work yourself – could lead to a host of problems, including:

• A stop-work order
• Fines
• Issues getting insurance on your home
• Problems selling your home

Knowing when you need a permit for work to take place on your home is a crucial first step in any home improvement project.

When a Permit is Required for Roofing Work

You must have a permit to do roofing work on a home or building when:

• Replacing more than one layer of roofing material
• Repairing structural components of the roof, such as decking or sheathing
• Switching out one roofing material for another, such as asphalt shingles for a metal roof
• Updates to the roof are part of a larger remodeling or structural project
• You’re adding solar panels weighing more than four pounds per square foot, which impacts the total weight on the roof

If any of these sound like the project you’re about to start, you’ll need to work with the Auburn Building Department to verify code compliance.

When You Typically Don’t Need a Roofing Permit

Not all projects involving your home’s roof require that you have a permit. Instead, you can rest assured that your project won’t typically need a permit if it falls under these circumstances.

• Minor repairs, such as patching a few singles
• Re-roofing with similar materials and no structural changes, such as adding another layer of shingles over the existing or removing only the shingles and not the underlayment. Note that neither of these practices is recommended to get the full life from your shingle.
• Gutter cleaning, moss removal from roofing or other aesthetic improvements

If you’re unsure whether your roofing project might require a permit, it’s wise to reach out to the Auburn Building Department to check as the time investment will be well worth it. You don’t want to find out too late that you needed a permit and now face fines or delays.

The Process for Getting a Roofing Permit in Auburn, Washington

Applying for a permit in Auburn is now digital and handled through MyBuildingPermit.com. This makes it easier for some homeowners to get permits as they don’t have to call or visit a municipal office during business hours. Here’s a look at the multi-step process for getting a roofing permit.

1. Define the Project

Spend some time reviewing what you’ll be doing during your roofing project. Consider whether you are replacing or repairing the roof. If you’re replacing it, will it use the same or different materials. Then evaluate whether the project impacts your primary dwelling space or a detached space, such as a garage or shed. You might also need to know whether the project involves weather damage. Documenting this information before starting the permit process can help speed things up.

2. Apply Online

Create your login information for MyBuildingPermit.com and follow these steps.

• Choose: Apply for a Permit
• Find your Auburn jurisdiction
• Under the project type, select roofing
• Complete the application. If you’ll be using a contractor, you’ll use their name. Alternatively, you can input building-owner or DIY if you plan to complete the project yourself.
• Upload required plans, photos and project specifications

3. Pay Fees

The cost for a roofing permit in Auburn will vary based on the project size, though most cost $100-$250. If you’re making structural changes to the roof though, the permit fee will likely exceed that range. You can pay the fee online once your application receives approval.

4. Await Review

Typical turnaround times for residential permits in the City of Auburn are generally 3-10 business days. However, more complex projects could take longer to review and receive approval on.

Risks of Completing a Roofing Project on Your Own

While the City of Auburn allows homeowners to complete their own roofing projects, it strongly recommends hiring a licensed, bonded and insured contractor. The state requires that all roofing contractors register with the Department of Labor and Industries, which makes it easy for homeowners to verify licenses using verify a contractor website.

Risks of DIY roofing projects include: 

• Safety hazards, including falls, injuries from tools, heat exhaustion and electrical hazards in homes with overhead electrical wires.
• Improper installation, such as not using proper materials based on your area’s weather or poorly installing flashing or ventilation.
• Building code violations, which can lead to stop orders, failed inspections, and more cost than you would have faced had you completed the project yourself.
• A lack of warranties and guarantees since most building material manufacturers require that a certified professional install the materials to get the full warranty.
• Unexpected costs, such as the need to buy or rent equipment, the cost of disposing of old materials, emergency repairs should you install the roof incorrectly, the cost of hiring a contractor to fix or finish the project later.
• Insurance liability if a friend, family member or neighbor helps you install the roof and gets hurt in the process. You could be on the hook for paying their medical bills since they would be acting as an unlicensed construction worker.
• Time and stress as a roofing project can take many days when doing it yourself. And your project might be delayed due to weather. Unfinished work could leave your home susceptible to damage, which could increase the total cost of the project.

Work with the Experts Who Handle the Permits for You

When you work with 2FL, Windows, Siding and Roofing, you can rest assured that we are certified, licensed and insured contractors. We’ll handle all permitting required for your project. We’ll protect your finances by handling the liability side of a new roof. Plus, because we’re certified installers, you’ll get the best manufacturer warranty and the 2FL installation warranty for your new roof. Schedule your free no no-obligation estimate now. We’ll gladly answer your questions about the permitting process or what you can expect when getting a new roof, while walking you through the process.

Further Reading:

• How to Choose the Right Roofing Contractor – 5 Main Advices
• Cost to Replace Siding: Budgeting for Your Home Renovation
• Average Cost of a New Roof: What to Expect
• Benefits of Hiring a Professional Siding Contractor
• Commercial Remodeling in Seattle WA, and the Surrounding Area