PORT ANGELES — Small, detached garages will be added to the list of structures that don’t need a building permit in Clallam County.
The three county commissioners said Monday they would approve the exemption when they update the county’s building and construction code by ordinance at their business meeting today.
For a garage to qualify as exempt, it must be no larger than 400 square feet and it must meet code.
Multistory buildings and commercial structures are not exempt from the permit requirement, regardless of size.
Four proponents of the garage exemption made their case in a Nov. 30 public hearing, after which time the commissioners asked the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office to determine whether permit-exempt garages would expose the county to liability.
“The answer is maybe yes, maybe no,” said Chief Civil Deputy Prosecuting Attorney Doug Jensen.
“As a general rule, the liability should lie with the landowner, the contractor, the builder.”
Jensen said the exemption would be more of a code enforcement issue than a liability issue.
Sheds, playhouses
Exempted one-story detached buildings can be used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, agricultural buildings and, now, garages. They must have proper zoning setbacks and buffers.
Separate plumbing and electrical permits may be required. The county will not allow the exempted garages to be converted into living quarters.
Last summer, county officials considered tightening the building permit exemption to 200-square-foot structures.
The Permit Advisory Board and all 22 speakers at an Aug. 10 public hearing opposed the tighter exemption.
Last October, Clallam County Building Official Leon Smith showed commissioners images of buildings that violate the county code.
“When we started this discussion months ago, I was interested in a registry just to get a sense of what was going on,” Commissioner Steve Tharinger said.
“I think it’s important on the industry, and the folks who are doing this work, whether they’re consulting or helping with the design or actually building it, to keep track of this and see what goes on.
“I don’t think any of us want to get into a situation where there’s structures out there that are dangerous.”
Budget hearings
In other county news, the commissioners will hold two public hearings today on the proposed budget for 2011.
According to the draft budget, the county will use $1.43 million of a $9.5 million general fund reserve to balance the books.
The first hearing will begin shortly after 10:30 a.m. in the commissioners board room, Room 160, at the Clallam County Courthouse, 223 E. Fourth St.
The second hearing will begin at 6 p.m. in the same place. The after hours entrance is located off the Fourth Street between the two main entrances.
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Reporter Rob Ollikainen can be reached at 360-417-3537 or at rob.ollikainen@peninsuladailynews.com.