Get A Building Permit Before Re-Building
Release Date: January 28, 2008
Release Number: 1734-058
» More Information on Washington Severe Storms, Flooding, Landslides, and Mudslides
Lacey, Wash. -- Before considering new construction and repairs on property damaged by the severe storms, flooding, landslides and mudslides that occurred December 1-17, Washington residents are urged to consult local building officials to obtain building and/or floodplain development permits.
"Permits protect residents, their families and their communities by ensuring all proposed work complies with current codes and construction techniques," said Willie Nunn, the federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Residents are asked to start construction and repair only after they have received permits from their local building department. For information about obtaining a building permit, contact your local county office:
Clallam County, 360-417-2321
Grays Harbor County, 360-249-5579
King County, 206-296-6600
Kitsap County, 360-337-7181
Lewis County, 360-740-1146
Mason County, 360-427-9670 x352
Pacific County: Long Beach 360-642-9382, South Bend 360-875-9356
Snohomish County, 425-388-3311
Thurston County, 360-786-5490
Wahkiakum County, 360-795-3067
"Local permit offices can provide suggestions on how to better protect your home or business from future disaster-related damages," said Kurt Hardin, state coordinating officer for the recovery effort. "These offices can also provide consumers with information on selecting licensed contractors and advice on protecting yourself from unscrupulous contractors," he added.
For online information about hiring contractors and getting a permit:
- Washington Emergency Management Division, emd.wa.gov (After the Storm Resource Page)
- Washington Department of Labor and Industries, www.lni.wa.gov
To check out a contractor or report contractor fraud, contact:
- Better Business Bureau:
- alaskaoregonwesternwashington.bbb.org
- Phone: 206-431-2222
- Attorney General's Consumer Protection Hotline 800-551-4636
Rebuilding after a disaster presents an opportunity to reconstruct in a much safer, stronger and smarter way. Implementing mitigation measures now can reap savings in time and money. Mitigation advice is available on-line at the following sites: www.fema.gov, www.fema.gov/hazard/flood/coping.shtm, www.fema.gov/library/index.jsp and www.wadisasternews.com.
Information on the National Flood Insurance Program can be found by visiting www.floodsmart.gov.
FEMA coordinates the federal government's role in preparing for, preventing, mitigating the effects
of, responding to, and recovering from all domestic disasters, whether natural or man-made, including acts of terror.
Last Modified: Monday, 28-Jan-2008 18:29:44