Initial application for a building permit shall be made to the town clerk or designee on a form supplied by the town.

Minor construction may be determined to be exempt from a building permit, following the submission of an application to the town clerk on forms provided by the town and approval of such application by the mayor. Construction exempt from a building permit is that which total value as determined in Section 304(b) of the building code or as otherwise documented by the applicant does not exceed $1,500 and a contractor is not involved; or the construction of any fence; provided, that the construction or alteration does not involve any engineered structural components, or reduce existing egress, light, air and ventilation, or include electrical, plumbing or mechanical fixtures whose installation requires a licensed contractor. This exemption shall not otherwise exempt the construction or alteration from the substantive standards of the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031 as amended and maintained by the State Building Code Council under RCW 19.27.031.

Emergency construction may be undertaken prior to consideration of a building permit application by the building department upon approval by the mayor or the mayor's designee. Application for emergency construction shall be made to the town clerk on a form supplied by the town. Situations justifying emergency construction may include conditions which substantially endanger or impair the health or safety of the occupant(s), or deprive the occupant(s) of hot or cold water, heat, or electricity, or are imminently hazardous to life. Applicants applying for permission to proceed with emergency construction under this section remain subject to the requirement to promptly apply for a building permit through the town and to pay any fees or charges otherwise due. This exemption shall not otherwise exempt the construction or alteration from the substantive standards of the codes enumerated in RCW 19.27.031 as amended and maintained by the State Building Code Council under RCW 19.27.031.