Do You Need a Permit to Replace Your Roof in Spokane or Coeur d'Alene?
Before the first shingle comes off, there's one piece of paperwork to sort out: the permit.
A roof replacement generally requires a permit in the City of Spokane and the City of Coeur d'Alene. The process depends on the property and scope, so the first step is confirming which building department has jurisdiction.
The Short Answer
The City of Spokane and the City of Coeur d'Alene each have their own permit process and inspection steps. If you live in another city, or outside city limits, check with your city or county before work starts. A good roofer will do this for you.
Roofing Permits in the City of Spokane
The City of Spokane's roofing guide sheet outlines inspections, existing roof layers, attic ventilation and other requirements. Confirm the current requirements for your particular project before work begins.
Layers
The city guide limits the finished roof to 2 roofing layers. A second layer is not automatically permitted: the existing condition, materials and applicable requirements must also allow the proposed recover.
Inspections
The city guide calls for at least 2 inspections. The timing differs between a tear-off and a recover, and a final inspection is required. The permit applicant is responsible for arranging them before work is covered.
Ice Barrier
The guide describes an ice barrier extending from the eave to at least 24 inches inside the exterior wall line. The required detail must be confirmed for the specific roof assembly.
Attic Ventilation
The inspector also checks for adequate attic ventilation.
Flat and Low-Slope Roofs
The city guide calls for an engineering report when a membrane roof is applied over an existing roof. That report does not replace the other eligibility, code or manufacturer requirements.
Skipping the Permit
The city warns that working without a permit can lead to fines and penalties. It's simpler to get the permit from the start.
Reroof Permits in Coeur d'Alene
The City of Coeur d'Alene's building FAQ says most reroof permits can be picked up over the counter. Inspections need to be scheduled at least one working day ahead. The exact inspections depend on the job, so we confirm the current requirements with the building department before work begins.
Contractor Registration in Idaho
Coeur d'Alene won't accept a building permit application without proof of Idaho contractor registration, unless the applicant is exempt, such as an owner working on their own property. Ask for the contractor's registration number and verify the current record with the state.
What About Spokane Valley, Spokane County and Post Falls?
Each has its own building department and rules. Check with the one that covers your property before work starts.
Why a Roofing Permit Matters
Inspections Catch Hidden Problems
Required inspections allow the building department to review applicable work at the required stages. Keep the work available for inspection and obtain the required approvals before covering it.
A Clean Record
Keep the permit and final inspection record with your proposal, photos and warranty documents. They provide a record of the work and approvals; they do not guarantee insurance coverage or replace the written warranty.
It Shows Who You Hired
A contractor who pulls permits puts their name on the job in public records.
How to Check Your Contractor
Washington: the Department of Labor & Industries' free "Verify a Contractor" tool shows active registration, bond and insurance.
Idaho: ask for the contractor's Idaho registration number and look it up with the state.
Our contractor guide has 10 questions to ask before you sign.
How We Handle Permits
For our roofing projects, we confirm required permits and inspections, coordinate them with the work and handle applicable manufacturer warranty registration. You receive project documentation, including photos before, during and after the work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I pull the roofing permit myself?
Owner-permit rules depend on the jurisdiction and circumstances. If you are hiring a contractor, agree on permit responsibility in writing. We handle required permits for our roofing work.
Do I need a permit for a small roof repair?
It depends on the city and the size of the job. Check with your city before work starts.
Can a new roof go over my old one?
Sometimes, if the existing roof and proposed assembly qualify. Layer count is only one part of that decision. We evaluate condition, moisture concerns, the supporting structure and applicable code and manufacturer requirements before recommending a recover.
Learn more about our Residential Roof Replacement service.
Planning a New Roof?
Tell us the property address and the work you are considering. We start with a free roof inspection and explain the recommended scope and required permit steps before you commit.
Or call (509) 842-6611.
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