A lawsuit was filed by the Building Industry Association of Clark County and several individual builders as a class action seeking refunds from Clark County for allegedly charging more to building permit applicants than is authorized by the governing statute, RCW 82.02.020. In September, 2008, a trial court ruling agreed with the BIA of Clark County that certain portions of the fees were illegal. Subsequent to that ruling, a settlement was reached and approved by the court for a refund of the fee to the person or company who paid the fee.
As part of the settlement, a database needs to be created that identifies who is entitled to refunds. In order to be included in the refund distribution, potential recipients of refunds MUST complete the Claimant's Form located on a separate Web site. Claims can not be submitted on the Clark County Web site.
Public Notice (PDF - 15K)
Search tool for permit numbers
A search tool has been created to assist our customers in finding permits that may be eligible for a refund. Proceed to the search tool.
Who should make refund claims?
For the years 2002 through 2007, any person, company, or other entity that paid a building permit fee to Clark County for construction of a residential housing project (single family house, duplex, multi-family, or residential remodel) or for construction of a commercial building or commercial remodel/tenant improvement is eligible for a refund and should file a claim.
A separate claim is required for each separate building permit.
Only the person or entity that paid the building permit fee is eligible to file a claim refund.
All refund claims will be reviewed by the law firm representing the class and will also be verified by Clark County through county records.
To submit a claim, please go to this Web site: www.clarkcountybuildingpermitrefund.com/.
What if I have questions?
Questions should be directed to the law firm representing the class members:
Groen, Stephens & Klinge LLP
11100 NE. 8th Street, Suite 750
Bellevue, Washington 98004
(425) 453-6206
The primary contacts are John M. Groen and Kyla Lewis.
