Below is an overview of things to keep in mind as you go through the JARPA process.

• Before you start
• When you fill-in the JARPA
• What to expect after you submit your application
• New JARPA help feature
• Get help

 Before You Start

• Make sure you have a clear plan in mind for your project. Just like when you apply for a building permit, you must know what you plan to do before you start to fill out the application. This includes drawings with dimensions, etc. 

• Use the most current version of the JARPA. We will update the JARPA as needed so it is important for you to make sure you use the most current version. 

• Contact the local city or county government. Not all cities and counties accept the JARPA for their local shoreline permits.  Use the “Summary of Questions to Ask Local Government at www.epermitting.wa.gov. under the JARPA Form tab. This will save you from making multiple phone calls to your local government.

• Contact your local planning department. Find out if your project falls under the jurisdiction of the Critical Areas Ordinances and the National Flood Insurance Program. If it does you may be able to use the JARPA.

• Contact each agency making permitting decisions. Most agencies will require more information or materials not specifically required in the JARPA.  Early coordination with all of the regulatory agencies may prevent delays in the processing of your application. 

• Work with the local Fish and Wildlife Area Habitat Biologist (AHB) early in the process. They will help you identify any special constraints, habitat guidelines, or issues that may crop up during fish habitat and aquatic permit projects.  A list of AHB names and phone numbers is available online at www.wdfw.wa.gov/hab/ahb.

When You Fill-In the JARPA

• Make sure to check the box next to each permit you think you will need. You will need to send a signed copy of the application to all the agencies associated with the boxes you checked.

• If you need help figuring out which permit(s) you need see the Get Help section below.

• Be very detailed and specific; more information is better than less.

• Make sure your site maps and drawings are consistent with the written description you give on the application.

• Check out our on-line glossary for definitions of words that are new to you.  If you can’t find the word you are looking for, let us know and we will add it to the glossary.

• Please put N/A in any questions that do not apply to your project. Don’t just leave it blank

• Go to www.epermitting.wa.gov for helpful handouts, checklists and the resource library.  If you can’t find what you need, call us. We are happy to help.

• Use the help screens for every question, even if you don’t think you need to.

• Use the Checklist to make sure you have everything you need to submit a complete application package. If you think we should add something, let us know.

• While you only need to complete one application we do require original signatures for all of the applications you submit to each individual agency. This means you must first make copies of the application then sign each copy with your original signature. Agencies will not accept applications with a copied signature.

• Understand that when you sign the application, you give permission to the agencies that you are applying for a permit from the right to enter the property where your project is located. This is to inspect the proposed, in-progress, or completed work.  You also agree to start work ONLY after you get all of the necessary permits.

 What To Expect After You Submit Your Application

• Most agencies will require more information not specifically required on the application. It is not until they start the review process that they can find out what other information they need to make a decision about your permit.

• If you get a letter from an agency requesting more information, respond with a letter of acknowledgement as soon as possible. This will help prevent further delays.

• If changes are made to the project or site plans during the permitting process, send the updated information to each permitting agency. If you don’t, it may delay your permits, project construction or you may get a penalty.

• Call the ORA Information Center if you have any questions or concerns.  We are here to help you.

New JARPA Help Feature

The new electronic version of the JARPA has a great help screen feature for each question.  Each screen will give you instructions to help you create a complete application packet. To take advantage of this new feature you must have an Internet connection as you fill in the application.

We know the application is complicated so we have done our best to anticipate your questions in the help screens. We will update the help screens and the One-Stop E-Permitting Services Web site (www.epermitting.wa.gov) as new information becomes available. 

  Get Help