How do I get a building permit for a Washington construction project?

In order to get a building permit you will need to file a permit application with the city Planning Department in the municipality in the State of Washington where the project will occur. Most applications also require that you submit drawn plans showing the work that is to be done and pay a permit fee. Once the plan is approved, your building permit will be issued. If a building permit is required, you must get it before you start any work on your project.

CLICK THE LINKS TO YOUR CITY BELOW TO APPLY FOR A BUILDING PERMIT Some cities have a general building permit application, whereas others have separate permit applications for project type or for the different phases of construction. Not all cities have forms on their site and might only list a contact and phone number.

Bellevue	Bellingham	Everett
Federal Way	Kennewick	Kent
Lakewood	Renton	Seattle
Shoreline	Spokane	Tacoma
Vancouver	Yakima

What projects in Washington require a building permit?

Building regulations, including when a permit is required, are set by your local government. This means that they can vary from city to city throughout the state of Washington. However you will normally need a permit to construct, alter, enlarge, or demolish any structure. This includes remodeling and renovations, as well as accessory structures. Depending on your local regulations, you may need to get a permit to build a fence or detached garage. Basic repairs and finishing work like painting, carpeting, cabinet installment, and tiling will not usually need a permit. It is best to check with your local planning office to see if a permit is required before you begin any kind of construction work.

Is a building permit the only type of permit I need in Washington?

Depending on the nature of your proposed project, you may need to get other permits in Washington as well. These include electrical permits for electrical work, mechanical permits for the installment of heating and gas units, and plumbing permits for plumbing work and irrigation installment. Some things such as tank replacement, especially on commercial property, require special permits and approvals from the local fire department. Most of these permits can be applied for at the same time as your building permit in order to simplify the application process.

How much does a building permit in Washington generally cost?

Building permit fees in Washington are usually calculated based on the value of the construction, the size of the project, or a combination of these factors. Because of this, there is no set fee for a building permit. Your local Planning Department will have more information on how much the permit will cost for your specific project.  

Disclaimer: This site is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial or tax advise. The information on this site should not be relied upon as an official source of information and should be independently verified.