Washington, MO - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

The Building & Engineering Department manages permits, inspections, and code enforcement for the city, overseeing infrastructure planning and public-works coordination. 【0†source】citeturn6view0

Department

City of Washington Building & Engineering Department. 【0†source】citeturn6view0

Address

405 Jefferson St, Washington, MO 63090. 【0†source】citeturn6view0

Phone

(636) 390-1000 (City Hall). 【0†source】citeturn6view0

Email

permitting@washmo.gov for permit inquiries. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Website

https://www.washmo.gov/. 【0†source】citeturn6view0

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create/log in to SmartGov, complete the permit application, and attach required plans that comply with the 2021 International Building Code and 2020 National Electric Code. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
2. The city reviews the submitted package; plan review typically takes 2-3 weeks, longer if additional information is requested. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
3. Once approved, pay the invoice link sent from SmartGov, which unlocks the permit for download and site posting. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
4. Schedule inspections by phone (636-390-1010 for building, 636-390-1030 for water/sewer) at least by 3 PM the business day before the desired date; no inspections occur until the invoice is paid. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Typical processing time: Plan review is estimated at 2-3 weeks (longer when information is missing). 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Source: City of Washington Building & Engineering Department. 【0†source】citeturn6view0

General Requirements

Projects that fall under the International Building Code and NEC (new construction, expansions, significant alterations) must be submitted through SmartGov before work begins. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Required Documents

• When a permit is required: Projects that fall under the International Building Code and NEC (new construction, expansions, significant alterations) must be submitted through SmartGov before work begins. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
• Required documents: Fully completed SmartGov application and attached code-compliant plans (2021 IBC and 2020 NEC); the portal emphasizes complete submissions to avoid delays. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
• Permit validity/expiration: Not published; contact permitting staff through SmartGov. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
• Owner-builder rules if available: Not published. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
• Contractor license requirements: The portal refers to licensing@washmo.gov for licensing questions, implying contractors must hold the required city business licenses. 【0†source】citeturn5view0
• Building code adopted: 2021 International Building Code, 2020 National Electric Code (per portal). 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Permit validity

Not published; contact permitting staff through SmartGov. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Building code

2021 International Building Code, 2020 National Electric Code (per portal). 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Owner-builder

Not published. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Contractor requirements

The portal refers to licensing@washmo.gov for licensing questions, implying contractors must hold the required city business licenses. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Not specified on the portal; refer to the ordinance. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Plan check fee

Not separately listed. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Permit fee formula

Not specified; ordinance dictates valuation-based rates. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Reinspection fee

Not listed on the portal; consult ordinance. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Payment note

SmartGov sends a permit invoice by email; fees must be paid there before inspections can be scheduled. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the City of Washington Building & Engineering Department. 【0†source】citeturn6view0 to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Call 636-390-1010 (building) or 636-390-1030 (water/sewer), and request your inspection by 3 PM the business day before it is needed. 【0†source】citeturn5view0 ()

Inspection hours

Inspectors do not work on City Hall-observed holidays listed on the portal. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Typical inspection sequence: Not listed; follow the sequence the plan reviewer outlines and confirm via the portal. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2020 National Electric Code (per portal). 【0†source】citeturn5view0
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• The municipal code link ( is provided on the homepage for zoning and ordinance reference. 【0†source】citeturn6view0
• License lookup guide: Missouri Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Missouri Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Missouri hub: Missouri Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Washington Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Washington, MO?

Projects that fall under the International Building Code and NEC (new construction, expansions, significant alterations) must be submitted through SmartGov before work begins. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

How much does a building permit cost in Washington, MO?

The minimum permit fee is Not specified on the portal; refer to the ordinance. 【0†source】citeturn5view0. Fees are calculated as: Not specified; ordinance dictates valuation-based rates. 【0†source】citeturn5view0. Plan check fee: Not separately listed. 【0†source】citeturn5view0.

How do I apply for a building permit in Washington, MO?

1. Create/log in to SmartGov, complete the permit application, and attach required plans that comply with the 2021 International Building Code and 2020 National Electric Code. 【0†source】citeturn5view0 2. The city reviews the submitted package; plan review typically takes 2-3 weeks, longer if additional information is requested. 【0†source】citeturn5view0 3. Once approved, pay the invoice link sent from SmartGov, which unlocks the permit for download and site posting. 【0†source】citeturn5view0 4. Schedule inspections by phone (636-390-1010 for building, 636-390-1030 for water/sewer) at least by 3 PM the business day before the desired date; no inspections occur until the invoice is paid. 【0†source】citeturn5view0

How long does it take to get a building permit in Washington, MO?

Typical processing time is Plan review is estimated at 2-3 weeks (longer when information is missing). 【0†source】citeturn5view0.

What work is exempt from building permits in Washington, MO?

The following work is generally exempt: No public exempt-work list is published on the portal; applicants should verify with the Building & Engineering Department. 【0†source】citeturn5view0.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Washington, MO?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Call 636-390-1010 (building) or 636-390-1030 (water/sewer), and request your inspection by 3 PM the business day before it is needed. 【0†source】citeturn5view0.