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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clarkston
Permits are required for most construction projects in Clarkston, including new construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, window and siding replacement, fences over 7 feet, decks attached to dwellings, electrical work, mechanical and plumbing work, and demolition.
Fences 7 feet or less in height
Detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door
Detached accessory structures less than 200 square feet (garden sheds, tool sheds, playhouses)
Painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Patio and concrete slabs at ground grade
Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, or ventilation, with valuation not exceeding $1,500 in any 12-month period (does not apply to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)
Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from footing bottom to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids
- Exempt Fences 7 feet or less in height
- Exempt Detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door
- Exempt Detached accessory structures less than 200 square feet (garden sheds, tool sheds, playhouses)
- Exempt Painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Patio and concrete slabs at ground grade
- Exempt Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, or ventilation, with valuation not exceeding $1,500 in any 12-month period (does not apply to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)
- Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from footing bottom to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids
Note: Exempt work must still comply with building code and local zoning requirements such as setbacks and height limits. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of these exemptions.
Required documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, and structure location
- Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, foundation plan)
- Plot plan
- Contractor registration number (if using a contractor)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may apply for their own permits for work on their primary residence (owner-builder), subject to applicable code limitations.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and must maintain active bonding and workers' compensation compliance.
Source: Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Time varies by project complexity; contact the Building Inspector at (509) 758-9046 for estimates.
- 01 Verify the project address falls within Clarkston city limits using the Asotin County Parcel Map.
- 02 Determine permit type (building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination).
- 03 Prepare required submittal documents including site plan, construction plans, and contractor registration number.
- 04 Submit application in person at City Hall (829 5th Street) or through the IWorQ online portal.
- 05 City staff review plans for compliance with adopted codes and local zoning.
- 06 Pay invoiced plan-check and application fees.
- 07 Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required.
- 08 Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance.
Typical processing time: Time varies by project complexity; contact the Building Inspector at (509) 758-9046 for estimates.
Source: Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Clarkston building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Typically assessed as a percentage of the building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Fees are calculated via a buildings and construction permit fee matrix based on project valuation, referencing fee structures aligned with the International Building Code and International Residential Code.
Contact the Building Department at (509) 758-9046 for a current fee estimate. A State surcharge is also collected on all permits.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 758-9046 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Confirm advance notice requirements by phone.
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Typical residential inspection stages: footing/foundation, framing, insulation, rough mechanical/plumbing, final inspection.
Source: Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Clarkston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Clarkston, WA? ▸
Permits are required for most construction projects in Clarkston, including new construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, window and siding replacement, fences over 7 feet, decks attached to dwellings, electrical work, mechanical and plumbing work, and demolition.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Clarkston, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Clarkston, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees are calculated via a buildings and construction permit fee matrix based on project valuation, referencing fee structures aligned with the International Building Code and International Residential Code.. Plan check fee: Typically assessed as a percentage of the building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Clarkston, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Clarkston, WA, follow these steps: 1. Verify the project address falls within Clarkston city limits using the Asotin County Parcel Map. 2. Determine permit type (building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination). 3. Prepare required submittal documents including site plan, construction plans, and contractor registration number. 4. Submit application in person at City Hall (829 5th Street) or through the IWorQ online portal. 5. City staff review plans for compliance with adopted codes and local zoning. 6. Pay invoiced plan-check and application fees. 7. Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required. 8. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Clarkston, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Clarkston, WA typically run Time varies by project complexity; contact the Building Inspector at (509) 758-9046 for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Clarkston, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Clarkston, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Fences 7 feet or less in height; Detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door; Detached accessory structures less than 200 square feet (garden sheds, tool sheds, playhouses); Painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Patio and concrete slabs at ground grade; Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, or ventilation, with valuation not exceeding $1,500 in any 12-month period (does not apply to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical); Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from footing bottom to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids. Note: Exempt work must still comply with building code and local zoning requirements such as setbacks and height limits. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of these exemptions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Clarkston, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Clarkston, WA via: (509) 758-9046. Confirm advance notice requirements by phone..
last verified April 2026
source Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston ↗
entry id permits/washington/asotin/clarkston
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.