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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kennewick
A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Kennewick.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft
Temporary land uses not exceeding 10 days (may require business license)
Certain minor repairs (verify with Building Department)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft
- Exempt Temporary land uses not exceeding 10 days (may require business license)
- Exempt Certain minor repairs (verify with Building Department)
Note: Contact Building Department for verification of specific projects.
Required documents
- Completed New Single Family Residential application (if applicable)
- Plot plan showing 1 inch = 20 feet scale, sidewalk, curb, proposed curb cut, sewer/water services
- Two or more sets of construction plans
- Building elevations
- Foundation plan
- Floor plan with rooms labeled
- Cross-section showing foundation, floor joists, wall framing, ceiling joists
- Stairway detail (if applicable)
- Braced wall panel locations
- Truss reactions and truss layout
- Compliance with Washington State Energy Code
- Building code
- 2021 IBC with Washington State amendments
- Permit validity
- 18 months from issuance; expires if work not commenced or inspections not requested within this period.
- Contractor requirements
- Valid Washington State L&I contractor registration required; business license required for all contractors conducting business in Kennewick.
Source: Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 10 business days for complete submittals.
- 01 Contact Building Safety Division at 509-585-4276 to discuss project specifics.
- 02 Prepare required documents including completed application, plot plan (1 inch = 20 feet scale), and construction plans.
- 03 Submit application and documents to Building Safety Division.
- 04 Building Department conducts plan review, typically completed within 10 business days for complete submittals.
- 05 Pay permit fee at permit issuance.
- 06 Obtain physical permit and approved plans; both must be on-site during construction.
Typical processing time: Approximately 10 business days for complete submittals.
Source: Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kennewick building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$23.50
02
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee (due at submittal for commercial)
03
Permit fee formula
Based on Table 1-A valuation: $1-$500: $23.50; $501-$2,000: $23.50 + $3.05 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $69.25 + $14 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $391.25 + $10.10 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $643.75 + $7 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $993.75 + $5.60 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,233.75 + $4.75 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+: $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- CSS Portal (online)
- 509-585-4276 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- As specified on permit; typically 24-48 hours notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, during business hours
Typical sequence: Required inspections typically include: foundation, framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical (L&I), and final inspection.
Source: Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kennewick permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kennewick, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Kennewick.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kennewick, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Kennewick, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $23.50. Fees are calculated as: Based on Table 1-A valuation: $1-$500: $23.50; $501-$2,000: $23.50 + $3.05 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $69.25 + $14 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $391.25 + $10.10 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $643.75 + $7 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $993.75 + $5.60 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,233.75 + $4.75 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+: $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee (due at submittal for commercial).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kennewick, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kennewick, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact Building Safety Division at 509-585-4276 to discuss project specifics. 2. Prepare required documents including completed application, plot plan (1 inch = 20 feet scale), and construction plans. 3. Submit application and documents to Building Safety Division. 4. Building Department conducts plan review, typically completed within 10 business days for complete submittals. 5. Pay permit fee at permit issuance. 6. Obtain physical permit and approved plans; both must be on-site during construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Kennewick, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Kennewick, WA typically run Approximately 10 business days for complete submittals.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Kennewick, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Kennewick, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft; Temporary land uses not exceeding 10 days (may require business license); Certain minor repairs (verify with Building Department). Note: Contact Building Department for verification of specific projects. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kennewick, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kennewick, WA via: CSS Portal, 509-585-4276. As specified on permit; typically 24-48 hours notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/washington/benton/kennewick
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.