On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Richland
A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Richland.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft (IRC) / 120 sq ft (IBC)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
Oil derricks
Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door
Amusement devices and structures
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft (IRC) / 120 sq ft (IBC)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Oil derricks
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
- Exempt Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door
- Exempt Amusement devices and structures
Note: All electrical permits handled by Washington State L&I (not City of Richland). Plumbing exemptions per adopted plumbing code.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application
- Construction documents
- Statement of special inspections
- Geotechnical report (if applicable)
- Two or more sets of documents
- Building code
- 2021 IBC/IRC with Richland amendments
- Contractor requirements
- Valid City of Richland business license required. Valid Washington State L&I contractor registration required. All contractors and subcontractors must be registered before commencing work.
Source: Development Services Division - Building/Permitting ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 7-10 business days for plan review.
- 01 Schedule a pre-application conference (required for most commercial projects, recommended for complex residential).
- 02 Prepare construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report (if applicable).
- 03 Submit two or more sets of construction documents prepared by Washington-licensed design professional where required.
- 04 Development Services conducts plan review: 7-10 business days for residential and commercial projects (may vary based on complexity).
- 05 Pay permit fee at permit issuance.
- 06 Approved plans must be maintained on jobsite during construction.
Typical processing time: 7-10 business days for plan review.
Source: Development Services Division - Building/Permitting ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Richland building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
No fee for residential (single-family, two-family, accessory buildings). Commercial: 65% of building permit fee (payable at first submittal). Additional plan review for changes/revisions per fee schedule.
02
Permit fee formula
Based on Table 1-A from 1997 Uniform Building Code with annual updates. Valuation based on Building Valuation Data from ICC Building Safety Journal. Fee is greater of: valuation from Supplemental Table 1-B OR declared valuation from applicant.
Mechanical permits: 25% of mechanical permit fee if separate from building permit. Plumbing permits: 25% of plumbing permit fee if separate from building permit. Manufactured/Mobile Home Installation: $300 per installation.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 509-942-7565 (phone)
- Development Services Portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- 48-hour notice required
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, during business hours
Typical sequence: Required inspections vary by project type; typically include foundation, framing, MEP rough, and final inspection.
Virtual inspections available via Zoom for residential construction (pilot program).
Source: Development Services Division - Building/Permitting ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Richland permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Richland, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Richland.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Richland, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Richland, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on Table 1-A from 1997 Uniform Building Code with annual updates. Valuation based on Building Valuation Data from ICC Building Safety Journal. Fee is greater of: valuation from Supplemental Table 1-B OR declared valuation from applicant.. Plan check fee: No fee for residential (single-family, two-family, accessory buildings). Commercial: 65% of building permit fee (payable at first submittal). Additional plan review for changes/revisions per fee schedule..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Richland, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Richland, WA, follow these steps: 1. Schedule a pre-application conference (required for most commercial projects, recommended for complex residential). 2. Prepare construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report (if applicable). 3. Submit two or more sets of construction documents prepared by Washington-licensed design professional where required. 4. Development Services conducts plan review: 7-10 business days for residential and commercial projects (may vary based on complexity). 5. Pay permit fee at permit issuance. 6. Approved plans must be maintained on jobsite during construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Richland, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Richland, WA typically run 7-10 business days for plan review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Richland, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Richland, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft (IRC) / 120 sq ft (IBC); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids); Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Oil derricks; Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door; Amusement devices and structures. Note: All electrical permits handled by Washington State L&I (not City of Richland). Plumbing exemptions per adopted plumbing code. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Richland, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Richland, WA via: 509-942-7565, Development Services Portal. 48-hour notice required.
last verified April 2026
source Development Services Division - Building/Permitting ↗
entry id permits/washington/benton/richland
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development Services Division - Building/Permitting before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.