County Building Permits
Benton County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated areas of Benton County.
- Department
- Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division
- Address
- 7122 W Okanogan Pl, Building B, Kennewick, WA 99336
- Phone
- 509-786-5612
- Website
- https://www.co.benton.wa.us
Online Permit Portal
Platform: In-person and mail submission • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Contact Benton County Planning Department at 509-786-5612 to verify zoning and permit requirements for your property.
- Determine if a Land Use Permit is required (varies by location and project type).
- Prepare completed application forms, site plan showing property boundaries/structures/setbacks, construction documents, and parcel ID/legal description.
- Submit application to Planning Department.
- Planning Department reviews application and routes to other County departments as needed.
- External approvals may be required from Benton-Franklin Health District (septic/food service), Washington State L&I (electrical), or Washington State Department of Health (water systems).
- Pay fees per Benton County fee schedule.
- Permit issuance after all approvals and recording (if required).
Typical processing time: Contact Planning Department for timeline.
Source: Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division
General Requirements
A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Benton County.
Required Documents
- Completed application forms
- Site plan showing property boundaries, existing structures, setbacks, and utilities
- Construction documents
- Parcel ID and legal description
- Building code
- 2021 IBC/IRC applies to unincorporated Benton County
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I registration required.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $100
- Permit fee formula
- Land Use Permit: $100 base fee. Building Permit: Based on valuation (contact Planning Department for specifics). Shoreline Substantial Development Permit: Fee varies. Recording Fees: Additional County recording fees for documents requiring recordation.
- Payment note
- Appeals filed with Hearings Examiner within 14 days of decision (BCC 11.53.080).
Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- 509-786-5612 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Per permit instructions
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, during business hours
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections vary by project type and location. Separate inspections for septic and water systems conducted through Benton-Franklin Health District.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC applies to unincorporated Benton County
- Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
- Benton County Comprehensive Plan
- Benton County Development Code (Title 11 BCC)
- Benton-Franklin Health District
- License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Benton County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA?
- A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Benton County.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Benton County, WA?
- The minimum permit fee is $100. Fees are calculated as: Land Use Permit: $100 base fee. Building Permit: Based on valuation (contact Planning Department for specifics). Shoreline Substantial Development Permit: Fee varies. Recording Fees: Additional County recording fees for documents requiring recordation..
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA?
- 1. Contact Benton County Planning Department at 509-786-5612 to verify zoning and permit requirements for your property. 2. Determine if a Land Use Permit is required (varies by location and project type). 3. Prepare completed application forms, site plan showing property boundaries/structures/setbacks, construction documents, and parcel ID/legal description. 4. Submit application to Planning Department. 5. Planning Department reviews application and routes to other County departments as needed. 6. External approvals may be required from Benton-Franklin Health District (septic/food service), Washington State L&I (electrical), or Washington State Department of Health (water systems). 7. Pay fees per Benton County fee schedule. 8. Permit issuance after all approvals and recording (if required).
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA?
- Typical processing time is Contact Planning Department for timeline..
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Benton County, WA?
- The following work is generally exempt: Agricultural buildings may have different requirements. Note: Contact Planning Department at 509-786-5612 for specific exemptions applicable to your property and project type.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benton County, WA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: 509-786-5612. Per permit instructions.
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