Benton County, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division

Street address

7122 W Okanogan Pl, Building B, Kennewick, WA 99336

Phone

509-786-5612

Planning.Department@co.benton.wa.us

Coverage

All unincorporated areas of Benton County.

Online portal

Benton County Website

In-person and mail submission

Additional resources

Benton County Planning Department ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Benton County

A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Benton County.

Scope of work

Permit?

Agricultural buildings may have different requirements

Exempt

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.

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.

Source: Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Contact Planning Department for timeline.

01

Contact Benton County Planning Department at 509-786-5612 to verify zoning and permit requirements for your property.
02

Determine if a Land Use Permit is required (varies by location and project type).
03

Prepare completed application forms, site plan showing property boundaries/structures/setbacks, construction documents, and parcel ID/legal description.
04

Submit application to Planning Department.
05

Planning Department reviews application and routes to other County departments as needed.
06

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).
07

Pay fees per Benton County fee schedule.
08

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 ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Benton County building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

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.

Appeals filed with Hearings Examiner within 14 days of decision (BCC 11.53.080).

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

509-786-5612 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Per permit instructions
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, during business hours

Typical sequence: Required inspections vary by project type and location. Separate inspections for septic and water systems conducted through Benton-Franklin Health District.

Source: Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Benton County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA? ▸

A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Benton County.

02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Benton County, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in unincorporated Benton County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA, follow these steps: 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).

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Benton County, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in unincorporated Benton County, WA typically run Contact Planning Department for timeline.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Benton County, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benton County, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Benton County, WA via: 509-786-5612. Per permit instructions.

last verified April 2026 source Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division ↗ entry id permits/washington/benton/unincorporated

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Benton County Community Development Department - Planning Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Unincorporated Benton County