West Richland, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community Development Department - Building Department

Street address

3100 Belmont Blvd, West Richland, WA 99353

Phone

509-967-5902

public.works@westrichland.org

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of West Richland.

Online portal

West Richland Form Center

Form Center (In-person and mail submission)

Website

Department website

Additional resources

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for West Richland

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of West Richland.

Scope of work

Permit?

One-story detached residential accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft

Exempt

Fences not over 7 feet high (zoning review still required)

Exempt

Decks not more than 30 inches above grade

Exempt

Oil derricks

Exempt

Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids)

Exempt

Water tanks on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons; height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1)

Exempt

Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade

Exempt

Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door

Exempt

Exempt One-story detached residential accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft
Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high (zoning review still required)
Exempt Decks not more than 30 inches above grade
Exempt Oil derricks
Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids)
Exempt Water tanks on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons; height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1)
Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
Exempt Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door

Note: Annual permits not issued in West Richland.

Required documents

Completed building permit application
Submittal checklist
Construction documents (2+ sets)
Site plan
Plans stamped by Washington-licensed professional (where required)

Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC with West Richland amendments
Contractor requirements: Valid West Richland business license required. Valid Washington State L&I contractor registration required (RCW Chapter 18.27).

Source: Community Development Department - Building Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Residential and commercial review time varies; contact Building Department for specifics.

01

Schedule a pre-application conference (required for all projects requiring City Permit Application except single-family dwellings and duplexes). Held every Thursday afternoon with Technical Review Committee.
02

Prepare pre-application package including preliminary site plan, floor plan, and written narrative.
03

Submit completed building permit application, submittal checklist, and two or more sets of construction documents.
04

Pay plan review fees (due at time of submittal).
05

Building Department and planning staff conduct plan review.
06

Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance after all approvals.

Typical processing time: Residential and commercial review time varies; contact Building Department for specifics.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

West Richland building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$25.85

Plan check fee

60% of building permit fee (due at submittal for both residential and commercial). Additional plan review for changes: $85/hour (minimum 1/2 hour). Outside consultants: cost of service + 15% administrative fee.

Permit fee formula

Based on Table 1-A valuation: $1-$500: $25.85; $501-$2,000: $25.85 + $3.35 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $76.10 + $15.40 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $430.30 + $11.11 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $708.05 + $7.70 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $1,093.05 + $6.15 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,553.05 + $5.25 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+: $6,178.05 + $3.50 per additional $1,000

Reinspection fee

$100 per inspection

Technology Surcharge: 2% of permit fee (minimum $2). Inspections Outside Normal Hours: $130/hour (minimum 1 hour). Stop Work Order: Double building permit and plan review fee. Manufactured/Mobile Home: $600. Residential Re-Roof: $150. Swimming Pool (5,000+ gallons or 24"+depth): Based on project value. Commercial Mechanical Permit: $100. Commercial Plumbing Permit: $100. Fire Sprinkler/Alarm Permit: Based on Table 1-A valuation + 60% plan review. Residential Impact Fees: Single Family $3,195 (2025)/$3,285 (2026); Multi-Family $2,575 (2025)/$2,650 (2026). Grading Permits: 49 cu yards or less $23.50; 50-100 cu yards $37.00; 101-1,000 cu yards $37.00 + $17.50 per additional 100; 1,001-10,000 cu yards $194.50 + $14.50 per additional 1,000; 10,001-100,000 cu yards $325.00 + $66.00 per additional 10,000.

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

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

509-967-5902 (phone)

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

Typical sequence: Required inspections: Foundation, framing, MEP rough, insulation, drywall, final.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about West Richland permits

01 Do I need a building permit in West Richland, WA? ▸

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of West Richland.

02 How much does a building permit cost in West Richland, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in West Richland, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.85. Fees are calculated as: Based on Table 1-A valuation: $1-$500: $25.85; $501-$2,000: $25.85 + $3.35 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $76.10 + $15.40 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $430.30 + $11.11 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $708.05 + $7.70 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $1,093.05 + $6.15 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,553.05 + $5.25 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+: $6,178.05 + $3.50 per additional $1,000. Plan check fee: 60% of building permit fee (due at submittal for both residential and commercial). Additional plan review for changes: $85/hour (minimum 1/2 hour). Outside consultants: cost of service + 15% administrative fee..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in West Richland, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in West Richland, WA, follow these steps: 1. Schedule a pre-application conference (required for all projects requiring City Permit Application except single-family dwellings and duplexes). Held every Thursday afternoon with Technical Review Committee. 2. Prepare pre-application package including preliminary site plan, floor plan, and written narrative. 3. Submit completed building permit application, submittal checklist, and two or more sets of construction documents. 4. Pay plan review fees (due at time of submittal). 5. Building Department and planning staff conduct plan review. 6. Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance after all approvals.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in West Richland, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in West Richland, WA typically run Residential and commercial review time varies; contact Building Department for specifics.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in West Richland, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in West Richland, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached residential accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft; Fences not over 7 feet high (zoning review still required); Decks not more than 30 inches above grade; Oil derricks; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or III-A liquids); Water tanks on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons; height-to-diameter ratio not exceeding 2:1); Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door. Note: Annual permits not issued in West Richland. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in West Richland, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in West Richland, WA via: 509-967-5902. Per permit instructions.

last verified April 2026 source Community Development Department - Building Department ↗ entry id permits/washington/benton/west-richland

Report a correction

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

City of West Richland

Other jurisdictions in Benton County.