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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Chelan County
Building permits required for most construction projects in unincorporated Chelan County.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 200 square feet
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity limitations apply)
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Prefabricated swimming pools (less than 24 inches deep)
Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 200 square feet
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity limitations apply)
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools (less than 24 inches deep)
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
Note: Work exempt per Section 105 of IRC/IBC. Even when permits are not required, work must comply with applicable codes and zoning regulations. Contact Chelan County Community Development at (509) 667-6225 to confirm specific exemptions.
Required documents
- Completed application forms
- Site plans
- Building plans
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments; Washington State Energy Code, as adopted by Washington State Building Code Council
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project type and complexity.
- 01 Contact Chelan County Community Development at (509) 667-6225 to discuss your project and determine applicable permits
- 02 Determine if property is in a Critical Areas Overlay District (geologically hazardous areas, wetlands, fish/wildlife habitat, critical aquifer recharge areas, or frequently flooded areas)
- 03 If property is in an affected water mitigation basin (Entiat Basin WRIA 46, Lake Chelan Basin WRIA 47, or Wenatchee Basin subbasins), gather evidence of water supply adequacy or arrange mitigation credit purchase
- 04 Prepare completed application forms
- 05 Prepare site plans and building plans
- 06 Submit application and supporting documents to Chelan County Community Development
- 07 Pay applicable fees
- 08 County processes application and conducts plan review
- 09 Obtain permit upon approval
Typical processing time: Varies by project type and complexity.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Chelan County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Based on International Code Council Building Valuation Data Sheet. Building official's determination of valuation is final. Plan Review Fees: 65% of building permit fee, paid at time of submitting submittal documents.
03
Reinspection fee
$150 (after two inspections, based on two hours)
04
Penalty (no permit)
Doubled (twice the applicable fee) for work started without required permits, stop work orders, or code enforcement action
Inspections with no specific fee: $75/hour (minimum 1 hour). Additional plan review for changes/additions/revisions: $75/hour (minimum 2 hours). Outside consultants for plan checking/inspections: Actual costs.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 667-6225 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Chelan County Community Development to schedule inspections.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footings, Framing, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Electrical rough-in (L&I), Insulation, Final inspection. Inspection rights include review of all applicable county permits, comparison of actual work with approved methods, and recording of violations.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Chelan County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Chelan County, WA? ▸
Building permits required for most construction projects in unincorporated Chelan County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Chelan County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Chelan County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on International Code Council Building Valuation Data Sheet. Building official's determination of valuation is final. Plan Review Fees: 65% of building permit fee, paid at time of submitting submittal documents.. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chelan County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Chelan County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact Chelan County Community Development at (509) 667-6225 to discuss your project and determine applicable permits 2. Determine if property is in a Critical Areas Overlay District (geologically hazardous areas, wetlands, fish/wildlife habitat, critical aquifer recharge areas, or frequently flooded areas) 3. If property is in an affected water mitigation basin (Entiat Basin WRIA 46, Lake Chelan Basin WRIA 47, or Wenatchee Basin subbasins), gather evidence of water supply adequacy or arrange mitigation credit purchase 4. Prepare completed application forms 5. Prepare site plans and building plans 6. Submit application and supporting documents to Chelan County Community Development 7. Pay applicable fees 8. County processes application and conducts plan review 9. Obtain permit upon approval
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Chelan County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Chelan County, WA typically run Varies by project type and complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Chelan County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Chelan County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) under 200 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity limitations apply); Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Prefabricated swimming pools (less than 24 inches deep); Swings and other playground equipment. Note: Work exempt per Section 105 of IRC/IBC. Even when permits are not required, work must comply with applicable codes and zoning regulations. Contact Chelan County Community Development at (509) 667-6225 to confirm specific exemptions. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chelan County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Chelan County, WA via: (509) 667-6225. Contact Chelan County Community Development to schedule inspections..
last verified April 2026
entry id permits/washington/chelan/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Chelan County Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.