On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Sequim
A building permit is required for new residential construction, additions, alterations, manufactured homes, re-roofing, propane tanks, water heaters, heat pumps, and other specified work.
One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft
Residential decks, platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade (meeting setback requirements)
Fences 7 feet or less in height
Like-for-like fixture replacements with no structural or systems impact
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft
- Exempt Residential decks, platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade (meeting setback requirements)
- Exempt Fences 7 feet or less in height
- Exempt Like-for-like fixture replacements with no structural or systems impact
Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes.
Required documents
- Site plan
- Floor plans
- Elevations
- Energy calculations
- Structural details
- Building Design Criteria compliance documentation
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code (which incorporates 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 UPC, and Washington State Energy Code) plus local amendments per Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 15.04. Effective March 15, 2024.
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work does not commence within a specified period or if construction is abandoned. Check the permit for the specific expiration date.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowner/owner-builder applications accepted per WA state rules (RCW 18.27.090).
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with WA L&I. Permit applications must include the contractor's WA L&I registration number.
Source: Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Approximately 6-8 weeks. Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits available for residential mechanical, re-roof, residential solar, demolition, and residential plumbing permits without standard lengthy plan review cycle.
- 01 Review Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 and the Building and Permitting Division website to confirm requirements for your project.
- 02 Download the appropriate checklist from the Permitting & Land Use Resources and Checklists page (sequimwa.gov/1194). Checklists available for new construction, residential remodel, garage conversion, manufactured home, commercial tenant improvement, demolition, and others.
- 03 Gather all required documents per the project-specific checklist. Typical requirements include site plan, floor plans, elevations, energy calculations, and structural details.
- 04 Create a portal account at cityofsequimwa-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice. Contractors recommended to use a shared business email for team access.
- 05 Submit application online via the Sequim Permitting Portal, following the portal prompts. All applications are electronic.
- 06 Pay plan review fees due at plan submittal (separate from permit fee).
- 07 Building Department reviews applications in order received after plan review fees are paid. Current review time: approximately 6-8 weeks. Most plans also go through Planning and Engineering review.
- 08 Respond promptly to any correction requests to avoid losing your place in queue.
- 09 Permit issued once review is complete and all fees are paid.
- 10 Post permit and approved plans on site during construction.
- 11 Schedule inspections via the portal by noon the day prior to the requested date. No inspections on Mondays or holidays.
- 12 Request final inspection upon project completion. CO issued upon approval of all required inspections.
Typical processing time: Approximately 6-8 weeks. Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits available for residential mechanical, re-roof, residential solar, demolition, and residential plumbing permits without standard lengthy plan review cycle.
Source: Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Paid at plan submittal, separate from the permit fee.
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation and type. See Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 3.68 (Rates and Fees).
03
Penalty (no permit)
RCW 19.27 provides for penalties for unpermitted work.
Payments made through the Sequim Permitting Portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Sequim Permitting Portal (online)
- buildingdept@sequimwa.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be submitted by noon the day prior to the requested date.
- Inspection hours
- Available through the portal.
- Time windows
- Typical inspection window approximately 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (varies by inspector routing).
Typical sequence: Typical residential sequence: Foundation, Shear-nailing (framing stage), Drywall/wall insulation, Final inspection.
Source: Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Sequim permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Sequim, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for new residential construction, additions, alterations, manufactured homes, re-roofing, propane tanks, water heaters, heat pumps, and other specified work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Sequim, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Sequim, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation and type. See Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 3.68 (Rates and Fees).. Plan check fee: Paid at plan submittal, separate from the permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Sequim, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Sequim, WA, follow these steps: 1. Review Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 and the Building and Permitting Division website to confirm requirements for your project. 2. Download the appropriate checklist from the Permitting & Land Use Resources and Checklists page (sequimwa.gov/1194). Checklists available for new construction, residential remodel, garage conversion, manufactured home, commercial tenant improvement, demolition, and others. 3. Gather all required documents per the project-specific checklist. Typical requirements include site plan, floor plans, elevations, energy calculations, and structural details. 4. Create a portal account at cityofsequimwa-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice. Contractors recommended to use a shared business email for team access. 5. Submit application online via the Sequim Permitting Portal, following the portal prompts. All applications are electronic. 6. Pay plan review fees due at plan submittal (separate from permit fee). 7. Building Department reviews applications in order received after plan review fees are paid. Current review time: approximately 6-8 weeks. Most plans also go through Planning and Engineering review. 8. Respond promptly to any correction requests to avoid losing your place in queue. 9. Permit issued once review is complete and all fees are paid. 10. Post permit and approved plans on site during construction. 11. Schedule inspections via the portal by noon the day prior to the requested date. No inspections on Mondays or holidays. 12. Request final inspection upon project completion. CO issued upon approval of all required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Sequim, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Sequim, WA typically run Approximately 6-8 weeks. Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits available for residential mechanical, re-roof, residential solar, demolition, and residential plumbing permits without standard lengthy plan review cycle.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Sequim, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Sequim, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft; Residential decks, platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade (meeting setback requirements); Fences 7 feet or less in height; Like-for-like fixture replacements with no structural or systems impact. Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Sequim, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Sequim, WA via: Sequim Permitting Portal, buildingdept@sequimwa.gov. Inspection requests must be submitted by noon the day prior to the requested date..
last verified April 2026
source Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/clallam/sequim
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.