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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Clallam County
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, manufactured home placement, mechanical work, demolition, and other specified work in unincorporated Clallam County.
Single-story detached tool sheds and playhouses under 400 sq ft, set back at least 6 feet from existing buildings
Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height without surcharge
Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade
Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches in depth and under 5,000-gallon capacity
- Exempt Single-story detached tool sheds and playhouses under 400 sq ft, set back at least 6 feet from existing buildings
- Exempt Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height without surcharge
- Exempt Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade
- Exempt Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches in depth and under 5,000-gallon capacity
Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable building codes.
Required documents
- Detailed scaled site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing structures, and proposed construction
- Foundation, floor, framing, and roof framing plans
- Prescriptive braced wall line locations with seismic and wind load calculations
- Four-direction elevations
- Structural cross sections and details
- Truss design documentation
- Washington State Energy Calculations (Single Family Prescriptive Worksheet)
- Proof of property ownership
- Proof of potable water availability
- Septic system documentation or proof of sewer connection
- Road Approach Permit (if applicable)
- Drainage plan
- Dungeness Water Rule mitigation certificate (if in designated Rule Area)
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Washington State Energy Code, all with WA amendments effective March 15, 2024. County Building & Construction code: Title 21, Clallam County Code.
- Permit validity
- Building permits remain valid for two years if work progresses continuously.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners or contractors may apply. Use the Authorized Agent Form when anyone other than the property owner is submitting an application.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with WA L&I. Permit applications must include contractor WA L&I registration number. Washington owner-builder exemption (RCW 18.27.090) applies for primary residences.
Source: Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog for plan review.
- 01 Contact the Planning Division (360-417-2420) to verify zoning, setbacks, and any applicable overlays (Critical Areas, Shoreline, etc.).
- 02 Check water and septic requirements. If not on a public water system, determine whether the Dungeness Water Rule applies. Confirm potable water availability and existing septic system status or sewer connection.
- 03 Obtain a 911 address if the property does not have one (contact Building Division).
- 04 Prepare required documents: detailed scaled site plan (1" = 20' to 1" = 200'), foundation/floor/framing/roof plans, prescriptive braced wall line locations with calculations, four-direction elevations, structural cross sections, truss design documentation, WA State Energy Calculations, proof of property ownership, proof of potable water availability, septic system documentation, Road Approach Permit (if applicable), drainage plan, Dungeness Water Rule mitigation certificate (if applicable), and Authorized Agent Form (if applicable).
- 05 Submit application via the Permit Portal at clallamcountywa-energovweb.tylerhost.net. All applications must be submitted online.
- 06 Pay plan review fee at application submission (separate from permit fee).
- 07 Planning Department conducts review ($75.00 fee) for new construction, additions, manufactured homes, and change of use.
- 08 Building Division reviews for code compliance. Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog.
- 09 Respond to any correction requests to maintain your place in queue.
- 10 Pay remaining fees (Planning review, building code, and permit fees) before permit issuance.
- 11 Permit and approved plans provided upon fee payment.
- 12 Post permit and plans on site throughout construction.
- 13 Schedule inspections via the Permit Portal or by calling 360-417-2318 before 7:30 AM on the inspection day. Daily routing posted by 9:00 AM.
- 14 Coordinate with Environmental Health (septic: 360-417-2506) and Public Works (drainage: 360-417-2379) before requesting final inspection.
- 15 All exterior elements, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors, exits, and guardrails must be installed before final inspection is approved.
Typical processing time: Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog for plan review.
Source: Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$50
02
Plan check fee
65% of the building permit fee, paid at plan submittal (separate from permit fee). Alternative: 35% administrative fee for private plan review in lieu of standard review.
03
Permit fee formula
Building, mechanical, and plumbing permit fees determined by Schedule 310-A with a minimum of $50.
04
Reinspection fee
$75.00 (charged if work is not ready or if permit/plans are not on-site at time of inspection)
05
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation fee for unpermitted work equals the full permit fee amount.
Annual CPI adjustment: Fees updated annually based on Consumer Price Index for West Region (CPI-U). Accepted payments: Cash, check, eCheck ($2.50 fee), credit card (3.95% fee, $2.50 minimum). Plan review fees due at application; remaining fees due before permit issuance.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permit Portal (online)
- (360) 417-2318 (phone)
- buildingapplications@clallamcountywa.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspection requests must be received by 7:30 AM on the day of the inspection.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (counter hours 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)
- Time windows
- Daily routing posted by 9:00 AM via the Permit Portal.
Typical sequence: Residential typical sequence: Footing and walls, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Framing/air seal, Energy (insulation and vapor barrier), Pre-final (coordinate with Environmental Health and Public Works), Final.
Source: Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Clallam County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clallam County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, manufactured home placement, mechanical work, demolition, and other specified work in unincorporated Clallam County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clallam County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Clallam County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $50. Fees are calculated as: Building, mechanical, and plumbing permit fees determined by Schedule 310-A with a minimum of $50.. Plan check fee: 65% of the building permit fee, paid at plan submittal (separate from permit fee). Alternative: 35% administrative fee for private plan review in lieu of standard review..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clallam County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clallam County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact the Planning Division (360-417-2420) to verify zoning, setbacks, and any applicable overlays (Critical Areas, Shoreline, etc.). 2. Check water and septic requirements. If not on a public water system, determine whether the Dungeness Water Rule applies. Confirm potable water availability and existing septic system status or sewer connection. 3. Obtain a 911 address if the property does not have one (contact Building Division). 4. Prepare required documents: detailed scaled site plan (1" = 20' to 1" = 200'), foundation/floor/framing/roof plans, prescriptive braced wall line locations with calculations, four-direction elevations, structural cross sections, truss design documentation, WA State Energy Calculations, proof of property ownership, proof of potable water availability, septic system documentation, Road Approach Permit (if applicable), drainage plan, Dungeness Water Rule mitigation certificate (if applicable), and Authorized Agent Form (if applicable). 5. Submit application via the Permit Portal at clallamcountywa-energovweb.tylerhost.net. All applications must be submitted online. 6. Pay plan review fee at application submission (separate from permit fee). 7. Planning Department conducts review ($75.00 fee) for new construction, additions, manufactured homes, and change of use. 8. Building Division reviews for code compliance. Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog. 9. Respond to any correction requests to maintain your place in queue. 10. Pay remaining fees (Planning review, building code, and permit fees) before permit issuance. 11. Permit and approved plans provided upon fee payment. 12. Post permit and plans on site throughout construction. 13. Schedule inspections via the Permit Portal or by calling 360-417-2318 before 7:30 AM on the inspection day. Daily routing posted by 9:00 AM. 14. Coordinate with Environmental Health (septic: 360-417-2506) and Public Works (drainage: 360-417-2379) before requesting final inspection. 15. All exterior elements, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors, exits, and guardrails must be installed before final inspection is approved.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clallam County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Clallam County, WA typically run Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog for plan review.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clallam County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Clallam County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Single-story detached tool sheds and playhouses under 400 sq ft, set back at least 6 feet from existing buildings; Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height without surcharge; Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade; Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches in depth and under 5,000-gallon capacity. Note: Exempt work must still comply with applicable building codes. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clallam County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clallam County, WA via: Permit Portal, (360) 417-2318, buildingapplications@clallamcountywa.gov. Inspection requests must be received by 7:30 AM on the day of the inspection..
last verified April 2026
source Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗
entry id permits/washington/clallam/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.