County Building Permits
Clark County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All unincorporated properties outside city limits in Clark County.
- Department
- Clark County Community Development - Permit Center
- Address
- Clark County Public Service Center, 1300 Franklin Street, Vancouver, WA 98666
- Phone
- 564-397-4078
- Website
- https://permits.clark.wa.gov/
Online Permit Portal
Platform: LMS Online • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only
Application Process
- Verify jurisdiction using Clark County GIS Property Information Tool. Visit Clark County Maps Online, search by address or parcel number, click 'Property Information Center', review jurisdiction field.
- Submit application through Clark County Permit Portal.
- Create account.
- Upload documents (site plan, construction drawings, calculations).
- Pay fees.
- Monitor status online.
- Schedule inspections when permit issued.
Typical processing time: Simple permits: 1-4 weeks; Major projects: 4-12 weeks
General Requirements
A building permit is required for all construction work in unincorporated Clark County.
Required Documents
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Engineering calculations
- As required by the permit portal
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code (IBC with WA amendments), 2021 Washington State Residential Code, Washington State Energy Code. Adopted codes enforced for unincorporated areas.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I registration required. Electrical permits through WA State L&I. If property is within city limits of any incorporated city, that city's permits are required instead of county permits.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Based on project valuation; similar structure to incorporated areas
- Payment note
- Fee schedule available through Permit Center
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- One-story detached accessory buildings 200 sq ft or less (no plumbing/electrical/mechanical)
- Minor repairs
- Certain agricultural structures
Important: Contact Permit Center to verify specific exemptions. Tiny homes/ADUs may be permitted as primary dwelling or guest house; hardship affidavit available for circumstantial permits (annual renewal required).
Inspections
How to Schedule
- Permit portal (online)
- 564-397-4078 (phone)
Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, Final inspection
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (IBC with WA amendments), 2021 Washington State Residential Code, Washington State Energy Code. Adopted codes enforced for unincorporated areas.
- Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
- GIS Property Tool
- Clark County Maps Online
- License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Clark County Community Development - Permit Center before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Clark County Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, WA?
- A building permit is required for all construction work in unincorporated Clark County.
- How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Clark County, WA?
- Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation; similar structure to incorporated areas.
- How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, WA?
- 1. Verify jurisdiction using Clark County GIS Property Information Tool. Visit Clark County Maps Online, search by address or parcel number, click 'Property Information Center', review jurisdiction field. 2. Submit application through Clark County Permit Portal. 3. Create account. 4. Upload documents (site plan, construction drawings, calculations). 5. Pay fees. 6. Monitor status online. 7. Schedule inspections when permit issued.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Clark County, WA?
- Typical processing time is Simple permits: 1-4 weeks; Major projects: 4-12 weeks.
- What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Clark County, WA?
- The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings 200 sq ft or less (no plumbing/electrical/mechanical); Minor repairs; Certain agricultural structures. Note: Contact Permit Center to verify specific exemptions. Tiny homes/ADUs may be permitted as primary dwelling or guest house; hardship affidavit available for circumstantial permits (annual renewal required).
- How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Clark County, WA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: Permit portal, 564-397-4078.
Need help with your project?
Navigating permits in Unincorporated Clark County can be complicated.
Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.
Learn how Jaspector works