Longview, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department

Street address

Longview City Hall, 1525 Broadway Street, Longview, WA 98632

Phone

(360) 442-5086

permits@ci.longview.wa.us

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Longview.

Online portal

Longview Online Permits Portal

Online portal for select permits

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Longview

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of Longview.

Note: Longview has FEWER exemptions than standard IRC Section 105.2. Subsections 1, 2, 4, 6, and 12 of Section 105.2 are deleted, meaning those exemptions do not apply in Longview. Swings and other playground equipment have amended language. Always verify with Building Division before starting work without a permit.

Required documents

Completed permit application forms
Plans and specifications (where required)
Proof of contractor registration with Washington State L&I
Current City of Longview business license
Payment of plan review fees

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Fire Code; Washington State Energy Code
Permit validity: All permits are valid for 180 days from date of issuance (except electrical which is valid for 365 days). An inspection must be performed every 180 days to keep permit active.
Owner-builder: Homeowners may obtain permits for work on their own property.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I and have a current City of Longview business license filed with Community Development Department.

Source: Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Residential: 2-4 weeks for complex projects; 5-10 business days for simpler projects. Commercial: 3-5 weeks typical; smaller projects 2-3 weeks.

01

Determine your permit type. Eligible 'One Stop' permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, re-roofs, window replacements, fences/sheds) may be applied for online.
02

Projects requiring plan review must submit paper applications to the Building Division.
03

For online permits: Create an account and submit application through the Longview Online Permits Portal.
04

For paper permits: Submit to the Building Division counter, by mail, or courier with completed application, plans, specifications, contractor registration proof, and City business license.
05

Pay plan review fee at time of submittal. Plan review fee is 65% of permit fee for residential, 70% for commercial.
06

Building Division reviews application for completeness and performs plan review (2-4 weeks typical for residential, 3-5 weeks for commercial).
07

Pay remaining permit fees upon approval and before beginning work.

Typical processing time: Residential: 2-4 weeks for complex projects; 5-10 business days for simpler projects. Commercial: 3-5 weeks typical; smaller projects 2-3 weeks.

Source: Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Longview building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

Valuation-based

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee for residential; 70% for commercial (paid at time of application submittal)

Permit fee formula

Residential: Based on new square footage or project valuation. Commercial: Based on valuation of work (labor and materials) or contractor's bid price before tax.

Reinspection fee

Applies for incomplete work or corrections not made

Payment methods: Cash, checks, or credit/debit cards (except American Express). Note: Effective January 13, 2025, 3% convenience fee applies to all card transactions. Make checks payable to 'City of Longview'. Residential permits include $6.50 State fee for first living unit plus $2 per unit over one. Commercial permits include $25.00 State fee for first unit plus $2 per dwelling unit over one.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(360) 442-5090 (24/7 inspection request line) (phone)
Longview Online Permits Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline: Inspections requested by 6:30 AM may be done that afternoon if scheduling allows. Afternoon requests may not be scheduled until following day. Recommended: 24-hour advance scheduling.
Inspection hours: Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed Fridays and Federal Holidays)

Typical sequence: Various stages of inspections depending on project type. Final inspection required for all permits. Re-inspection fees apply for incomplete work or corrections not made.

Source: Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Longview permits

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

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of Longview.

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

Building permit fees in Longview, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Valuation-based. Fees are calculated as: Residential: Based on new square footage or project valuation. Commercial: Based on valuation of work (labor and materials) or contractor's bid price before tax.. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee for residential; 70% for commercial (paid at time of application submittal).

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

To apply for a building permit in Longview, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine your permit type. Eligible 'One Stop' permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, re-roofs, window replacements, fences/sheds) may be applied for online. 2. Projects requiring plan review must submit paper applications to the Building Division. 3. For online permits: Create an account and submit application through the Longview Online Permits Portal. 4. For paper permits: Submit to the Building Division counter, by mail, or courier with completed application, plans, specifications, contractor registration proof, and City business license. 5. Pay plan review fee at time of submittal. Plan review fee is 65% of permit fee for residential, 70% for commercial. 6. Building Division reviews application for completeness and performs plan review (2-4 weeks typical for residential, 3-5 weeks for commercial). 7. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval and before beginning work.

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

Building permit processing times in Longview, WA typically run Residential: 2-4 weeks for complex projects; 5-10 business days for simpler projects. Commercial: 3-5 weeks typical; smaller projects 2-3 weeks.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Longview, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Longview, WA via: (360) 442-5090 (24/7 inspection request line), Longview Online Permits Portal. Inspections requested by 6:30 AM may be done that afternoon if scheduling allows. Afternoon requests may not be scheduled until following day. Recommended: 24-hour advance scheduling..

last verified April 2026 source Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department ↗ entry id permits/washington/cowlitz/longview

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

City of Longview

Other jurisdictions in Cowlitz County.