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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Ferry County
Building permit required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing, mechanical system installation, plumbing, accessory structures above 200 sq ft, and demolition.
One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft
Fences not over 6 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (from bottom of footing), not supporting a surcharge or adjacent to public way
Sidewalks and driveways at or near grade
Interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar nonstructural finish work
Window and door replacements in existing openings
Agricultural structures on bona fide farm properties (verify with county per RCW 19.27.065)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (from bottom of footing), not supporting a surcharge or adjacent to public way
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways at or near grade
- Exempt Interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar nonstructural finish work
- Exempt Window and door replacements in existing openings
- Exempt Agricultural structures on bona fide farm properties (verify with county per RCW 19.27.065)
Note: Work exempt from building permit may still require trade permits (electrical through L&I; septic through NETCHD). Shoreline, floodplain, and critical areas regulations may impose additional requirements. Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code may require ignition-resistant construction regardless of permit status. Contact build@co.ferry.wa.us if unsure.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings (floor plan, foundation plan, elevations)
- Project description
- Owner and contractor information
- Proof of contractor L&I registration
- Proof of contractor liability insurance and surety bond
- Building code
- Washington State Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024). Washington State Energy Code (2021 WSEC) applies.
- Permit validity
- Contact department for current permit validity period.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may act as their own contractor on their own property. Electrical work requires separate L&I electrical permit and inspection.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) per RCW 18.27. County verifies registration at permit issuance. Surety bond and general liability insurance required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Timeline varies by project complexity and concurrent planning reviews; contact department for estimates.
- 01 Determine permit type needed: Residential, Commercial, Mobile Home, Outbuilding, or Plumbing & Mechanical. Confirm whether project also requires a planning permit (shoreline, floodplain, critical areas).
- 02 Download application package from ferry-county.com or pick up in person at 147 N. Clark Ave., Suite 7.
- 03 Prepare supporting documents: site plan, floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, project description, owner/contractor information, and proof of contractor registration.
- 04 Verify design requirements: 40 PSF minimum snow load (55 PSF above 3,000 ft), 110 MPH wind speed, 30-inch frost depth, and severe weathering classification.
- 05 Check for additional permits: shoreline development, floodplain, critical areas, lot divisions, or variances.
- 06 Submit completed application package and documents in person or by mail to the department Monday-Thursday.
- 07 Department reviews plans for compliance with 2021 IBC/IRC, county building ordinance, energy code, and local regulations.
- 08 Permit issued upon approval. Post permit card visibly on job site.
- 09 Contact department at (509) 775-5225 ext. 3101 to schedule required inspections.
- 10 Request final inspection upon project completion. Certificate of Occupancy issued after passing final inspection.
Typical processing time: Timeline varies by project complexity and concurrent planning reviews; contact department for estimates.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Governed by Planning and Building Fees Ordinance 2022-01
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact department for specific amounts.
02
Plan check fee
Approximately 65% of building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Fees typically based on project valuation (ICC Building Valuation Data) or structure type and square footage. Plan review fees approximately 65% of building permit fee. Minimum fees apply.
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade
05
Reinspection fee
Applies if work fails inspection; governed by Ordinance 2022-01
Contact department at (509) 775-5225 ext. 3101 or build@co.ferry.wa.us for current fee estimates before submitting application.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Governed by Planning and Building Fees Ordinance 2022-01) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 775-5225, Extension 3101 (phone)
- build@co.ferry.wa.us (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Advance scheduling (1-2 business days or more) recommended given county's rural nature.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Fridays effective September 2025)
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation (before pour), slab (if applicable), framing/structural (before insulation), insulation (before drywall), mechanical rough-in (HVAC), plumbing rough-in (interior; septic inspected by NETCHD separately), final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Ferry County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Ferry County, WA? ▸
Building permit required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing, mechanical system installation, plumbing, accessory structures above 200 sq ft, and demolition.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Ferry County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Ferry County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact department for specific amounts.. Fees are calculated as: Fees typically based on project valuation (ICC Building Valuation Data) or structure type and square footage. Plan review fees approximately 65% of building permit fee. Minimum fees apply.. Plan check fee: Approximately 65% of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ferry County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Ferry County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine permit type needed: Residential, Commercial, Mobile Home, Outbuilding, or Plumbing & Mechanical. Confirm whether project also requires a planning permit (shoreline, floodplain, critical areas). 2. Download application package from ferry-county.com or pick up in person at 147 N. Clark Ave., Suite 7. 3. Prepare supporting documents: site plan, floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, project description, owner/contractor information, and proof of contractor registration. 4. Verify design requirements: 40 PSF minimum snow load (55 PSF above 3,000 ft), 110 MPH wind speed, 30-inch frost depth, and severe weathering classification. 5. Check for additional permits: shoreline development, floodplain, critical areas, lot divisions, or variances. 6. Submit completed application package and documents in person or by mail to the department Monday-Thursday. 7. Department reviews plans for compliance with 2021 IBC/IRC, county building ordinance, energy code, and local regulations. 8. Permit issued upon approval. Post permit card visibly on job site. 9. Contact department at (509) 775-5225 ext. 3101 to schedule required inspections. 10. Request final inspection upon project completion. Certificate of Occupancy issued after passing final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Ferry County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Ferry County, WA typically run Timeline varies by project complexity and concurrent planning reviews; contact department for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Ferry County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Ferry County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft; Fences not over 6 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (from bottom of footing), not supporting a surcharge or adjacent to public way; Sidewalks and driveways at or near grade; Interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar nonstructural finish work; Window and door replacements in existing openings; Agricultural structures on bona fide farm properties (verify with county per RCW 19.27.065). Note: Work exempt from building permit may still require trade permits (electrical through L&I; septic through NETCHD). Shoreline, floodplain, and critical areas regulations may impose additional requirements. Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code may require ignition-resistant construction regardless of permit status. Contact build@co.ferry.wa.us if unsure. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ferry County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Ferry County, WA via: (509) 775-5225, Extension 3101, build@co.ferry.wa.us. Advance scheduling (1-2 business days or more) recommended given county's rural nature..
last verified April 2026
source Ferry County Planning & Building Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/ferry/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Ferry County Planning & Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.