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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Mesa
A building permit is required for most construction within the Town of Mesa. Permits follow Franklin County standards.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses): up to 200 sq ft (residential) or 120 sq ft (commercial)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (not supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons
Decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not attached to dwelling or serving a required exit
Agricultural structures (farm implements, hay, grain storage, livestock): if not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses): up to 200 sq ft (residential) or 120 sq ft (commercial)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (not supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not attached to dwelling or serving a required exit
- Exempt Agricultural structures (farm implements, hay, grain storage, livestock): if not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging
Note: Agricultural structure exemption has limits: plumbing, heating, and electrical work within the structure requires a permit from L&I or the county. All electrical work goes through Washington State L&I regardless of building permit exemption status. Confirm exemption with Franklin County at 509-545-3522 before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form
- Site plan showing property boundaries, structure location, setbacks, and distances to property lines
- Construction documents: floor plan, elevations, cross-sections
- Contractor information and Washington State L&I registration number
- HVAC, water heater, and fireplace information (if applicable)
- Benton-Franklin Health District approval (if project involves septic system)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), and Washington State Energy Code
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I contractor registration (RCW Chapter 18.27). County business registration may be required; confirm with department.
Source: Franklin County Planning and Building Department (via Town of Mesa) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Timeline varies; contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for estimate specific to your project.
- 01 Contact Town Hall at 509-265-4253 to confirm zoning classification and whether the project is within Mesa's town limits or adjacent unincorporated county.
- 02 Review the applicable application packet and checklist for your project type from franklincountywa.gov/263/Application-Forms.
- 03 Important: Franklin County has an 'all or nothing' completeness policy. Incomplete applications will be DENIED, not held for revision. Ensure all checklist items are complete before submitting.
- 04 Complete all application forms and gather required documents (site plan, construction documents, contractor L&I registration number, HVAC/water heater info if applicable).
- 05 Submit all materials as individual PDF files to permitsubmittal@FranklinCountyWA.gov. Do NOT use cloud-based file-sharing services (applications will be rejected).
- 06 County staff reviews for completeness. Once deemed complete, permit process moves forward.
- 07 Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees are not due until permit issuance. Contact Building Division at 509-545-3522 for fee estimate.
- 08 Permit issued after fees are paid. Permit and approved plans must be on job site during all construction.
Typical processing time: Timeline varies; contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for estimate specific to your project.
Source: Franklin County Planning and Building Department (via Town of Mesa) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Mesa building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based fees per Franklin County fee schedule. Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees not due until permit issuance.
Contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for fee estimate. Specific dollar amounts available on county website at franklincountywa.gov/271/Building-Fees.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- 509-545-3522 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (office); 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (permit pickup)
Typical sequence: Typical residential sequence: foundation/footings, framing, insulation, MEP rough-ins (plumbing and mechanical with county; electrical with L&I), drywall/sheathing, final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Mesa permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Mesa, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction within the Town of Mesa. Permits follow Franklin County standards.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Mesa, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Mesa, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fees per Franklin County fee schedule. Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees not due until permit issuance..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mesa, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Mesa, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact Town Hall at 509-265-4253 to confirm zoning classification and whether the project is within Mesa's town limits or adjacent unincorporated county. 2. Review the applicable application packet and checklist for your project type from franklincountywa.gov/263/Application-Forms. 3. Important: Franklin County has an 'all or nothing' completeness policy. Incomplete applications will be DENIED, not held for revision. Ensure all checklist items are complete before submitting. 4. Complete all application forms and gather required documents (site plan, construction documents, contractor L&I registration number, HVAC/water heater info if applicable). 5. Submit all materials as individual PDF files to permitsubmittal@FranklinCountyWA.gov. Do NOT use cloud-based file-sharing services (applications will be rejected). 6. County staff reviews for completeness. Once deemed complete, permit process moves forward. 7. Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees are not due until permit issuance. Contact Building Division at 509-545-3522 for fee estimate. 8. Permit issued after fees are paid. Permit and approved plans must be on job site during all construction.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Mesa, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Mesa, WA typically run Timeline varies; contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for estimate specific to your project.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Mesa, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Mesa, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses): up to 200 sq ft (residential) or 120 sq ft (commercial); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (not supporting surcharge or impounding liquids); Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons; Decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not attached to dwelling or serving a required exit; Agricultural structures (farm implements, hay, grain storage, livestock): if not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging. Note: Agricultural structure exemption has limits: plumbing, heating, and electrical work within the structure requires a permit from L&I or the county. All electrical work goes through Washington State L&I regardless of building permit exemption status. Confirm exemption with Franklin County at 509-545-3522 before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mesa, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mesa, WA via: 509-545-3522.
last verified April 2026
source Franklin County Planning and Building Department (via Town of Mesa) ↗
entry id permits/washington/franklin/mesa
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin County Planning and Building Department (via Town of Mesa) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.