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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Franklin County
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Franklin County. Permits remain valid indefinitely, but if work is not complete within a certain timeframe (contact county for specifics), inspection records and work sequencing may be required.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar uses: not exceeding 200 sq ft (residential/IRC) or 120 sq ft (commercial/IBC)
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 the dwelling or serving a required exit
Agricultural structures designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or horticultural products (not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar uses: not exceeding 200 sq ft (residential/IRC) or 120 sq ft (commercial/IBC)
- 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 the dwelling or serving a required exit
- Exempt Agricultural structures designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or horticultural products (not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging)
Note: Exempt from building permit does NOT mean exempt from zoning, planning, Critical Areas, or Shoreline regulations. Agricultural structure exemption has limits: any plumbing, heating, or 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 applicability with Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application form for your project type
- 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 (if contractor is being used)
- HVAC, water heater, and fireplace information (if applicable)
- Benton-Franklin Health District approval letter (required if project involves a septic/on-site sewage system)
- For commercial buildings, structures over 4,000 sq ft, or buildings with 5+ residential units: plans prepared by a Washington-licensed design professional
- Building code
- 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and Washington State Energy Code
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I contractor registration (RCW Chapter 18.27) before work begins. County business registration may be required; confirm with department.
Source: Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department (Planning and Building Division) ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Timeline varies by project complexity. Contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for estimate specific to your project.
- 01 Review the applicable application packet and checklist for your project type from franklincountywa.gov/263/Application-Forms. Available types: Detached Accessory Structure (over 200 sq ft), Addition, Remodel, Solar Panel Installation, Swimming Pool/Hot Tub, New single-family dwelling.
- 02 CRITICAL: Franklin County has an 'all or nothing' completeness policy. Incomplete applications will be DENIED, not held for revision. Ensure every item on your project's checklist is complete before submitting.
- 03 Gather all required documents: completed permit application, site plan (showing property boundaries, structure location, setbacks, distances to property lines), construction documents (floor plan, elevations, cross-sections), contractor L&I registration number, HVAC/water heater/fireplace information if applicable, Benton-Franklin Health District approval if septic involved.
- 04 Submit all materials as individual PDF files attached to email to permitsubmittal@FranklinCountyWA.gov. Multiple emails may be sent for one application if needed.
- 05 DO NOT use cloud-based file-sharing services (Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, etc.) -- applications sent via these services will be REJECTED.
- 06 County staff reviews for completeness. If all required items are present, the permit process moves forward. Determination letter will be sent.
- 07 Building, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees are NOT due at submittal -- they are due at permit issuance. Contact Building Division at 509-545-3522 for fee estimate in advance.
- 08 Permit issues after fees are paid. Permit and approved plans must be on job site during all construction.
Typical processing time: Timeline varies by project complexity. Contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for estimate specific to your project.
Source: Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department (Planning and Building Division) ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Franklin County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based fees per Franklin County fee schedule (specific dollar amounts not reproduced in this resource). Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees are not due until permit issuance.
Contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for a fee estimate for your specific project. Current fee schedule available at franklincountywa.gov/271/Building-Fees and /290/Fee-Schedule.
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 new construction sequence: foundation/footings, framing, insulation, MEP rough-ins (plumbing and mechanical with county; electrical with L&I), drywall/sheathing, final. Septic inspections handled separately by Benton-Franklin Health District.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Franklin County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Franklin County. Permits remain valid indefinitely, but if work is not complete within a certain timeframe (contact county for specifics), inspection records and work sequencing may be required.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Franklin County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Franklin County, 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 (specific dollar amounts not reproduced in this resource). Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees are not due until permit issuance..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Franklin County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Review the applicable application packet and checklist for your project type from franklincountywa.gov/263/Application-Forms. Available types: Detached Accessory Structure (over 200 sq ft), Addition, Remodel, Solar Panel Installation, Swimming Pool/Hot Tub, New single-family dwelling. 2. CRITICAL: Franklin County has an 'all or nothing' completeness policy. Incomplete applications will be DENIED, not held for revision. Ensure every item on your project's checklist is complete before submitting. 3. Gather all required documents: completed permit application, site plan (showing property boundaries, structure location, setbacks, distances to property lines), construction documents (floor plan, elevations, cross-sections), contractor L&I registration number, HVAC/water heater/fireplace information if applicable, Benton-Franklin Health District approval if septic involved. 4. Submit all materials as individual PDF files attached to email to permitsubmittal@FranklinCountyWA.gov. Multiple emails may be sent for one application if needed. 5. DO NOT use cloud-based file-sharing services (Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, etc.) -- applications sent via these services will be REJECTED. 6. County staff reviews for completeness. If all required items are present, the permit process moves forward. Determination letter will be sent. 7. Building, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees are NOT due at submittal -- they are due at permit issuance. Contact Building Division at 509-545-3522 for fee estimate in advance. 8. Permit issues 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 unincorporated Franklin County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Franklin County, WA typically run Timeline varies by project complexity. 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 unincorporated Franklin County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Franklin County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar uses: not exceeding 200 sq ft (residential/IRC) or 120 sq ft (commercial/IBC); 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 the dwelling or serving a required exit; Agricultural structures designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or horticultural products (not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging). Note: Exempt from building permit does NOT mean exempt from zoning, planning, Critical Areas, or Shoreline regulations. Agricultural structure exemption has limits: any plumbing, heating, or 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 applicability with Franklin County Building Division 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 unincorporated Franklin County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Franklin County, WA via: 509-545-3522.
last verified April 2026
source Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department (Planning and Building Division) ↗
entry id permits/washington/franklin/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department (Planning and Building Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.