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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pomeroy
A building permit is required for any project that will construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or for any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system installation or modification.
One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, where the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) that do not support a surcharge or impound liquids
Concrete or masonry sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, ventilation, or fire ratings — state threshold is $1,500 in total valuation within any 12-month period; does not cover electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
Fences within locally specified height limits
Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, where the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) that do not support a surcharge or impound liquids
- Exempt Concrete or masonry sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, ventilation, or fire ratings — state threshold is $1,500 in total valuation within any 12-month period; does not cover electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
- Exempt Fences within locally specified height limits
- Exempt Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
Note: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes, local zoning regulations, and setback requirements. The exemption only relieves the requirement to obtain a building permit; it does not authorize work that violates code. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of building permit exemptions. For historic properties in Pomeroy historic districts, a certificate of appropriateness or waiver from the historic commission must be obtained before a building permit can be issued.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application form
- Legal description of the property or street address and tax parcel number (required for projects exceeding $5,000)
- Property owner contact information
- Valuation of proposed work
- Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, and structure location
- Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, foundation/structural details) as required by adopted IBC Section 106
- Prime contractor's WA L&I registration number and contact information (if using a contractor)
- Description of intended use and occupancy
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024. Also adopted: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and 2021 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code with Washington amendments.
- Permit validity
- Applications are deemed abandoned after 180 days without permit issuance if not actively pursued. Permits expire if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance or is abandoned for 180 days. Extensions are available upon written request with justification.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may apply for their own permits without a contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing paid construction work in Washington must be registered with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under RCW 18.27. Registration requires active bonding ($30,000 for general contractors; $15,000 for specialty contractors as of July 1, 2024) and workers' compensation compliance. Verify contractor registration at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Variable; contact the Public Works office for a timeline estimate. Small departments may have limited availability.
- 01 Confirm the project address falls within Pomeroy city limits.
- 02 Determine the permit type needed: building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I.
- 03 Contact the Public Works office at (509) 843-3936 or pick up a permit application form at 1989 Columbia Street or City Hall (80 N. 7th Street).
- 04 Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction plans, contractor L&I registration number (if applicable), and project valuation.
- 05 Submit the completed application package in person at the Public Works office or City Hall.
- 06 The Building Inspector (Stan Warren) reviews the submission for code compliance with the adopted 2021 IBC and local zoning.
- 07 Pay assessed fees at permit issuance based on project valuation.
- 08 Upon approval, receive the permit card; post on-site during construction.
- 09 Contact Building Inspector Stan Warren at (509) 843-3853 to schedule required inspections at each construction phase.
- 10 Obtain a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.
Typical processing time: Variable; contact the Public Works office for a timeline estimate. Small departments may have limited availability.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Pomeroy building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Fees are calculated based on project valuation per IBC framework. Contact the Public Works office for current fee schedule and specific amounts.
Fees are assessed based on project valuation and paid at permit issuance. A Washington State surcharge applies to all building permits. Contact Mike Lockard at (509) 843-3936 or pom.superintendent@gmail.com for current fee schedule.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 843-3853 — Stan Warren, Building Inspector (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact the Building Inspector directly to schedule. Given the small department, advance notice is advised.
- Inspection hours
- Confirm current hours by calling (509) 843-3936. Typical City Hall hours are 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM, Monday–Friday.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: foundation/footing (before concrete is poured), framing (after rough framing, before insulation/sheathing), rough mechanical and plumbing (before walls are closed), insulation (if required), final inspection (all work complete).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pomeroy permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Pomeroy, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for any project that will construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or for any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system installation or modification.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Pomeroy, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Pomeroy, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees are calculated based on project valuation per IBC framework. Contact the Public Works office for current fee schedule and specific amounts..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pomeroy, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Pomeroy, WA, follow these steps: 1. Confirm the project address falls within Pomeroy city limits. 2. Determine the permit type needed: building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I. 3. Contact the Public Works office at (509) 843-3936 or pick up a permit application form at 1989 Columbia Street or City Hall (80 N. 7th Street). 4. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction plans, contractor L&I registration number (if applicable), and project valuation. 5. Submit the completed application package in person at the Public Works office or City Hall. 6. The Building Inspector (Stan Warren) reviews the submission for code compliance with the adopted 2021 IBC and local zoning. 7. Pay assessed fees at permit issuance based on project valuation. 8. Upon approval, receive the permit card; post on-site during construction. 9. Contact Building Inspector Stan Warren at (509) 843-3853 to schedule required inspections at each construction phase. 10. Obtain a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Pomeroy, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Pomeroy, WA typically run Variable; contact the Public Works office for a timeline estimate. Small departments may have limited availability.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pomeroy, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Pomeroy, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, where the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) that do not support a surcharge or impound liquids; Concrete or masonry sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, ventilation, or fire ratings — state threshold is $1,500 in total valuation within any 12-month period; does not cover electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work; Fences within locally specified height limits; Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems. Note: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes, local zoning regulations, and setback requirements. The exemption only relieves the requirement to obtain a building permit; it does not authorize work that violates code. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of building permit exemptions. For historic properties in Pomeroy historic districts, a certificate of appropriateness or waiver from the historic commission must be obtained before a building permit can be issued. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pomeroy, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pomeroy, WA via: (509) 843-3853 — Stan Warren, Building Inspector. Contact the Building Inspector directly to schedule. Given the small department, advance notice is advised..
last verified April 2026
source City of Pomeroy Public Works (Building Permits) ↗
entry id permits/washington/garfield/pomeroy
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Pomeroy Public Works (Building Permits) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.