Unincorporated Garfield County

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.

• 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 include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Exempt Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
• Exempt Fences within locally specified height limits

Note: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes and county zoning and setback requirements. Exemptions do not authorize code-violating work. Agricultural buildings used exclusively for farm purposes on working farms may qualify for broader exemptions under RCW 19.27.040 and the adopted codes — confirm with the Building Division before proceeding with any agricultural construction. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of building permit exemptions above.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), and Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), all with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024.

Permit validity

Applications and permits follow the adopted IBC provisions for permit expiration and renewal.

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/.

Source: Garfield County Building and Planning Division (under Public Works) ↗

1. 01
   Confirm the property is in unincorporated Garfield County (outside Pomeroy city limits). Refer to the Urban Growth Boundary map at https://www.garfieldcountywa.gov/buildingplanning/page/urban-growth-boundary-city-pomeroy.
2. 02
   Determine permit type: building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I.
3. 03
   Download the applicable permit application form from https://www.garfieldcountywa.gov/buildingplanning/page/building-permit-applications.
4. 04
   Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction plans, WA L&I contractor registration number, energy code documentation, and septic/sewer confirmation if applicable.
5. 05
   Determine any prerequisite approvals needed, such as zoning compliance, SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review, or other land use approvals. Contact the Planning Division to confirm.
6. 06
   Submit the completed application package in person at 300 S. 19th Street, Pomeroy, Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
7. 07
   Building Inspector Paul Strohbehn reviews submitted plans for compliance with adopted codes.
8. 08
   Fees are assessed based on project valuation and paid at permit issuance.
9. 09
   Upon approval, receive the permit card; post on-site during construction.
10. 10
    Notify the building official at (509) 843-1301 or (509) 382-4676 to schedule required inspections at each construction phase.
11. 11
    Obtain a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact the Building Division at (509) 843-1301 for a timeline estimate. The county has a single building inspector serving all unincorporated areas.

Source: Garfield County Building and Planning Division (under Public Works) ↗

Building permit fee structure: permit fee calculated from project valuation (increases with valuation), plan review fee typically a percentage of permit fee, additional inspection fees for outside business hours or additional plan reviews are hourly, reinspection fee assessed for corrections not made. A Washington State building permit surcharge applies to all permits. Contact the Building Division at (509) 843-1301 or Building Inspector Paul Strohbehn at (509) 382-4676 to request a fee estimate before submitting an application.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (509) 843-1301 — Main line; Building Inspector Paul Strohbehn (509) 382-4676 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Notify the building official to schedule each required inspection. Given the rural geography and single-inspector model, advance notice is essential. Work shall not proceed beyond each inspection point without the building official's approval.

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Fridays). Applications accepted Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Confirm hours by calling before visiting.

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: footing/foundation (before concrete is poured), framing (after rough framing, before insulation/wall sheathing), rough mechanical and plumbing (before walls are closed), insulation (if required under WSEC), final inspection (all work complete, prior to occupancy).

Source: Garfield County Building and Planning Division (under Public Works) ↗