How much does a building permit cost in Ephrata, WA?

The minimum permit fee is $70.60. Fees are calculated as: ICC Building Valuation Data with local fee schedule: $1-$1,400: $70.60 flat; $1,401-$2,000: $70.60 + $4.30 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $96.40 + $19.75 per additional $1,000; and additional brackets continuing to $7,935.65 base for $1,000,001+. Plan check fee: 25% of permit fee (residential), 65% of permit fee (commercial).

How do I apply for a building permit in Ephrata, WA?

1. Download the appropriate permit application form from the city website at https://www.ephrata.org/186/Permits. 2. Complete the application with all required information. 3. Prepare required submittal documents: 2 complete sets of construction plans with site plan, 2 sets of truss/floor joist/beam specifications. 4. Submit in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 121 Alder St SW, Ephrata, WA 98823. 5. Pay applicable fees at time of submission. 6. City staff reviews completeness and performs plan review. 7. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 8. Receive permit issuance.

What work is exempt from building permits in Ephrata, WA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet; Sidewalks, driveways and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Shade cloth structures for nursery/agricultural purposes (without service systems); Window awnings supported by exterior wall of Group R-3 or Group U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height; Interior signs, credit card signs (window areas only), and nonstructural sign modifications. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does NOT grant authorization for work to be done in violation of building code or other laws/ordinances.

How do I schedule a building inspection in Ephrata, WA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: (509) 754-4601 Ext. 123. 24 hours required for next-day inspections..

City Building Permits

Ephrata, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Ephrata, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Grant County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ephrata.

Department: Community Development Department - Building Division
Address: 121 Alder Street SW, Ephrata, WA 98823
Phone: (509) 754-4601 Ext. 135
Email: bcox@ephrata.org
Website: https://www.ephrata.org/186/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Ephrata Permits Page

Platform: No Online Portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Download the appropriate permit application form from the city website at https://www.ephrata.org/186/Permits.
Complete the application with all required information.
Prepare required submittal documents: 2 complete sets of construction plans with site plan, 2 sets of truss/floor joist/beam specifications.
Submit in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 121 Alder St SW, Ephrata, WA 98823.
Pay applicable fees at time of submission.
City staff reviews completeness and performs plan review.
Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
Receive permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Variable; dependent on project complexity and completeness of initial submittal.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for construction, alterations, and use of new and existing buildings per Ephrata Municipal Code Title 16.

Required Documents

2 complete sets of construction plans with site plan
2 sets of truss, floor joist and beam specifications
Completed Building Permit Application
Additional documents based on project type

Permit validity: Permit expires if no inspection is passed within 180 days.
Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fire Code (IFC)

Fees

Minimum permit fee: $70.60
Plan check fee: 25% of permit fee (residential), 65% of permit fee (commercial)
Permit fee formula: ICC Building Valuation Data with local fee schedule: $1-$1,400: $70.60 flat; $1,401-$2,000: $70.60 + $4.30 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $96.40 + $19.75 per additional $1,000; and additional brackets continuing to $7,935.65 base for $1,000,001+

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet
Sidewalks, driveways and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Shade cloth structures for nursery/agricultural purposes (without service systems)
Window awnings supported by exterior wall of Group R-3 or Group U occupancies
Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height
Interior signs, credit card signs (window areas only), and nonstructural sign modifications

Important: Exemption from permit requirements does NOT grant authorization for work to be done in violation of building code or other laws/ordinances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(509) 754-4601 Ext. 123 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 24 hours required for next-day inspections.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Building counter opens at 7:00 AM)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: Foundation, Groundwork Plumbing, Framing, Rough Plumbing, Rough Heating/Ventilation, Insulation, Sheetrock, Final.

Additional Resources

Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fire Code (IFC)
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department - Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Ephrata Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Ephrata, WA?: Building permits are required for construction, alterations, and use of new and existing buildings per Ephrata Municipal Code Title 16.
How much does a building permit cost in Ephrata, WA?: The minimum permit fee is $70.60. Fees are calculated as: ICC Building Valuation Data with local fee schedule: $1-$1,400: $70.60 flat; $1,401-$2,000: $70.60 + $4.30 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $96.40 + $19.75 per additional $1,000; and additional brackets continuing to $7,935.65 base for $1,000,001+. Plan check fee: 25% of permit fee (residential), 65% of permit fee (commercial).
How do I apply for a building permit in Ephrata, WA?: 1. Download the appropriate permit application form from the city website at https://www.ephrata.org/186/Permits. 2. Complete the application with all required information. 3. Prepare required submittal documents: 2 complete sets of construction plans with site plan, 2 sets of truss/floor joist/beam specifications. 4. Submit in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 121 Alder St SW, Ephrata, WA 98823. 5. Pay applicable fees at time of submission. 6. City staff reviews completeness and performs plan review. 7. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 8. Receive permit issuance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Ephrata, WA?: Typical processing time is Variable; dependent on project complexity and completeness of initial submittal..
What work is exempt from building permits in Ephrata, WA?: The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet; Sidewalks, driveways and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Shade cloth structures for nursery/agricultural purposes (without service systems); Window awnings supported by exterior wall of Group R-3 or Group U occupancies; Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height; Interior signs, credit card signs (window areas only), and nonstructural sign modifications. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does NOT grant authorization for work to be done in violation of building code or other laws/ordinances.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Ephrata, WA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: (509) 754-4601 Ext. 123. 24 hours required for next-day inspections..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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