On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for George
Building permits are required for new construction (residential and commercial), additions and alterations, remodeling projects, accessory structures, fences, demolition, and sign installation.
Accessory structures: One-story detached structures under 200 sq ft (tool sheds, playhouses)
Fences: Not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls: Not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top) unless supporting a surcharge
Water tanks: On grade, <=5,000 gallons, height-to-diameter ratio <=2:1
Sidewalks/Driveways: Not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement/story below
Interior finish work: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Pools: Prefabricated pools <24 inches deep, <5,000 gallons
Playground equipment: Swings and equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings
Window awnings: Projecting <=54 inches from exterior wall, no additional support needed
- Exempt Accessory structures: One-story detached structures under 200 sq ft (tool sheds, playhouses)
- Exempt Fences: Not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls: Not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top) unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Water tanks: On grade, <=5,000 gallons, height-to-diameter ratio <=2:1
- Exempt Sidewalks/Driveways: Not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement/story below
- Exempt Interior finish work: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Pools: Prefabricated pools <24 inches deep, <5,000 gallons
- Exempt Playground equipment: Swings and equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings
- Exempt Window awnings: Projecting <=54 inches from exterior wall, no additional support needed
Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work to be done in violation of building codes or other ordinances. Always verify with City Hall before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Construction drawings/plans
- Site plan
- Property legal description
- Estimated project cost
- Contractor information (if applicable)
- Agent Authorization Form (if someone else applies on your behalf)
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Codes (effective March 15, 2024)
- Permit validity
- Variable; confirm with City Hall.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Variable; dependent on project complexity and external agency coordination.
- 01 Download the Building Permit Application (PDF form) from the city website at cityofgeorge.org/resources/.
- 02 Complete the application with all required project information.
- 03 Prepare construction drawings and site plans.
- 04 Submit application with required documents to City Hall.
- 05 Include estimated project cost and contractor information.
- 06 Pay applicable permit fees (contact city for current fee schedule).
- 07 City may coordinate with Grant County Health District for septic/water approvals.
- 08 Receive permit and any required approvals.
Typical processing time: Variable; dependent on project complexity and external agency coordination.
§ 04
Fee schedule
George building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact City Hall for current fee schedule
02
Permit fee formula
Fee schedule not publicly available online. Contact (509) 785-5081 for current rates. The Comprehensive Plan indicates fees may be reduced or waived for exterior rehabilitation efforts that utilize Colonial theme.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 785-5081 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact City of George or Grant County Building Division to schedule. Grant County: Inspections called after 4 p.m. will NOT be scheduled for next day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday; confirm current hours with City Hall
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/footing, Framing/rough-in, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Electrical rough-in (WA State L&I), Insulation, Final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about George permits
01 Do I need a building permit in George, WA? ▸
Building permits are required for new construction (residential and commercial), additions and alterations, remodeling projects, accessory structures, fences, demolition, and sign installation.
02 How much does a building permit cost in George, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in George, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact City Hall for current fee schedule. Fees are calculated as: Fee schedule not publicly available online. Contact (509) 785-5081 for current rates. The Comprehensive Plan indicates fees may be reduced or waived for exterior rehabilitation efforts that utilize Colonial theme..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in George, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in George, WA, follow these steps: 1. Download the Building Permit Application (PDF form) from the city website at cityofgeorge.org/resources/. 2. Complete the application with all required project information. 3. Prepare construction drawings and site plans. 4. Submit application with required documents to City Hall. 5. Include estimated project cost and contractor information. 6. Pay applicable permit fees (contact city for current fee schedule). 7. City may coordinate with Grant County Health District for septic/water approvals. 8. Receive permit and any required approvals.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in George, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in George, WA typically run Variable; dependent on project complexity and external agency coordination.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in George, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in George, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory structures: One-story detached structures under 200 sq ft (tool sheds, playhouses); Fences: Not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls: Not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top) unless supporting a surcharge; Water tanks: On grade, <=5,000 gallons, height-to-diameter ratio <=2:1; Sidewalks/Driveways: Not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over basement/story below; Interior finish work: Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Pools: Prefabricated pools <24 inches deep, <5,000 gallons; Playground equipment: Swings and equipment accessory to one- and two-family dwellings; Window awnings: Projecting <=54 inches from exterior wall, no additional support needed. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work to be done in violation of building codes or other ordinances. Always verify with City Hall before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in George, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in George, WA via: (509) 785-5081. Contact City of George or Grant County Building Division to schedule. Grant County: Inspections called after 4 p.m. will NOT be scheduled for next day..
last verified April 2026
source City of George (via City Clerk's Office) ↗
entry id permits/washington/grant/george
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of George (via City Clerk's Office) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.