Mattawa, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

Q: How much does a building permit cost in Mattawa, WA?

Building permit fees in Mattawa, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $6.50 (residential base), $25.00 (commercial base). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fees updated annually (July 1). Base fee: $6.50 per residential permit, $25.00 per commercial permit, plus valuation-based percentage fees.. Plan check fee: 50% of the Permit Fee (for certain permit types).

Q: How do I apply for a building permit in Mattawa, WA?

To apply for a building permit in Mattawa, WA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account on the Grant County Online Permit Center at https://co-grant-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/. 2. Complete application with project details and estimated valuation. 3. Upload required documents: construction plans (24" x 36" format), site plans, engineering calculations, energy code compliance forms, contractor license information. 4. Submit application electronically (mandatory effective June 16, 2025; paper no longer accepted except for small accessory structures). 5. Pay deposit fees if required for your project type. 6. Application is routed to multiple departments for plan review (zoning, structural, fire, environmental). 7. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 8. Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance.

Q: How long does it take to get a building permit in Mattawa, WA?

Building permit processing times in Mattawa, WA typically run Variable; dependent on project complexity and multi-department review requirements.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

Q: What work is exempt from building permits in Mattawa, WA?

Not all construction work requires a permit in Mattawa, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) <= 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks on grade <= 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways <= 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Window awnings <= 54 inches projection; Playground equipment (swings, etc.); Non-fixed fixtures under 5'9" height. Note: Exemption from building permits does NOT exempt work from zoning requirements, setback requirements, HOA restrictions, or other local ordinances. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

Q: How do I schedule a building inspection in Mattawa, WA?

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mattawa, WA via: Grant County Permit Portal, (509) 754-2011 Ext. 3001. Must be scheduled before 4 p.m. for next-day inspection..

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Grant County Development Services - Building Division

Street address

264 W Division Avenue, Ephrata, WA 98823

Phone

(509) 754-2011 Ext. 3001

buildingdepartment@grantcountywa.gov

Coverage

Mattawa and surrounding areas; fence permits and business licenses handled by City of Mattawa Clerk's Office.

Online portal

Grant County Online Permit Center

SmartGov

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Mattawa

Building permits are required for new construction (residential and commercial), additions and alterations, repairs and remodeling, demolition, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, fences over 7 feet tall, retaining walls over 4 feet, and signs.

Scope of work

Permit?

One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) <= 120 square feet

Exempt

Fences not over 7 feet high

Exempt

Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)

Exempt

Water tanks on grade <= 5,000 gallons

Exempt

Sidewalks and driveways <= 30 inches above grade

Exempt

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops

Exempt

Window awnings <= 54 inches projection

Exempt

Playground equipment (swings, etc.)

Exempt

Non-fixed fixtures under 5'9" height

Exempt

Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) <= 120 square feet
Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
Exempt Water tanks on grade <= 5,000 gallons
Exempt Sidewalks and driveways <= 30 inches above grade
Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Exempt Window awnings <= 54 inches projection
Exempt Playground equipment (swings, etc.)
Exempt Non-fixed fixtures under 5'9" height

Note: Exemption from building permits does NOT exempt work from zoning requirements, setback requirements, HOA restrictions, or other local ordinances.

Required documents

Completed permit application
Construction/site plans (24" x 36" format)
Energy code compliance documentation
Washington State contractor registration (if applicable)
Proof of property ownership or authorization
City of Mattawa business license (for commercial work)
Plot plan showing setbacks and property lines

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Codes (effective March 15, 2024)
Permit validity: Permits expire if no inspection is passed within applicable timeframe.
Contractor requirements: Washington State contractor registration required.

Source: Grant County Development Services - Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Variable; dependent on project complexity and multi-department review requirements.

01

Create an account on the Grant County Online Permit Center at https://co-grant-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/.
02

Complete application with project details and estimated valuation.
03

Upload required documents: construction plans (24" x 36" format), site plans, engineering calculations, energy code compliance forms, contractor license information.
04

Submit application electronically (mandatory effective June 16, 2025; paper no longer accepted except for small accessory structures).
05

Pay deposit fees if required for your project type.
06

Application is routed to multiple departments for plan review (zoning, structural, fire, environmental).
07

Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
08

Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Variable; dependent on project complexity and multi-department review requirements.

Source: Grant County Development Services - Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2024

Fee type

Amount

Minimum permit fee

$6.50 (residential base), $25.00 (commercial base)

Plan check fee

50% of the Permit Fee (for certain permit types)

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based fees updated annually (July 1). Base fee: $6.50 per residential permit, $25.00 per commercial permit, plus valuation-based percentage fees.

Reinspection fee

Charged if work not ready for inspection

Online payment accepted through portal with 2.7% convenience fee.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2024) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Grant County Permit Portal (online)
(509) 754-2011 Ext. 3001 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Must be scheduled before 4 p.m. for next-day inspection.
Inspection hours: Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Typical sequence: Required inspection stages: Footing/Foundation (after excavation and reinforcing steel placement), Framing/Rough (after framing, fire-blocking, and rough MEP), Insulation (before covering), Final (after all work complete and accessible).

Source: Grant County Development Services - Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Mattawa permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Mattawa, WA? ▸

02 How much does a building permit cost in Mattawa, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in Mattawa, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $6.50 (residential base), $25.00 (commercial base). Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based fees updated annually (July 1). Base fee: $6.50 per residential permit, $25.00 per commercial permit, plus valuation-based percentage fees.. Plan check fee: 50% of the Permit Fee (for certain permit types).

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Mattawa, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Mattawa, WA, follow these steps: 1. Create an account on the Grant County Online Permit Center at https://co-grant-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/. 2. Complete application with project details and estimated valuation. 3. Upload required documents: construction plans (24" x 36" format), site plans, engineering calculations, energy code compliance forms, contractor license information. 4. Submit application electronically (mandatory effective June 16, 2025; paper no longer accepted except for small accessory structures). 5. Pay deposit fees if required for your project type. 6. Application is routed to multiple departments for plan review (zoning, structural, fire, environmental). 7. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 8. Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Mattawa, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Mattawa, WA typically run Variable; dependent on project complexity and multi-department review requirements.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Mattawa, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Mattawa, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) <= 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks on grade <= 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways <= 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Window awnings <= 54 inches projection; Playground equipment (swings, etc.); Non-fixed fixtures under 5'9" height. Note: Exemption from building permits does NOT exempt work from zoning requirements, setback requirements, HOA restrictions, or other local ordinances. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Mattawa, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Mattawa, WA via: Grant County Permit Portal, (509) 754-2011 Ext. 3001. Must be scheduled before 4 p.m. for next-day inspection..

last verified April 2026 source Grant County Development Services - Building Division ↗ entry id permits/washington/grant/mattawa

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Grant County Development Services - Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Mattawa

Other jurisdictions in Grant County.