On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Quincy
Building permits are required per International Residential Code Section 106 for construction, alterations, additions, remodeling, and other structural work.
Fences 6 feet or less in height
Residential Accessory Structures: 1-story detached storage structures (tool sheds, playhouses) less than 120 sq ft, NOT used to store a vehicle
Commercial/Industrial Accessory Structures: 1-story detached storage structures less than 120 sq ft
Driveways
Finish Work: Painting, carpeting, cabinets, tiling, countertops, and similar finish work
Swing Sets and Playground Equipment
Residential Decks (if NOT attached to structure, less than 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade, no roof covering)
Replacing Siding over existing siding or exterior sheathing
Portable Heating and Cooling Units
Minor Plumbing Repairs: Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures (no replacement)
Retaining Walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Fences 6 feet or less in height
- Exempt Residential Accessory Structures: 1-story detached storage structures (tool sheds, playhouses) less than 120 sq ft, NOT used to store a vehicle
- Exempt Commercial/Industrial Accessory Structures: 1-story detached storage structures less than 120 sq ft
- Exempt Driveways
- Exempt Finish Work: Painting, carpeting, cabinets, tiling, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Swing Sets and Playground Equipment
- Exempt Residential Decks (if NOT attached to structure, less than 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade, no roof covering)
- Exempt Replacing Siding over existing siding or exterior sheathing
- Exempt Portable Heating and Cooling Units
- Exempt Minor Plumbing Repairs: Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures (no replacement)
- Exempt Retaining Walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge
Note: Verify with the Building Department before starting any edge-case work.
Required documents
- Completed permit application identifying and describing the work
- Description of land by legal description, street address, or similar description
- Indication of use or occupancy for proposed work
- Construction documents, specifications, and other required data
- Statement of valuation of any new building, structure, addition, remodeling, or alteration
- Signature of applicant or authorized agent
- Three sets of construction plans
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Washington State Building Codes
- Permit validity
- Permit expires if no inspection is passed within applicable timeframe.
- Contractor requirements
- Commercial buildings and multiple housing must have plans stamped by a professional architect and/or engineer.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Variable; dependent on project complexity and plan review findings.
- 01 Verify your zoning using the City of Quincy Zoning Map.
- 02 Create an account on the SmartGov portal at https://ci-quincy-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/.
- 03 Submit application through SmartGov portal or in-person at the Building Department.
- 04 Upload THREE sets of construction plans for plan check review.
- 05 Ensure plans are stamped by a professional architect and/or engineer for commercial buildings and multiple housing.
- 06 City staff performs plan review and issues corrections if needed.
- 07 Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents.
- 08 Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance.
Typical processing time: Variable; dependent on project complexity and plan review findings.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective May 6, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$71.80
02
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee structure
03
Permit fee formula
Building Valuation Data (Rate Resolution 24-691): $1-$1,400: $71.80 flat; $1,401-$2,000: $71.80 + $4.40 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $98.20 + $20.10 per additional $1,000; continuing to $8,096.75 base for $1,000,001+
04
Reinspection fee
$88.50 per occurrence
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective May 6, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 787-3523 Ext. 6 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Call 24 hours in advance; outside business hours available for overtime fee ($88.50/hour, 2-hour minimum).
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday during business hours
Typical sequence: Required inspections: FOOTING/FOUNDATION (prior to concrete pour), UNDERGROUND PLUMBING, FRAMING (includes rough plumbing/mechanical), INSULATION, SHEETROCK (before taping), FINAL (DO NOT OCCUPY before final inspection).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Quincy permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Quincy, WA? ▸
Building permits are required per International Residential Code Section 106 for construction, alterations, additions, remodeling, and other structural work.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Quincy, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Quincy, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $71.80. Fees are calculated as: Building Valuation Data (Rate Resolution 24-691): $1-$1,400: $71.80 flat; $1,401-$2,000: $71.80 + $4.40 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $98.20 + $20.10 per additional $1,000; continuing to $8,096.75 base for $1,000,001+. Plan check fee: Included in permit fee structure.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Quincy, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Quincy, WA, follow these steps: 1. Verify your zoning using the City of Quincy Zoning Map. 2. Create an account on the SmartGov portal at https://ci-quincy-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/. 3. Submit application through SmartGov portal or in-person at the Building Department. 4. Upload THREE sets of construction plans for plan check review. 5. Ensure plans are stamped by a professional architect and/or engineer for commercial buildings and multiple housing. 6. City staff performs plan review and issues corrections if needed. 7. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents. 8. Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Quincy, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Quincy, WA typically run Variable; dependent on project complexity and plan review findings.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Quincy, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Quincy, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Fences 6 feet or less in height; Residential Accessory Structures: 1-story detached storage structures (tool sheds, playhouses) less than 120 sq ft, NOT used to store a vehicle; Commercial/Industrial Accessory Structures: 1-story detached storage structures less than 120 sq ft; Driveways; Finish Work: Painting, carpeting, cabinets, tiling, countertops, and similar finish work; Swing Sets and Playground Equipment; Residential Decks (if NOT attached to structure, less than 200 sq ft, less than 30 inches above grade, no roof covering); Replacing Siding over existing siding or exterior sheathing; Portable Heating and Cooling Units; Minor Plumbing Repairs: Clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures (no replacement); Retaining Walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), unless supporting a surcharge. Note: Verify with the Building Department before starting any edge-case work. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Quincy, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Quincy, WA via: (509) 787-3523 Ext. 6. Call 24 hours in advance; outside business hours available for overtime fee ($88.50/hour, 2-hour minimum)..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department (Community Development) ↗
entry id permits/washington/grant/quincy
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department (Community Development) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.