On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Hoquiam
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Hoquiam.
Driveways
Decks under 200 square feet if under 3 feet tall and not attached to house
Small accessory sheds/buildings under 120 square feet
Finish work: cabinetry, painting, floor covering
Roofing and siding (classified as maintenance for floodplain calculations)
- Exempt Driveways
- Exempt Decks under 200 square feet if under 3 feet tall and not attached to house
- Exempt Small accessory sheds/buildings under 120 square feet
- Exempt Finish work: cabinetry, painting, floor covering
- Exempt Roofing and siding (classified as maintenance for floodplain calculations)
Note: Work exempt from building permit may still require other permits.
Required documents
- Site plan
- Architectural plans
- Structural Engineering for gravity and lateral loading
- Truss engineering and layout
- I-joist plans from manufacturer
- Deck/Porch plans
- Building code
- International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I registration required.
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: 1-8 weeks for plan review, depending on project size and submittal accuracy.
- 01 Register on the SmartGov Community online portal
- 02 Complete electronic application for desired permit type
- 03 Upload submittal documents in PDF format
- 04 Allow 2-5 business days for email response on application status
- 05 Participate in plan review (1-8 weeks depending on project size and submittal accuracy)
- 06 All permits are reviewed before payment and issuance
- 07 Pay fees online or in-person at City Hall
- 08 Schedule inspections through portal
Typical processing time: 1-8 weeks for plan review, depending on project size and submittal accuracy.
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Hoquiam building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Available on portal
Online credit card (with convenience fee) or in-person at City Hall 1st floor. Mailed checks payable to City of Hoquiam, mailed to 609 8th Street, Hoquiam, WA 98550, c/o Building Division.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- SmartGov portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Must be requested by 4:00 PM day before needed.
- Inspection hours
- Monday, Wednesday, Friday only, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM (office & lunch block 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM).
Source: Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Hoquiam permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Hoquiam, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Hoquiam.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Hoquiam, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Hoquiam, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Available on portal.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Hoquiam, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Hoquiam, WA, follow these steps: 1. Register on the SmartGov Community online portal 2. Complete electronic application for desired permit type 3. Upload submittal documents in PDF format 4. Allow 2-5 business days for email response on application status 5. Participate in plan review (1-8 weeks depending on project size and submittal accuracy) 6. All permits are reviewed before payment and issuance 7. Pay fees online or in-person at City Hall 8. Schedule inspections through portal
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Hoquiam, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Hoquiam, WA typically run 1-8 weeks for plan review, depending on project size and submittal accuracy.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Hoquiam, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Hoquiam, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Driveways; Decks under 200 square feet if under 3 feet tall and not attached to house; Small accessory sheds/buildings under 120 square feet; Finish work: cabinetry, painting, floor covering; Roofing and siding (classified as maintenance for floodplain calculations). Note: Work exempt from building permit may still require other permits. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Hoquiam, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Hoquiam, WA via: SmartGov portal. Must be requested by 4:00 PM day before needed..
last verified April 2026
source Building Division ↗
entry id permits/washington/grays-harbor/hoquiam
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.