Island County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Island County (Whidbey Island, Camano Island, and smaller islands).

Department

Island County Planning & Community Development Department - Building Division

Address

1 NE 7th Street, Coupeville, WA 98239 (Whidbey); 121 N East Camano Drive, Camano Island, WA 98292 (Camano Annex)

Phone

(360) 679-7339 (Building); (360) 629-4522 (Camano); (360) 321-5111 (South Whidbey)

Email

Buildingdept@islandcountywa.gov

Website

https://www.islandcountywa.gov/208/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete Site Registration with County Planning & Community Development.
2. Obtain completed Septic Design from qualified septic designer and submit to Island County Health for review.
3. Obtain Approved Access Permit from Island County Public Works.
4. Obtain Address Assignment from County.
5. Obtain Approved Water Availability Verification (WAV) Form from County.
6. Prepare Master Building Permit Application (two copies, in ink, 8-point font minimum).
7. Prepare two sets of Building Plans (to scale) and Engineering/Structural Plans if applicable.
8. Complete Washington State Energy Code Worksheet.
9. Prepare Plot Plan (11x17 preferred, standard engineering scale, max 1:60).
10. Gather all supporting documents (Septic approval, Access Permit, Address confirmation, WAV form, Contractor Verification or Owner/Contractor Form).
11. Submit application via Public Portal, email, or in person.
12. County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance.
13. Pay permit fees.
14. Permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Pre-permit approvals typically require 1-3 months. Building permit review and issuance additional 2-4 weeks after all pre-permits obtained.

Source: Island County Planning & Community Development Department - Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Island County.

Required Documents

• Two completed Building Permit Applications (in ink, 8-point font minimum)
• Two sets of Building Plans (to scale)
• Two sets of Engineering/Structural Plans (if applicable)
• Washington State Energy Code Worksheet
• Plot Plan (11x17 preferred, to standard engineering scale, max 1:60)
• Site Registration confirmation
• Approved Septic Permit/As-Built or Sewer District Connection Certificate
• Approved Water Availability Verification (WAV) Form
• Copy of Approved Access Permit (Island County Public Works)
• Address Application confirmation
• Contractor Verification (or Owner/Contractor Form for owner-builders)
• Lender information (for projects over $5,000 per RCW 19.27.095)
• Critical Areas Identification Form (if applicable)

Permit validity

Application expires if not submitted within specified timeframe. Permit validity governed by state law and local ordinance.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 IEBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, ICC A117.1-2017 (Accessibility), with Washington State amendments. Effective March 15, 2024. Roofing: All roof-covering projects (new and replacement) require a building permit.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption available with signed Owner/Contractor Form. Owner must agree to retain only registered contractors for assistance exceeding $500.

Contractor requirements

Washington State registered contractor required. All electrical work permitted through Washington State L&I (Department of Labor & Industries).

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$31.64 (base, 2024 rates; subject to 40% increase effective January 2026)

Plan check fee

Included in building permit fee calculation

Permit fee formula

Tiered formula based on ICC Valuation Data (2024 rates; verify current 2026 rates with County): $0-$500 = $31.64; $500.01-$2,000 = $31.64 + $4.10 per $100; $2,000.01-$25,000 = $93.19 + $18.84 per $1,000; $25,000.01-$50,000 = $526.54 + $13.60 per $1,000; $50,000.01-$100,000 = $866.46 + $9.42 per $1,000; $100,000.01-$500,000 = $1,337.49 + $6.32 per $1,000; $500,000.01-$1,000,000 = $3,867.46 + $6.40 per $1,000; $1,000,000.01+ = $7,066.35 + $4.92 per $1,000.

Trade permit fee

Plumbing: $36 base + $12 per fixture; Mechanical: $36 base + variable per equipment

Reinspection fee

$73 (excessive inspection on 3rd+ reinspection); $109 (outside normal business hours); $73 (additional plan review per hour)

Penalty (no permit)

Double the standard permit fee for work without permit

Payment note

Technology Fee: 3% of total permit cost (all permits). Building valuation per SF: Unfinished Basement $18/SF; Semi-finished $28/SF; Finished Basement $91/SF; Dwellings (Good Construction) $212/SF; Qualified Affordable Housing $91/SF; Modular $79/SF; Garage/Barn (Conventional) $30/SF; Garage/Barn (Pole) $22/SF; Covered Deck/Porch $24/SF; Uncovered Deck $18/SF. Additional fees: Stock Plan Review (Homes/heated) $425; Stock Plan Review (Unheated garages) $109; Manufactured/Mobile Home (Park) $121; Manufactured/Mobile Home (Single-wide) $364; Manufactured/Mobile Home (Double-wide) $486; Demolition $182; Solar $FMV of racking; Swimming Pools $109/SF; Work Without Permit = double permit fee.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls under 4 feet (with proper setbacks)
• Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons)
• Sidewalks and driveways (under 30 inches above grade)
• Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Ordinary repair and maintenance

Important: All roof-covering projects (new and replacement) require a building permit in Island County. Exemptions do not override Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) or other local regulations. Verify applicability with County before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Island County Public Portal (online)
• Buildingdept@islandcountywa.gov (if portal issues) (email)
• (360) 679-7339 (assistance) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule through Public Portal or contact department for availability

Inspection hours

Most offices closed to public except by appointment (verify current hours)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspection results available through Public Portal account.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 IEBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, ICC A117.1-2017 (Accessibility), with Washington State amendments. Effective March 15, 2024. Roofing: All roof-covering projects (new and replacement) require a building permit.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Island County Building Codes
• Island County Land Use Applications
• Washington State L&I (Electrical Permits)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Island County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Island County, WA?

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Island County.

How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Island County, WA?

The minimum permit fee is $31.64 (base, 2024 rates; subject to 40% increase effective January 2026). Fees are calculated as: Tiered formula based on ICC Valuation Data (2024 rates; verify current 2026 rates with County): $0-$500 = $31.64; $500.01-$2,000 = $31.64 + $4.10 per $100; $2,000.01-$25,000 = $93.19 + $18.84 per $1,000; $25,000.01-$50,000 = $526.54 + $13.60 per $1,000; $50,000.01-$100,000 = $866.46 + $9.42 per $1,000; $100,000.01-$500,000 = $1,337.49 + $6.32 per $1,000; $500,000.01-$1,000,000 = $3,867.46 + $6.40 per $1,000; $1,000,000.01+ = $7,066.35 + $4.92 per $1,000.. Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee calculation.

How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Island County, WA?

1. Complete Site Registration with County Planning & Community Development. 2. Obtain completed Septic Design from qualified septic designer and submit to Island County Health for review. 3. Obtain Approved Access Permit from Island County Public Works. 4. Obtain Address Assignment from County. 5. Obtain Approved Water Availability Verification (WAV) Form from County. 6. Prepare Master Building Permit Application (two copies, in ink, 8-point font minimum). 7. Prepare two sets of Building Plans (to scale) and Engineering/Structural Plans if applicable. 8. Complete Washington State Energy Code Worksheet. 9. Prepare Plot Plan (11x17 preferred, standard engineering scale, max 1:60). 10. Gather all supporting documents (Septic approval, Access Permit, Address confirmation, WAV form, Contractor Verification or Owner/Contractor Form). 11. Submit application via Public Portal, email, or in person. 12. County staff reviews for completeness and code compliance. 13. Pay permit fees. 14. Permit issuance.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Island County, WA?

Typical processing time is Pre-permit approvals typically require 1-3 months. Building permit review and issuance additional 2-4 weeks after all pre-permits obtained..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Island County, WA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls under 4 feet (with proper setbacks); Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons); Sidewalks and driveways (under 30 inches above grade); Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Ordinary repair and maintenance. Note: All roof-covering projects (new and replacement) require a building permit in Island County. Exemptions do not override Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO) or other local regulations. Verify applicability with County before proceeding.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Island County, WA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Island County Public Portal, Buildingdept@islandcountywa.gov (if portal issues), (360) 679-7339 (assistance). Schedule through Public Portal or contact department for availability.