Unincorporated Jefferson County

Building permits are required for most construction and improvement work, including new residential and commercial construction, additions to existing structures, structural alterations and remodeling, garages and carports, decks and covered porches, accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet, fireplace inserts and fireplaces (mechanical permit), re-roofing, demolition of structures, manufactured home installation, and short-term rental operations.

• Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage buildings, greenhouses, playhouses, and similar uses) with a floor area of 200 square feet or less (measured outside wall to outside wall), not used as habitable space, wall height not exceeding 10 feet, and eave overhangs not exceeding 24 inches horizontally
• Exempt Fences under 7 feet in height (provided not located in a shoreline zone or critical area)
• Exempt Minor construction and alteration activities permitted under RCW 19.27.060(7)
• Exempt Routine maintenance not affecting structural integrity, fire safety, or life safety systems

Note: Heated structures require a building permit regardless of size (energy code compliance required). All exempt work must still comply with building code standards, the Unified Development Code, and applicable setbacks and critical area buffers. Properties with septic systems may require an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) inspection. Properties with wells must demonstrate potable water supply.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024) and 2021 Washington State Energy Code

Permit validity

Standard building permits expire if work has not started within a specified period; refer to the 2026 Building Fees schedule for specific timelines. Refund requests must be submitted within one year of permit issuance.

Owner-builder

Property owners are responsible for submitting permits, though contractors often submit on behalf of their clients as a courtesy.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Contractors must hold a current L&I contractor registration and L&I electrical contractor license (if performing electrical work). Failure to verify contractor L&I registration creates liability exposure.

Source: Department of Community Development (DCD) — Building Division ↗

1. 01
   Contact DCD at (360) 379-4450 or walk in during consultation hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) to speak with a Permit Technician. Pre-application review is recommended; a pre-application conference is required for complex projects.
2. 02
   Prepare all required documents before scheduling an intake appointment. Incomplete submittals will be returned or delayed.
3. 03
   Upload documents electronically to the DCD file drop prior to the appointment.
4. 04
   Schedule an intake appointment online via the DCD appointment calendar. Contact staff at (360) 379-4450 if unable to attend in person.
5. 05
   Attend appointment and submit application in person with all required materials.
6. 06
   DCD evaluates compliance with the Jefferson County Unified Development Code (UDC), Comprehensive Plan, Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), Shoreline Master Program (SMP), and applicable regulations.
7. 07
   Upon approval, permit is issued. Do not begin work before the permit is issued.

Typical processing time: Varies; processing time depends on project complexity and completeness of initial submittal.

Source: Department of Community Development (DCD) — Building Division ↗

To obtain a fee estimate, email dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us with project address, total project cost (including owner labor), square footage breakdown, septic and water plans, and any critical area involvement.

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.

• Inspection Request Form (online)
• Inspections Line: (360) 379-4455 (24 hours) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Phone requests must be received by 3:00 p.m. the day before the needed inspection.

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch)

Typical sequence: Typical sequence for new construction: underground utilities (plumbing, electrical, mechanical underground) before backfill; wall and/or roof sheathing; rough inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fireplace before insulation or drywall); pre-pour inspection (foundations and rebar before concrete); final inspections (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building; all newly installed fixtures tested).

Source: Department of Community Development (DCD) — Building Division ↗