Port Orchard, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department)

Street address

216 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Phone

(360) 874-5533

permitcenter@portorchardwa.gov

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Port Orchard.

Online portal

SmartGov Online Public Portal

SmartGov

Additional resources

Camino Permit Guide ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Port Orchard

Building permits required for all construction within the City of Port Orchard.

Scope of work

Permit?

One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet

Exempt

Fences not over 6 feet high

Exempt

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

Exempt

Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Exempt

Sidewalks and driveways

Exempt

Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep

Exempt

Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches

Exempt

Exempt One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Exempt Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches

Note: Standard IRC R105.2 exemptions generally apply. Verify specific exemptions with Port Orchard Permit Center before proceeding.

Required documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans
Project scope information
Approved plans must be on-site during construction

Building code: 2015 International Codes (as amended by City of Port Orchard)
Permit validity: Contact Permit Center for current validity periods.
Owner-builder: Home businesses require valid City business license and must comply with POMC Chapter 20.60.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I (Chapter 18.27 RCW) and hold valid City of Port Orchard business license.

Source: Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; contact Permit Center for current timelines.

01

Use Camino Permit Guide to understand site constraints and requirements.
02

Submit electronic application with all required documentation.
03

Plans reviewed by multiple departments (Planning, Building, Fire, Engineering, Public Works).
04

Pay fees upon approval.
05

Permit issued.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; contact Permit Center for current timelines.

Source: Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Port Orchard building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

$100 plus 20% of permit fee for commercial/industrial

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation: Up to $500,000 = 0.75% of value; $500,000-$1,000,000 = 0.7% of value; Over $1,000,000 = 0.65% of value

Reinspection fee

$75

Penalty (no permit)

Double the standard permit fee for work without permit

Pay fees through SmartGov portal upon approval.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

SmartGov Online Public Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline: Inspection requests must be submitted through SmartGov Online Portal. As of August 1, 2025, NO inspection requests accepted via email or phone. Requests accepted until 3:30 p.m. for next-day inspections.
Inspection hours: Contact Permit Center for current inspection hours.

Typical sequence: Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Final inspections typically required. Electrical inspections performed by Washington State L&I (not city). Approved plans must be available on-site.

Source: Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Port Orchard permits

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

Building permits required for all construction within the City of Port Orchard.

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

Building permit fees in Port Orchard, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation: Up to $500,000 = 0.75% of value; $500,000-$1,000,000 = 0.7% of value; Over $1,000,000 = 0.65% of value. Plan check fee: $100 plus 20% of permit fee for commercial/industrial.

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

To apply for a building permit in Port Orchard, WA, follow these steps: 1. Use Camino Permit Guide to understand site constraints and requirements. 2. Submit electronic application with all required documentation. 3. Plans reviewed by multiple departments (Planning, Building, Fire, Engineering, Public Works). 4. Pay fees upon approval. 5. Permit issued.

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

Building permit processing times in Port Orchard, WA typically run Varies by project complexity; contact Permit Center for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

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

Not all construction work requires a permit in Port Orchard, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge); Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Sidewalks and driveways; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches. Note: Standard IRC R105.2 exemptions generally apply. Verify specific exemptions with Port Orchard Permit Center before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

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

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Port Orchard, WA via: SmartGov Online Public Portal. Inspection requests must be submitted through SmartGov Online Portal. As of August 1, 2025, NO inspection requests accepted via email or phone. Requests accepted until 3:30 p.m. for next-day inspections..

last verified April 2026 source Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department) ↗ entry id permits/washington/kitsap/port-orchard

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Port Orchard

Other jurisdictions in Kitsap County.