Kitsap County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Kitsap County (properties outside City of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island).

Department

Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD)

Address

614 Division Street, MS-36, Port Orchard, WA 98366-4682

Phone

(360) 337-5777

Email

Kitsap1@kitsap.gov

Website

https://www.kitsap.gov/dcd/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Visit Permit Pathways page for guidance on your project type.
2. Check Intake Checklists for required documents.
3. Submit application through Permit Application Portal.
4. Pay base application fee ($90 non-refundable).
5. Application reviewed; corrections requested via Information Request if needed.
6. Pay remaining fees through Online Permit Center.
7. Permit issued.

Typical processing time: Most inspections scheduled within two business days. Plan review time varies by project complexity.

Source: Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD)

General Requirements

Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Kitsap County.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Evidence of adequate water supply (Water right permit from Department of Ecology, Letter from approved water purveyor, or Accepted building site application from Kitsap Public Health District)
• Evidence of adequate sewage disposal
• Certificate of Concurrency (unless exempt per Kitsap County Transportation Facilities Concurrency Ordinance)

Permit validity

Contact DCD for current validity periods. DCD Reactivation Policy available for expired permits.

Building code

2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)

Owner-builder

Parcel Search tool available for zoning and property information.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I (Chapter 18.27 RCW). Note: Kitsap County does NOT require county-level business licenses, but individual cities (Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, Bainbridge Island) do.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$90 (base application fee, non-refundable)

Plan check fee

Included in PFM for residential; varies for commercial

Permit fee formula

Residential: Permit Fee Multiplier (PFM) 0.0214 includes plan review and mechanical/plumbing for new residences. Commercial: Separate multipliers for different construction types. Add 3% Technology Surcharge to all permit fees.

Reinspection fee

$145 (after 2 disapproved inspections)

Penalty (no permit)

Investigation Fee: Equal to permit fee (for work started without permit). Posted Stop Work Fee: $145.

Payment note

Residential flat fee permits: Manufactured Home on land $435; Manufactured Home in mobile home park $145; Adult Family Home $145; Re-Roofing $145; Spa/Hot Tub $145; Pool $435; Demolition $145. Commercial flat fees: Certificate of Occupancy $145; Temporary building $145; Sign Permit $362.50. Hourly Rate for additional reviews/inspections: $145/hour.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• 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)
• Water tanks supported directly upon grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches
• Decks not more than 30 inches above grade, unattached to dwelling

Important: Site Development Activity Permit (SDAP) required for: Projects resulting in 2,000 SF or more of new/replaced hard surface, or Disturbance of 7,000 SF or more. Engineered Grading Plan required for: Projects with 5,000 cubic yards or more of cut and fill, or Disturbance of 1 acre or more. Verify all exemptions with DCD before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (360) 337-5777 (phone)
• help@kitsap1.com (email)
• Online Permit Center (online)

Scheduling deadline

Most inspections scheduled within two business days. Keep approved plans and permit conditions on-site at all times. Post address clearly for inspectors and emergency responders.

Inspection hours

Contact DCD for current inspection hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections typically include: Foundation/footing, Framing (including shear walls), Rough electrical (L&I), Rough plumbing (pressure test), Rough mechanical, Insulation and air sealing, Duct testing (if forced air), Final building, Final electrical (L&I), Final plumbing, Final mechanical, Blower door test (energy code compliance). Build according to approved plans - changes require DCD approval.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Department of Ecology - Stormwater
• Adjudication Procedures for Fee Disputes
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Kitsap County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Kitsap County.

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

The minimum permit fee is $90 (base application fee, non-refundable). Fees are calculated as: Residential: Permit Fee Multiplier (PFM) 0.0214 includes plan review and mechanical/plumbing for new residences. Commercial: Separate multipliers for different construction types. Add 3% Technology Surcharge to all permit fees.. Plan check fee: Included in PFM for residential; varies for commercial.

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

1. Visit Permit Pathways page for guidance on your project type. 2. Check Intake Checklists for required documents. 3. Submit application through Permit Application Portal. 4. Pay base application fee ($90 non-refundable). 5. Application reviewed; corrections requested via Information Request if needed. 6. Pay remaining fees through Online Permit Center. 7. Permit issued.

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

Typical processing time is Most inspections scheduled within two business days. Plan review time varies by project complexity..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kitsap County, 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); Water tanks supported directly upon grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches; Decks not more than 30 inches above grade, unattached to dwelling. Note: Site Development Activity Permit (SDAP) required for: Projects resulting in 2,000 SF or more of new/replaced hard surface, or Disturbance of 7,000 SF or more. Engineered Grading Plan required for: Projects with 5,000 cubic yards or more of cut and fill, or Disturbance of 1 acre or more. Verify all exemptions with DCD before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (360) 337-5777, help@kitsap1.com, Online Permit Center. Most inspections scheduled within two business days. Keep approved plans and permit conditions on-site at all times. Post address clearly for inspectors and emergency responders..