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§ WA Kitsap County
County building permits

Unincorporated Kitsap County

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kitsap County, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Code adoption
2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
Last verified
April 2026
On this page 6
§ 01

Permit authority

Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD)

Street address
614 Division Street, MS-36, Port Orchard, WA 98366-4682
Phone
(360) 337-5777
Email
Kitsap1@kitsap.gov
Coverage
All unincorporated areas of Kitsap County (properties outside City of Bremerton, Port Orchard, Poulsbo, and Bainbridge Island).
Online portal
DCD Permit Application and Online Permit Center
Custom DCD System
Website
Department website
Additional resources
§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Kitsap County

Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Kitsap County.

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

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)
Building code
2021 Washington State Building Code (amended)
Permit validity
Contact DCD for current validity periods. DCD Reactivation Policy available for expired permits.
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.

Source: Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗

§ 03

Application process

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

  1. 01
    Visit Permit Pathways page for guidance on your project type.
  2. 02
    Check Intake Checklists for required documents.
  3. 03
    Submit application through Permit Application Portal.
  4. 04
    Pay base application fee ($90 non-refundable).
  5. 05
    Application reviewed; corrections requested via Information Request if needed.
  6. 06
    Pay remaining fees through Online Permit Center.
  7. 07
    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) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2025-01-01

Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$90 (base application fee, non-refundable)
02
Plan check fee
Included in PFM for residential; varies for commercial
03
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.
04
Reinspection fee
$145 (after 2 disapproved inspections)
05
Penalty (no permit)
Investigation Fee: Equal to permit fee (for work started without permit). Posted Stop Work Fee: $145.

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.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule
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 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.

Source: Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about unincorporated Kitsap County permits

01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA? ▸
Building permits required for all construction in unincorporated Kitsap County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA typically run Most inspections scheduled within two business days. Plan review time varies by project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Kitsap County, WA 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..
last verified April 2026 source Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) ↗ entry id permits/washington/kitsap/unincorporated
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Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

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