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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Goldendale
A separate building permit is required before any person, firm, or corporation may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure within Goldendale city limits.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, and similar) with a floor area of 120 square feet or less
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), where not supporting a surcharge
Minor plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures; removal and reinstallation of water closets — provided such repairs do not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, and similar) with a floor area of 120 square feet or less
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), where not supporting a surcharge
- Exempt Minor plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures; removal and reinstallation of water closets — provided such repairs do not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work
Note: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and the outdoor lighting ordinance. Goldendale has adopted a dark-sky lighting ordinance (Chapter 15.52) to protect the Goldendale Observatory State Park. All outdoor lighting must use full cut-off fixtures. Outdoor lighting plans are required for all permit or development applications involving land use review.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans
- Project scope information
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, International Fuel Gas Code, Chapter 15.52 Outdoor Lighting Fixtures (dark-sky ordinance)
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders are subject to Washington state owner-builder requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington L&I contractor registration is required for contractors performing work in Goldendale.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time not specified; contact city for current turnaround.
- 01 Download or pick up the building permit application form from City Hall or the city website.
- 02 Complete the application with accurate project description and property information.
- 03 Prepare required supporting documents (site plan, construction plans, project scope).
- 04 Submit application in person at City Hall (1103 S. Columbus Ave) or electronically if available.
- 05 Pay applicable permit and plan review fees at time of application or upon permit issuance.
- 06 City staff reviews application for compliance with building codes, zoning, and special requirements (e.g., outdoor lighting, flood zone).
- 07 Upon approval, collect permit card and post it at the project site.
- 08 Call to schedule required inspections at each stage of construction.
- 09 Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying new or substantially altered structures.
Typical processing time: Processing time not specified; contact city for current turnaround.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Goldendale building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation per Table 15-A of Goldendale Municipal Code Chapter 15.08
Contact City Hall at (509) 773-3771 to confirm current fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 773-3771 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM
Typical sequence: Common inspection stages for residential construction: foundation/footing, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, final.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Goldendale permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Goldendale, WA? ▸
A separate building permit is required before any person, firm, or corporation may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure within Goldendale city limits.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Goldendale, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Goldendale, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation per Table 15-A of Goldendale Municipal Code Chapter 15.08.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Goldendale, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Goldendale, WA, follow these steps: 1. Download or pick up the building permit application form from City Hall or the city website. 2. Complete the application with accurate project description and property information. 3. Prepare required supporting documents (site plan, construction plans, project scope). 4. Submit application in person at City Hall (1103 S. Columbus Ave) or electronically if available. 5. Pay applicable permit and plan review fees at time of application or upon permit issuance. 6. City staff reviews application for compliance with building codes, zoning, and special requirements (e.g., outdoor lighting, flood zone). 7. Upon approval, collect permit card and post it at the project site. 8. Call to schedule required inspections at each stage of construction. 9. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying new or substantially altered structures.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Goldendale, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Goldendale, WA typically run Processing time not specified; contact city for current turnaround.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Goldendale, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Goldendale, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, and similar) with a floor area of 120 square feet or less; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), where not supporting a surcharge; Minor plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures; removal and reinstallation of water closets — provided such repairs do not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work. Note: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and the outdoor lighting ordinance. Goldendale has adopted a dark-sky lighting ordinance (Chapter 15.52) to protect the Goldendale Observatory State Park. All outdoor lighting must use full cut-off fixtures. Outdoor lighting plans are required for all permit or development applications involving land use review. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Goldendale, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Goldendale, WA via: (509) 773-3771.
last verified April 2026
source City of Goldendale Building / Code Enforcement ↗
entry id permits/washington/klickitat/goldendale
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Goldendale Building / Code Enforcement before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.