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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Morton
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Morton limits.
- Exempt One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses with floor area not greater than 200 square feet per IRC R105.2
- Exempt Agricultural outdoor burning conducted per state law
Note: Verify all exemptions with both City of Morton and Lewis County Community Development before proceeding.
- City Pre-Application form
- Site plan meeting City and County requirements
- Lewis County Building Permit Application
- Legal description or tax parcel number
- Property owner information
- Contractor registration information
- City Approval Form (from City of Morton pre-approval step)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Washington State Energy Code, 2021 International Fire Code
- Permit validity
- Permits expire if work not started within 180 days or abandoned for 180 days
- Contractor requirements
- Contractor registration with Washington State L&I required per WAC 296-200A-110. Verification required before permit issuance.
Source: City of Morton with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; two-step approval process may take 4-6 weeks total
- 01 Complete 'City Pre-Application' form and submit to City of Morton.
- 02 Complete site plan meeting Site Plan Requirements.
- 03 Complete Lewis County Building Permit Application.
- 04 Submit to City of Morton for pre-approval and pay any City-adopted fees.
- 05 City of Morton performs site inspection and certifies project complies with zoning regulations, setbacks, water/sewer service requirements.
- 06 Submit approved City Approval Form to Lewis County Community Development with completed Lewis County Building Permit Application, site plan, and required fees.
- 07 Lewis County reviews for compliance with building codes using SmartGov portal (as of December 1, 2024, all applications must be submitted online).
- 08 Lewis County issues building permit.
Typical processing time: Varies; two-step approval process may take 4-6 weeks total
Source: City of Morton with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2025
Contact City of Morton at (360) 496-6881 for pre-approval fees. Contact Lewis County Community Development at (360) 740-1146 for building permit fees.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Lewis County Community Development: (360) 740-1146 (phone)
Typical sequence: Site inspection performed by City of Morton prior to construction start. Building inspections (Foundation, Framing, Plumbing/mechanical rough-in, Insulation, Final building inspection) performed by Lewis County Community Development.
Source: City of Morton with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Morton permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Morton, WA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Morton, WA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Morton, WA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Morton, WA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Morton, WA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Morton, WA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Morton with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.