Pe Ell, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process)

Street address

111 S. Main St., P.O. Box 215, Pe Ell, WA 98572

Phone

(360) 291-3543

peellclerk@centurytel.net

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated Town of Pe Ell limits. Pe Ell is an 'Option 2' town under Lewis County's Urban Growth Area ordinance, meaning Lewis County administers building permits after Town of Pe Ell approval. Pe Ell has approximately 2 miles of shoreline jurisdiction and maintains its own Shoreline Master Program.

Online portal

Lewis County SmartGov Portal (Paperless)

SmartGov

Website

Department website

Additional resources

Town of Pe Ell Website ↗

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Pe Ell

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Pe Ell limits.

Scope of work

Permit?

One-story detached structures (sheds/playhouses) under 200 sq ft per Lewis County Code

Exempt

Agricultural burning (subject to state regulations)

Exempt

Exempt One-story detached structures (sheds/playhouses) under 200 sq ft per Lewis County Code
Exempt Agricultural burning (subject to state regulations)

Note: Verify all exemptions with both Town of Pe Ell and Lewis County Community Development before proceeding.

Required documents

City Pre-Application form
Site plan meeting Town and County requirements
Lewis County Building Permit Application
Legal description or tax parcel number
Property owner information
Contractor registration information
Town Approval Form (from Town 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: Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Varies; two-step approval process may take 4-6 weeks total

01

Complete 'City Pre-Application' form and submit to Town of Pe Ell.
02

Complete site plan meeting Site Plan Requirements.
03

Complete Lewis County Building Permit Application.
04

Submit to Town of Pe Ell for pre-approval and pay any Town-adopted fees.
05

Town certifies project complies with zoning regulations (Titles 20, 28, 36), setback requirements, water/sewer requirements, SEPA compliance, and critical areas requirements.
06

Submit approved Town Approval Form to Lewis County Community Development with completed Lewis County Building Permit Application and required fees.
07

Lewis County reviews for building code compliance 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: Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Pe Ell building permit fees

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

Lewis County plan review fees

Permit fee formula

Lewis County fee schedule applies; Town of Pe Ell may charge pre-approval fees

Contact Town of Pe Ell at (360) 291-3543 for pre-approval fees. Contact Lewis County Community Development at (360) 740-1146 for building permit fees.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Lewis County Community Development: (360) 740-1146 (phone)

Typical sequence: Inspections performed by Lewis County Community Development. Schedule online through SmartGov portal or by phone.

Source: Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Pe Ell permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Pe Ell, WA? ▸

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Pe Ell limits.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Pe Ell, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in Pe Ell, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Lewis County fee schedule applies; Town of Pe Ell may charge pre-approval fees. Plan check fee: Lewis County plan review fees.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pe Ell, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Pe Ell, WA, follow these steps: 1. Complete 'City Pre-Application' form and submit to Town of Pe Ell. 2. Complete site plan meeting Site Plan Requirements. 3. Complete Lewis County Building Permit Application. 4. Submit to Town of Pe Ell for pre-approval and pay any Town-adopted fees. 5. Town certifies project complies with zoning regulations (Titles 20, 28, 36), setback requirements, water/sewer requirements, SEPA compliance, and critical areas requirements. 6. Submit approved Town Approval Form to Lewis County Community Development with completed Lewis County Building Permit Application and required fees. 7. Lewis County reviews for building code compliance using SmartGov portal (as of December 1, 2024, all applications must be submitted online). 8. Lewis County issues building permit.

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

Building permit processing times in Pe Ell, WA typically run Varies; two-step approval process may take 4-6 weeks total. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pe Ell, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Pe Ell, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached structures (sheds/playhouses) under 200 sq ft per Lewis County Code; Agricultural burning (subject to state regulations). Note: Verify all exemptions with both Town of Pe Ell and Lewis County Community Development before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pe Ell, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pe Ell, WA via: Lewis County Community Development: (360) 740-1146.

last verified April 2026 source Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) ↗ entry id permits/washington/lewis/pe-ell

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

Town of Pe Ell

Other jurisdictions in Lewis County.