Lewis County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated areas of Lewis County (areas outside city/town limits). Effective December 1, 2024, Lewis County uses SmartGov, a paperless permitting system.

Department

Lewis County Community Development

Address

125 NW Chehalis Ave, Chehalis, WA 98532

Phone

(360) 740-1146

Email

permitcenter@lewiscountywa.gov

Website

https://www.lewiscountywa.gov/departments/community-development/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create online account on SmartGov portal at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/community-development/
2. Submit completed application online with legal description or tax parcel number, site address, property owner information, and contractor information including L&I registration number.
3. Include project valuation/bid price, site plan (drawn to scale with scale bar and north arrow), construction plans, and acknowledgment and permission to enter form.
4. County performs plan review for code compliance, zoning, critical areas (if applicable), environmental health (septic), and public works (driveway/road access).
5. Pay required fees online or in person at Permit Center.
6. Electronic permit issued upon approval.

Typical processing time: Varies based on project complexity and review workload

Source: Lewis County Community Development

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Lewis County.

Required Documents

• Completed SmartGov application
• Legal description or tax parcel number
• Site address and property owner information
• Contractor information with L&I registration number (required for permit issuance)
• Project valuation/bid price
• Site plan drawn to scale with scale bar and north arrow
• Construction plans
• Acknowledgment and permission to enter form

Permit validity

Permits expire if work not commenced within 180 days of issuance. Extensions: Up to two successive six-month extensions may be granted for good cause. Abandoned work (suspended for 180 days) voids permit.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (Chapter 51-50 WAC), 2021 International Residential Code (Chapter 51-51 WAC), 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (Chapter 51-56 WAC), National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58), Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, 2021 International Fire Code (Chapter 51-54A WAC), Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (1997 Edition)

Contractor requirements

Verify current L&I registration per WAC 296-200A-110 before permit issuance. Chapter 18.27 RCW requires contractor registration with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Fees

Plan check fee

Plan review fees established by Board of County Commissioners resolution

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation/square footage per Lewis County fee schedule (LCC Title 18, Chapter 18.05)

Payment note

Fees: Building permit base fee, Plan review fees, Plumbing fixture fees, Mechanical fixture fees, State building code surcharge, Oversized copy charges, Additional review fees, Septic permit fees. Fee increases approved November 2024, effective January 1, 2025. Contact Permit Center at (360) 740-1146 for current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses with floor area not greater than 200 square feet per IRC R105.2
• Silvicultural outdoor burning per DNR rules
• Agricultural outdoor burning per Dept of Ecology rules
• Recreational fires (subject to restrictions)

Important: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other regulations. Verify exemptions with Lewis County before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)
• (360) 740-1146 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection sequence: Foundation inspection, Framing inspection, Plumbing/mechanical rough-in, Insulation inspection, Final building inspection. County personnel require owner permission to enter private property for permit processing and inspections. Failure to grant permission may result in denial or withdrawal of permit.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (Chapter 51-50 WAC), 2021 International Residential Code (Chapter 51-51 WAC), 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (Chapter 51-56 WAC), National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54), Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58), Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, 2021 International Fire Code (Chapter 51-54A WAC), Uniform Code for the Abatement of Dangerous Buildings (1997 Edition)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Community Development Staff Directory
• Permit Applications and Handouts
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Lewis County Building Permit FAQ

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

A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Lewis County.

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

Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation/square footage per Lewis County fee schedule (LCC Title 18, Chapter 18.05). Plan check fee: Plan review fees established by Board of County Commissioners resolution.

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

1. Create online account on SmartGov portal at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/community-development/ 2. Submit completed application online with legal description or tax parcel number, site address, property owner information, and contractor information including L&I registration number. 3. Include project valuation/bid price, site plan (drawn to scale with scale bar and north arrow), construction plans, and acknowledgment and permission to enter form. 4. County performs plan review for code compliance, zoning, critical areas (if applicable), environmental health (septic), and public works (driveway/road access). 5. Pay required fees online or in person at Permit Center. 6. Electronic permit issued upon approval.

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

Typical processing time is Varies based on project complexity and review workload.

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lewis County, WA?

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses with floor area not greater than 200 square feet per IRC R105.2; Silvicultural outdoor burning per DNR rules; Agricultural outdoor burning per Dept of Ecology rules; Recreational fires (subject to restrictions). Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other regulations. Verify exemptions with Lewis County before proceeding.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: SmartGov portal, (360) 740-1146.