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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lewis County
A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Lewis County.
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)
- 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
- Exempt Silvicultural outdoor burning per DNR rules
- Exempt Agricultural outdoor burning per Dept of Ecology rules
- Exempt Recreational fires (subject to restrictions)
Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other regulations. Verify exemptions with Lewis County before proceeding.
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
- 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)
- 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.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies based on project complexity and review workload
- 01 Create online account on SmartGov portal at https://lewiscountywa.gov/departments/community-development/
- 02 Submit completed application online with legal description or tax parcel number, site address, property owner information, and contractor information including L&I registration number.
- 03 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.
- 04 County performs plan review for code compliance, zoning, critical areas (if applicable), environmental health (septic), and public works (driveway/road access).
- 05 Pay required fees online or in person at Permit Center.
- 06 Electronic permit issued upon approval.
Typical processing time: Varies based on project complexity and review workload
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Plan review fees established by Board of County Commissioners resolution
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation/square footage per Lewis County fee schedule (LCC Title 18, Chapter 18.05)
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.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- SmartGov portal (online)
- (360) 740-1146 (phone)
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Lewis County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Lewis County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Lewis County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Lewis County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Lewis County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lewis County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Lewis County, WA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Lewis County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Lewis County, WA typically run Varies based on project complexity and review workload. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Lewis County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lewis County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Lewis County, WA via: SmartGov portal, (360) 740-1146.
last verified April 2026
source Lewis County Community Development ↗
entry id permits/washington/lewis/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Lewis County Community Development before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.