On this page 6
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Creston
Washington State Building Code (RCW 19.27) applies as the minimum standard. Permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, remodels, and demolitions of any residential, commercial, or industrial building.
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures with roof projection not exceeding 120 sq ft
- Exempt Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from footing bottom to top of wall)
- Exempt Normal maintenance and repairs (painting, wallpapering, adding insulation without structural change)
- Exempt Temporary horticultural growing structures used solely for commercial production
Note: Exemption from building permit does not mean exemption from code compliance. Electrical work is never exempt and requires L&I permitting. Confirm any local exemptions with town hall.
- Completed Lincoln County Building Permit Application
- Site plan showing property boundaries and structure location
- Construction plans for structural work
- Contractor Washington State license copy (if using a contractor)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024
- Permit validity
- Must commence construction within 180 days of permit issuance or permit becomes void. Permit valid for 18 months from issuance; renewable for 6 months if substantial progress is demonstrated.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must hold a current Washington State contractor registration. Bond requirements: $30,000 (general contractors) or $15,000 (specialty contractors) as of July 2024.
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies. Creston is a very small town (approximately 200 residents) with minimal building department documentation. Confirm specific timelines with town hall directly.
- 01 Contact Creston Town Hall at 509-636-3145 or townofcreston@centurytel.net to confirm current permit procedures and local sign-off requirements.
- 02 Obtain the Lincoln County Building Permit Application form from the county website (lincolncountywa.com).
- 03 Confirm the correct tax location code with town hall (likely County/2200 for unincorporated or a Creston-specific code).
- 04 Prepare all required documents (site plan, construction plans, contractor license copy).
- 05 Submit completed application to town hall for local sign-off by a town representative.
- 06 Once town sign-off is obtained, submit to Lincoln County Building Division for plan review and permitting.
- 07 Pay applicable permit fees.
- 08 Receive permit and post at job site before work begins.
- 09 Schedule inspections directly with Lincoln County Building Inspector Ryan James at 509-721-0539.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies. Creston is a very small town (approximately 200 residents) with minimal building department documentation. Confirm specific timelines with town hall directly.
Fee schedule
Creston building permit fees
No published fee schedule found. Fees are likely set by town council resolution or follow the Lincoln County Building Division schedule. Contact town hall at 509-636-3145 for current fees.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Lincoln County Building Inspector Ryan James: 509-721-0539 (phone)
- Lincoln County Building Division: building@co.lincoln.wa.us (email)
- Creston Town Hall: 509-636-3145 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Provide at least 2 business days advance notice for inspection requests.
- Inspection hours
- Town Hall: Monday-Thursday, 6:00 AM-4:00 PM (subject to change; verify before visiting)
Typical sequence: Inspection stages likely follow Lincoln County standards: footings, foundation, framing, insulation, final. Contact the Building Inspector or town hall to confirm specific inspection sequence for your project.
Frequently asked
Common questions about Creston permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Creston, WA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Creston, WA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Creston, WA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Creston, WA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Creston, WA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Creston, WA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Town Hall (Building services coordinated with Lincoln County Building Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.