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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Shelton
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, and remodels within the City of Shelton.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet with sidewall heights not greater than 10 feet and roof framing pitch not exceeding pitch of existing primary structure (unless approved by City Planning Department)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons)
Sidewalks, driveways, patios not over 30 inches above grade
Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets)
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Playground equipment
Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet with sidewall heights not greater than 10 feet and roof framing pitch not exceeding pitch of existing primary structure (unless approved by City Planning Department)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons)
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, patios not over 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets)
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches
Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work to be done in violation of code or other laws. Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required. All work must comply with zoning, Inland Wetlands, and other applicable regulations.
Required documents
- Completed application forms
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Contractor information and L&I registration number
- Project scope documentation
- Applicant/owner acknowledgements
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with city amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with amendments, 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with city amendments, 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code (Commercial and Residential), National Electrical Code (NEC) enforced by L&I.
- Permit validity
- Permit validity period not specified in available documentation; confirm directly with City of Shelton.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders may apply; confirm specific requirements with Building Office.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. City of Shelton business license endorsement required. L&I registration number must be included on applications.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal. Standard residential permits typically issued within 2-4 weeks of submittal.
- 01 Determine permit type needed: Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign, or Demolition.
- 02 Prepare application materials: completed application forms, site plan, construction drawings, and contractor L&I registration information.
- 03 Submit application online through EnerGov portal (preferred), in-person at Community Development Department, or via email/mail if permitted.
- 04 Plan review by Building Official and city staff: 65% of building permit fee charged for plan review; 25% for mechanical-only permits.
- 05 Pay plan review fees at submittal and remaining permit fees at or prior to permit issuance.
- 06 City issues permit upon fee payment; applicant receives permit card and approved plans.
- 07 Schedule and complete required inspections in sequence (footing, foundation, rough, insulation, final).
- 08 Obtain Certificate of Occupancy at Building Office before occupancy.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal. Standard residential permits typically issued within 2-4 weeks of submittal.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Per Resolution 1225-1221; verify current schedule with City
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25.00
02
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee (collected at submittal); 25% for mechanical-only permits
03
Permit fee formula
Based on ICC Building Valuation Data: $1-$500 = $25.00; $501-$2,000 = $25.00 + $3.00 per each additional $100; $2,001-$25,000 = $70.00 + $14.00 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $390.00 + $10.00 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $640.00 + $7.00 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $1,000.00 + $6.00 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000 = $3,400.00 + $5.00 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+ = $5,700.00 + $7.00 per additional $1,000
04
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade type; see current fee schedule
05
Reinspection fee
$70.00/hour (1-hour minimum)
06
Penalty (no permit)
First Offense: $100 Fine; Second Offense: $250 Fine and misdemeanor; Third Offense: $1,000 Fine and City endorsement denied for 180 days
Washington State surcharge applies: $25.00 Commercial, $6.50 Residential. Maximum Building Permit Fee: $50,000.00 (cap unique to Shelton). After hours inspections: $70.00/hour (2-hour minimum).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Per Resolution 1225-1221; verify current schedule with City) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- EnerGov Portal (online)
- (360) 426-4491 (phone)
- permits@sheltonwa.gov (email)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule through portal or phone; deadlines vary by type.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
- Time windows
- No specific time windows specified; inspections scheduled during regular business hours.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: Footing (before concrete poured), Foundation/Finished Masonry (before backfill, including damp/waterproofing and footing drains), Rough Inspection (framing, plumbing, heating, electrical), Insulation, Final Building Inspection.
Remote inspections not specified; contact City for case-by-case availability.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Shelton permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Shelton, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, and remodels within the City of Shelton.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Shelton, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Shelton, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $25.00. Fees are calculated as: Based on ICC Building Valuation Data: $1-$500 = $25.00; $501-$2,000 = $25.00 + $3.00 per each additional $100; $2,001-$25,000 = $70.00 + $14.00 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $390.00 + $10.00 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $640.00 + $7.00 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $1,000.00 + $6.00 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000 = $3,400.00 + $5.00 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+ = $5,700.00 + $7.00 per additional $1,000. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee (collected at submittal); 25% for mechanical-only permits.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Shelton, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Shelton, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine permit type needed: Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign, or Demolition. 2. Prepare application materials: completed application forms, site plan, construction drawings, and contractor L&I registration information. 3. Submit application online through EnerGov portal (preferred), in-person at Community Development Department, or via email/mail if permitted. 4. Plan review by Building Official and city staff: 65% of building permit fee charged for plan review; 25% for mechanical-only permits. 5. Pay plan review fees at submittal and remaining permit fees at or prior to permit issuance. 6. City issues permit upon fee payment; applicant receives permit card and approved plans. 7. Schedule and complete required inspections in sequence (footing, foundation, rough, insulation, final). 8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy at Building Office before occupancy.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Shelton, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Shelton, WA typically run Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal. Standard residential permits typically issued within 2-4 weeks of submittal.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Shelton, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Shelton, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet with sidewall heights not greater than 10 feet and roof framing pitch not exceeding pitch of existing primary structure (unless approved by City Planning Department); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons); Sidewalks, driveways, patios not over 30 inches above grade; Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets); Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Playground equipment; Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches. Note: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work to be done in violation of code or other laws. Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required. All work must comply with zoning, Inland Wetlands, and other applicable regulations. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Shelton, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Shelton, WA via: EnerGov Portal, (360) 426-4491, permits@sheltonwa.gov. Schedule through portal or phone; deadlines vary by type..
last verified April 2026
source City of Shelton Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/mason/shelton
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Shelton Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.