Pend Oreille County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Pend Oreille County, and by interlocal agreement, the towns of Cusick, Ione, Metaline Falls, and Town of Metaline.

Department

Community Development Department

Address

418 S. Scott Ave., Newport, WA 99156

Phone

(509) 447-4821

Website

https://www.pendoreille.gov/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete a Site Evaluation Application prior to any building or land use development — both residential and commercial. The application must include a scaled sketch of the parcel showing spatial relationships of proposed and existing features. Floodplain determination is made during this stage.
2. Prepare permit application with all required documents per the county's permit applications checklist. Applications are not reviewed until complete.
3. Submit application in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 418 S. Scott Ave., Newport.
4. The department reviews the application; applicants may be contacted for additional information.
5. Pay required fees; permit is issued after all fees are paid.
6. Display permit packet on the job site at all times until final inspection.
7. Schedule required inspections during construction.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact the county for current timelines.

Source: Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new homes, garages, shops, barns, manufactured home placement, additions and remodels that alter structure or increase footprint, HVAC/heating installation, structural sheathing/foundation work, adding rooms, and changes of occupancy or use.

Required Documents

• Site Evaluation Application (with scaled sketch showing property features)
• Building permit application
• Construction plans and drawings
• Plot plan

Permit validity

Permits expire one year after issuance. May be renewed up to four times at $55.00 per renewal, for a maximum total duration of five years from the original issue date.

Building code

2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024); 2023 BOCC-Approved Building Regulations; 2024 BOCC-Approved Development Regulations (adopted January 27, 2025)

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold an active Washington State contractor registration with L&I (RCW 18.27). Electrical work requires a separate electrical permit from L&I.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on project type and value; contact the county for current fee amounts.

Payment note

Permit renewal: $55.00 per renewal (up to four renewals maximum). Floodplain Development Permit: separate fee; contact the department.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds not exceeding 600 sq. ft. (including attached decks or porches) — exempt as of January 1, 2016, but Site Evaluation Application still required
• Private greenhouses
• Minor repairs, ordinary maintenance, painting, cosmetic work per Washington State exemptions (RCW 19.27.040)

Important: Setback requirements apply to all structures, including those exempt from building permits. Confirm setbacks and edge cases through the Site Evaluation Application process.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 447-4821 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests made before 3:00 PM are scheduled for the following business day. Requests made after 3:00 PM are not scheduled until the second business day. Same-day inspections will not be scheduled.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection stages for new residential construction: foundation, framing/rough-in (structural, mechanical, plumbing), insulation, final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy. Manufactured homes follow separate inspection stages (foundation pads, anchorage, ground cover, etc.). Inspections for northern Pend Oreille County are prioritized on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The permit packet must remain on the job site until final inspection is complete.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024); 2023 BOCC-Approved Building Regulations; 2024 BOCC-Approved Development Regulations (adopted January 27, 2025)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building FAQs
• How to Schedule a Building Permit Inspection
• 2024 Development Regulations (PDF)
• 2023 Building Regulations (PDF)
• Shoreline Master Program User Guide (2023)
• County Ordinances
• Washington State L&I
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Frequently Asked Questions

Pend Oreille County Building Permit FAQ

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

Building permits are required for new homes, garages, shops, barns, manufactured home placement, additions and remodels that alter structure or increase footprint, HVAC/heating installation, structural sheathing/foundation work, adding rooms, and changes of occupancy or use.

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

Fees are calculated as: Based on project type and value; contact the county for current fee amounts..

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

1. Complete a Site Evaluation Application prior to any building or land use development — both residential and commercial. The application must include a scaled sketch of the parcel showing spatial relationships of proposed and existing features. Floodplain determination is made during this stage. 2. Prepare permit application with all required documents per the county's permit applications checklist. Applications are not reviewed until complete. 3. Submit application in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 418 S. Scott Ave., Newport. 4. The department reviews the application; applicants may be contacted for additional information. 5. Pay required fees; permit is issued after all fees are paid. 6. Display permit packet on the job site at all times until final inspection. 7. Schedule required inspections during construction.

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

Typical processing time is Variable; contact the county for current timelines..

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

The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds not exceeding 600 sq. ft. (including attached decks or porches) — exempt as of January 1, 2016, but Site Evaluation Application still required; Private greenhouses; Minor repairs, ordinary maintenance, painting, cosmetic work per Washington State exemptions (RCW 19.27.040). Note: Setback requirements apply to all structures, including those exempt from building permits. Confirm setbacks and edge cases through the Site Evaluation Application process.

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

Inspections can be scheduled via: (509) 447-4821. Requests made before 3:00 PM are scheduled for the following business day. Requests made after 3:00 PM are not scheduled until the second business day. Same-day inspections will not be scheduled..