Unincorporated Pend Oreille County

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.

• 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
• Exempt Private greenhouses
• Exempt 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.

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)

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.

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.

Source: Community Development Department ↗

1. 01
   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. 02
   Prepare permit application with all required documents per the county's permit applications checklist. Applications are not reviewed until complete.
3. 03
   Submit application in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 418 S. Scott Ave., Newport.
4. 04
   The department reviews the application; applicants may be contacted for additional information.
5. 05
   Pay required fees; permit is issued after all fees are paid.
6. 06
   Display permit packet on the job site at all times until final inspection.
7. 07
   Schedule required inspections during construction.

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

Source: Community Development Department ↗

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

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.

• (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 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.

Source: Community Development Department ↗