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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Friday Harbor
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Friday Harbor.
Storage sheds under 120 sq. ft. (IBC threshold) or 200 sq. ft. (IRC threshold)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top)
Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Ordinary repair and maintenance (e.g., fixing leaks)
- Exempt Storage sheds under 120 sq. ft. (IBC threshold) or 200 sq. ft. (IRC threshold)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top)
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Ordinary repair and maintenance (e.g., fixing leaks)
Note: Exemption from a building permit does not exempt work from compliance with other applicable codes (zoning, fire, health, utility). Exempt structures must still comply with setback and site requirements.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application (signed by owner or authorized agent with authorization form)
- Utility Checklist signed by all utility companies and owner/agent
- Energy code compliance calculations (2021 WSEC-R)
- Site plan (scaled, showing lot dimensions, setbacks, utilities, drainage)
- Floor plan, elevations, foundation plan (scaled 1/4" = 1' minimum)
- Stormwater application and impervious surface worksheet
- Contractor license number (Washington State L&I registration)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), and Washington State and local amendments.
- Permit validity
- Permits become invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Extensions available in writing with justifiable cause.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builder exemption is available; owner must sign application and accept responsibility for compliance.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State registered contractor required for all regulated work. Contractor's L&I registration number must be provided at application. All electrical work requires a separate Washington State L&I electrical permit.
Source: Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.
- 01 Obtain the building permit application and required forms from the Permits & Fees page or Town Hall.
- 02 Complete the signed building permit application (owner or authorized agent).
- 03 Prepare and have signed by all utility companies the Utility Checklist.
- 04 Prepare energy code compliance calculations (2021 WSEC-R required for all conditioned space).
- 05 Prepare site plan, floor plans, elevations, and foundation/structural plans scaled to 1/4" = 1' minimum.
- 06 Prepare stormwater application and impervious surface worksheet.
- 07 Email all documents to permits@fridayharbor.org or submit in person at Town Hall.
- 08 Town staff notifies applicant of remaining fees; pay total building, plumbing, mechanical, and stormwater fees before plan check begins.
- 09 Town staff reviews for code compliance and routes to Planning, Development Engineering, and applicable departments.
- 10 Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
- 11 Upon approval, permit is issued and work may commence.
Typical processing time: Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.
Source: Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule available at Permits & Fees page (PDF document View/10269)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact permits@fridayharbor.org for current fees
02
Plan check fee
Included in building permit fee calculation
03
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation (time and materials, including electrical, gas, fixtures, cabinetry, mechanical and plumbing equipment, and permanent systems; does not include land, septic, or water systems)
Total fees due before plan check begins. Contact permits@fridayharbor.org for fee schedule details and estimates.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule available at Permits & Fees page (PDF document View/10269)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- permits@fridayharbor.org (email)
- (360) 378-2810 ext. 248 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Minimum 24-hour advance notice required.
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Time windows
- Inspection times vary; coordinate with Town staff.
Typical sequence: Standard residential inspection sequence: foundation/setback verification, framing (before insulation and sheathing), insulation/energy code, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, final inspection (all trades). Confirm required stages with Building Division at permit issuance.
Contact Building Division regarding remote or virtual inspection options.
Source: Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Friday Harbor permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Friday Harbor, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Friday Harbor.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Friday Harbor, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Friday Harbor, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact permits@fridayharbor.org for current fees. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation (time and materials, including electrical, gas, fixtures, cabinetry, mechanical and plumbing equipment, and permanent systems; does not include land, septic, or water systems). Plan check fee: Included in building permit fee calculation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Friday Harbor, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Friday Harbor, WA, follow these steps: 1. Obtain the building permit application and required forms from the Permits & Fees page or Town Hall. 2. Complete the signed building permit application (owner or authorized agent). 3. Prepare and have signed by all utility companies the Utility Checklist. 4. Prepare energy code compliance calculations (2021 WSEC-R required for all conditioned space). 5. Prepare site plan, floor plans, elevations, and foundation/structural plans scaled to 1/4" = 1' minimum. 6. Prepare stormwater application and impervious surface worksheet. 7. Email all documents to permits@fridayharbor.org or submit in person at Town Hall. 8. Town staff notifies applicant of remaining fees; pay total building, plumbing, mechanical, and stormwater fees before plan check begins. 9. Town staff reviews for code compliance and routes to Planning, Development Engineering, and applicable departments. 10. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required. 11. Upon approval, permit is issued and work may commence.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Friday Harbor, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Friday Harbor, WA typically run Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Friday Harbor, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Friday Harbor, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Storage sheds under 120 sq. ft. (IBC threshold) or 200 sq. ft. (IRC threshold); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top); Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons); Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade; Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Ordinary repair and maintenance (e.g., fixing leaks). Note: Exemption from a building permit does not exempt work from compliance with other applicable codes (zoning, fire, health, utility). Exempt structures must still comply with setback and site requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Friday Harbor, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Friday Harbor, WA via: permits@fridayharbor.org, (360) 378-2810 ext. 248. Minimum 24-hour advance notice required..
last verified April 2026
source Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/washington/san-juan/friday-harbor
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.