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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Stevenson
A building permit is required for all new construction, structural remodels, additions, roofing, plumbing, and mechanical work within the City of Stevenson. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I.
One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and no plumbing
Fences not over 6 feet in height
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting surcharge
Platforms, decks, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Minor repairs: replacement of existing work in kind, provided no structural changes are made
- Exempt One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and no plumbing
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet in height
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting surcharge
- Exempt Platforms, decks, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Minor repairs: replacement of existing work in kind, provided no structural changes are made
Note: An exemption from a building permit does not exempt work from compliance with the applicable building code, zoning setback requirements, or other local, state, or federal requirements. Electrical work is always separately permitted through L&I regardless of building permit status.
Required documents
- Site plan (template available for download)
- Floor plans and elevation drawings
- Structural plans and specifications
- Energy code compliance documentation (WSEC)
- System Development Charge (SDC) information for water and sewer connections
- For new construction or additions: sewer service lateral details, stormwater infiltration plan and downspout locations, water service line specifications and meter placement, complete fixture list, driveway specifications (ADA compliance)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024). Also: International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Fire Code (IFC), and Washington State Energy Code (WSEC).
- Permit validity
- Work must begin within 180 days of permit issuance; first inspection must occur within 180 days. No more than 180 days may elapse between any two consecutive inspections.
- Owner-builder
- Permit applications may be submitted by the property owner or a licensed/registered contractor.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Contractor registration is separate from local permit requirements.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies by project complexity; typical plan review is 2–4 weeks. Contact Daniel Pitariu (Permit and Records Manager) at (509) 427-5970 ext. 203 or daniel@ci.stevenson.wa.us for guidance.
- 01 Create a Cloudpermit account at https://us.cloudpermit.com/dashboard.
- 02 Submit the application online, selecting the appropriate permit type (building, mechanical, plumbing, public works, or planning).
- 03 Upload required documents (site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, structural plans, energy code documentation, and System Development Charge information).
- 04 Planning, Public Works, and the Skamania County Building Department review simultaneously through the portal.
- 05 Respond to any requests for additional information or revisions via the portal's messaging system.
- 06 Pay permit fees online by credit card once the permit is approved.
- 07 Download and post the permit card at the job site before work begins.
- 08 Schedule inspections through Cloudpermit at each required construction stage.
- 09 Upon final inspection approval, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued for new structures.
Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; typical plan review is 2–4 weeks. Contact Daniel Pitariu (Permit and Records Manager) at (509) 427-5970 ext. 203 or daniel@ci.stevenson.wa.us for guidance.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective August 1, 2023
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of the established permit fee, charged in addition to the permit fee.
02
Permit fee formula
Calculated from project construction valuation: (a) square footage multiplied by the per-square-foot construction cost from ICC Building Valuation Data (Skamania County uses February 2020 ICC Building Valuation Data), or (b) stated fair market value of the improvement — whichever is greater.
Fees may be paid online through Cloudpermit by credit card. For fee estimate, email building@co.skamania.wa.us with project description and square footage.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective August 1, 2023) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Cloudpermit portal (online)
- building@co.skamania.wa.us (email)
- (509) 427-3925 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Fridays)
Typical sequence: Typical residential new construction: footing/foundation (before concrete pour), framing/rough-in (before sheathing), rough plumbing and mechanical, insulation, energy code compliance, final inspection (all trades complete).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Stevenson permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Stevenson, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all new construction, structural remodels, additions, roofing, plumbing, and mechanical work within the City of Stevenson. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Stevenson, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Stevenson, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Calculated from project construction valuation: (a) square footage multiplied by the per-square-foot construction cost from ICC Building Valuation Data (Skamania County uses February 2020 ICC Building Valuation Data), or (b) stated fair market value of the improvement — whichever is greater.. Plan check fee: 65% of the established permit fee, charged in addition to the permit fee..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Stevenson, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Stevenson, WA, follow these steps: 1. Create a Cloudpermit account at https://us.cloudpermit.com/dashboard. 2. Submit the application online, selecting the appropriate permit type (building, mechanical, plumbing, public works, or planning). 3. Upload required documents (site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, structural plans, energy code documentation, and System Development Charge information). 4. Planning, Public Works, and the Skamania County Building Department review simultaneously through the portal. 5. Respond to any requests for additional information or revisions via the portal's messaging system. 6. Pay permit fees online by credit card once the permit is approved. 7. Download and post the permit card at the job site before work begins. 8. Schedule inspections through Cloudpermit at each required construction stage. 9. Upon final inspection approval, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued for new structures.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Stevenson, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Stevenson, WA typically run Varies by project complexity; typical plan review is 2–4 weeks. Contact Daniel Pitariu (Permit and Records Manager) at (509) 427-5970 ext. 203 or daniel@ci.stevenson.wa.us for guidance.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Stevenson, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Stevenson, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and no plumbing; Fences not over 6 feet in height; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting surcharge; Platforms, decks, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Minor repairs: replacement of existing work in kind, provided no structural changes are made. Note: An exemption from a building permit does not exempt work from compliance with the applicable building code, zoning setback requirements, or other local, state, or federal requirements. Electrical work is always separately permitted through L&I regardless of building permit status. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Stevenson, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Stevenson, WA via: Cloudpermit portal, building@co.skamania.wa.us, (509) 427-3925.
last verified April 2026
source City of Stevenson — Permit Center (Building services contracted to Skamania County Building Division) ↗
entry id permits/washington/skamania/stevenson
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Stevenson — Permit Center (Building services contracted to Skamania County Building Division) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.