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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Airway Heights
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Airway Heights.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (residential), 120 sq ft (commercial)
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids)
Water tanks under 5,000 gallons on grade
Sidewalks and driveways not over 30 inches above grade
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Shade cloth nursery or agricultural structures
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Decks not over 30 inches above grade, not attached, without roof
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (residential), 120 sq ft (commercial)
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids)
- Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons on grade
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not over 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Shade cloth nursery or agricultural structures
- Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
- Exempt Decks not over 30 inches above grade, not attached, without roof
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
Required documents
- Conformed plans and permit applications
- Site plan with scale
- Supporting documentation (separate PDF files for each component)
- Footing calculations
- Beam calculations
- WSEC Prescriptive Energy Code Worksheets
- Mechanical Ventilation Form
- No cell phone photos or Google Map site plans accepted
- Building code
- International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code with Washington State Energy Code
- Permit validity
- Governed by adopted International Codes.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with Washington State L&I registration and City requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I registration required; City business license required (48-hour, 30-day, or annual options available).
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies; contact Building Department for project-specific estimates.
- 01 Pre-Development Review required for commercial/industrial projects and many building permits.
- 02 Submit completed pre-development form and required documentation to bldgdept@cawh.org.
- 03 Pay plan review deposit: $500 for new single-family residential; 65% of plan review deposit for other projects.
- 04 Deposit can be paid by credit card over phone; review begins after deposit received.
- 05 Staff reviews plans and sends payment link for remaining fees.
- 06 After plan review approval, schedule inspections online or by calling (509) 850-9364.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact Building Department for project-specific estimates.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online inspection request system (after login) (online)
- (509) 850-9364 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department for inspection request procedures.
- Inspection hours
- Monday - Friday 8am-4pm
- Time windows
- Inspection timing varies.
Typical sequence: Required inspections: Foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical (through L&I), final.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about Airway Heights permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Airway Heights, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Airway Heights.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in Airway Heights, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Airway Heights, WA, follow these steps: 1. Pre-Development Review required for commercial/industrial projects and many building permits. 2. Submit completed pre-development form and required documentation to bldgdept@cawh.org. 3. Pay plan review deposit: $500 for new single-family residential; 65% of plan review deposit for other projects. 4. Deposit can be paid by credit card over phone; review begins after deposit received. 5. Staff reviews plans and sends payment link for remaining fees. 6. After plan review approval, schedule inspections online or by calling (509) 850-9364.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in Airway Heights, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Airway Heights, WA typically run Processing time varies; contact Building Department for project-specific estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in Airway Heights, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Airway Heights, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (residential), 120 sq ft (commercial); Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids); Water tanks under 5,000 gallons on grade; Sidewalks and driveways not over 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Shade cloth nursery or agricultural structures; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches; Decks not over 30 inches above grade, not attached, without roof. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in Airway Heights, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Airway Heights, WA via: Online inspection request system (after login), (509) 850-9364. Contact Building Department for inspection request procedures..
last verified April 2026
source Building Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/spokane/airway-heights
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.