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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Cheney
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Cheney.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft in residential areas
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Work exempt per International Building Code Section 105.2
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft in residential areas
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
- Exempt Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Work exempt per International Building Code Section 105.2
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Structural calculations
- Mechanical/plumbing/HVAC plans as applicable
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fire Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 International Fuel Gas Code, NFPA Standard No. 58 (Propane), 2015 International Property Maintenance Code, Washington State Energy Code WAC 51-11
- Permit validity
- Governed by adopted International Codes; confirm current rules with Building Department.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with Washington State L&I registration and City requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I registration required; confirm local business license requirements with Building Department.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for estimates.
- 01 Complete building permit application with all required documentation.
- 02 Upload plans via Citizen Connect portal or submit physical copies by mail, in person, or email.
- 03 Staff reviews for compliance with adopted codes.
- 04 Payment link and amount emailed within 2 hours of online submission.
- 05 Request inspections through Citizen Connect portal.
- 06 Obtain approval and certificate of occupancy after final inspection.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for estimates.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule in Cheney Municipal Code Chapter 19.06
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
Contact Building Department at (509) 498-9237
02
Plan check fee
See municipal code
03
Permit fee formula
See Cheney Municipal Code Chapter 19.06
04
Trade permit fee
Included in building permit
Accepted by check, cash, or credit card (MasterCard/Visa).
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule in Cheney Municipal Code Chapter 19.06) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Citizen Connect Portal (online)
- (509) 498-9237 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Building Department for inspection request deadlines.
- Inspection hours
- Business hours; best contact time 8 a.m. to 9 a.m.
- Time windows
- Inspection timing varies.
Typical sequence: Required inspections vary by project type.
Source: Building Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Cheney permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Cheney, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Cheney.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Cheney, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Cheney, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is Contact Building Department at (509) 498-9237. Fees are calculated as: See Cheney Municipal Code Chapter 19.06. Plan check fee: See municipal code.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Cheney, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Cheney, WA, follow these steps: 1. Complete building permit application with all required documentation. 2. Upload plans via Citizen Connect portal or submit physical copies by mail, in person, or email. 3. Staff reviews for compliance with adopted codes. 4. Payment link and amount emailed within 2 hours of online submission. 5. Request inspections through Citizen Connect portal. 6. Obtain approval and certificate of occupancy after final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Cheney, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Cheney, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity; contact Building Department for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Cheney, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Cheney, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft in residential areas; Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height; Painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Work exempt per International Building Code Section 105.2. 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.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Cheney, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Cheney, WA via: Citizen Connect Portal, (509) 498-9237. Contact Building Department for inspection request deadlines..
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.