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When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Spokane Valley
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Spokane Valley.
- Exempt Work exempt per International Building Code and International Residential Code Section 105.2
- Exempt Contact Permit Center for verification of specific exemptions by project type
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Structural calculations
- Mechanical/plumbing/electrical plans as applicable
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code with Washington State amendments
- Permit validity
- Permit expiration governed by International Codes; confirm current rules with Permit Center.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with Washington State L&I registration and City business license requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold Washington State L&I registration; City business license required.
Source: Permit Center ↗
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies; contact Permit Center for project-specific timelines.
- 01 Complete application using Online Permit Portal or download forms from city website.
- 02 Submit application and application fees online prior to processing.
- 03 Staff reviews application and contacts applicant if more information is needed.
- 04 Application is processed and applicant notified of status.
- 05 Schedule inspections via Online Permit Portal or Inspection Request Line at (509) 720-5350.
- 06 Certificate of Occupancy is issued after final inspection approval.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies; contact Permit Center for project-specific timelines.
Source: Permit Center ↗
Fee schedule
Effective Current schedule available online
Credit card payments accepted online or by phone with 2.5% convenience fee. No convenience fee for check or cash payments at Permit Center.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Current schedule available online) before budgeting.
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
- Online Permit Portal (online)
- (509) 720-5350 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Requests received before 7 a.m. are generally performed same business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday during business hours
- Time windows
- Inspection timing depends on inspector availability.
Typical sequence: Required inspections vary by project type. Common inspections: foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical, final.
Remote inspections may be available for certain inspection types.
Source: Permit Center ↗
Frequently asked
Common questions about Spokane Valley permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Spokane Valley, WA? ▸
02 How much does a building permit cost in Spokane Valley, WA? ▸
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Spokane Valley, WA? ▸
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Spokane Valley, WA? ▸
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Spokane Valley, WA? ▸
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Spokane Valley, WA? ▸
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Permit Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.