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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Spokane County
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Spokane County.
Residential accessory buildings: Single story and less than 200 square feet
Other exemptions per adopted International Codes
- Exempt Residential accessory buildings: Single story and less than 200 square feet
- Exempt Other exemptions per adopted International Codes
Note: Note: Fences over 6 feet in height require building permits in unincorporated Spokane County.
Required documents
- Parcel number of proposed site
- Legal description of proposed site (from property tax statement or County Assessor)
- Street address (assigned at permit application if none exists)
- Site plan
- Foundation plans, floor plans, elevations, cross sections, structural details (minimum 11x17, 1/8-inch scale)
- Truss and beam specifications
- Footing calculations
- Mechanical and ventilation forms
- Washington State Energy Code compliance forms
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code, International Residential Code, International Mechanical Code, International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code with Washington State amendments
- Permit validity
- Governed by International Codes.
- Owner-builder
- Owner-builders must comply with Washington State L&I registration and County requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- Washington State L&I registration required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact County for estimates.
- 01 Use Spokane County Interactive Map to confirm your property is in unincorporated County jurisdiction.
- 02 Create account on SmartGov Community portal.
- 03 Submit application online with all required documents.
- 04 Gather required information: Parcel number, legal description, street address (if assigned), site plan, foundation plans, structural details.
- 05 Project Coordinator contacts applicant via email when fees are ready to be paid.
- 06 Pay processing and plan review fees prior to permit application being routed for review (effective July 1, 2025).
- 07 Application routed for review after fees are paid.
- 08 Request inspections online at www.spokanecounty.org/permits or by phone at (509) 477-3675.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity; contact County for estimates.
§ 04
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online portal at www.spokanecounty.org/permits (online)
- (509) 477-3675 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact County for inspection request procedures.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday during business hours
- Time windows
- Inspection timing varies.
Typical sequence: Required inspections: Foundation, framing, mechanical, plumbing, electrical (through WA State L&I), final.
§ 05
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Spokane County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Spokane County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Spokane County.
02 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Spokane County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Spokane County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Use Spokane County Interactive Map to confirm your property is in unincorporated County jurisdiction. 2. Create account on SmartGov Community portal. 3. Submit application online with all required documents. 4. Gather required information: Parcel number, legal description, street address (if assigned), site plan, foundation plans, structural details. 5. Project Coordinator contacts applicant via email when fees are ready to be paid. 6. Pay processing and plan review fees prior to permit application being routed for review (effective July 1, 2025). 7. Application routed for review after fees are paid. 8. Request inspections online at www.spokanecounty.org/permits or by phone at (509) 477-3675.
03 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Spokane County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Spokane County, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity; contact County for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
04 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Spokane County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Spokane County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Residential accessory buildings: Single story and less than 200 square feet; Other exemptions per adopted International Codes. Note: Note: Fences over 6 feet in height require building permits in unincorporated Spokane County. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
05 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Spokane County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Spokane County, WA via: Online portal at www.spokanecounty.org/permits, (509) 477-3675. Contact County for inspection request procedures..
last verified April 2026
source Spokane County Building & Planning ↗
entry id permits/washington/spokane/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Spokane County Building & Planning before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.