On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Colville
Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, or change of occupancy of a building or structure requires a permit. Installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, conversion, or replacement of any gas, mechanical, or plumbing system requires a permit.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
Platforms, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and other playground equipment
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids
- Exempt Platforms, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and other playground equipment
Note: Even if a building permit is not required, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may still apply. Zoning compliance is also required regardless of permit exemption. Confirm edge cases with city hall.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans or drawings
- Project description with valuation
- Property owner authorization (if applicant is a contractor)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments
- Permit validity
- Contact city hall for permit validity period.
- Owner-builder
- Both property owners and licensed/registered contractors may apply. Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I.
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I under RCW 18.27. General contractors must carry a $30,000 surety bond; specialty contractors must carry $15,000. General liability insurance minimums: $200,000 public liability / $50,000 property damage.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies based on completeness of application and plan review complexity. Contact city hall for estimate.
- 01 Determine whether work requires a permit.
- 02 Obtain the appropriate application from city hall or the city website.
- 03 Complete all required fields: property owner name, phone number, property address, parcel number, project description, and valuation.
- 04 Submit application with required documents in person at city hall or by email to buildingpermits@colville.wa.us. Incomplete applications will be returned.
- 05 Permit is issued upon application approval. Applicant pays applicable fees.
- 06 Post permit on site; begin work only after permit is issued.
- 07 Call to schedule required inspections at each construction stage.
- 08 Schedule final inspection; obtain approval.
Typical processing time: Varies based on completeness of application and plan review complexity. Contact city hall for estimate.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Colville building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$150
02
Plan check fee
Contact city hall for current amounts.
03
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation (materials + labor, all systems and finishes). Specific rates set by city resolution.
Contact city hall at (509) 684-5096 for current fee schedule and fee estimates.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 684-5096 (phone)
- CityReporter portal (online)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 3:00 p.m.
Typical sequence: Key inspection stages: footing/foundation (after excavation and forms/rebar in place, before concrete is poured), framing/rough-in (after framing, fire blocking, and bracing are complete; after rough electrical [L&I], plumbing, and mechanical rough-ins), insulation (before wallboard is installed), and final (after construction is complete).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Colville permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Colville, WA? ▸
Any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, move, or change of occupancy of a building or structure requires a permit. Installation, enlargement, alteration, repair, conversion, or replacement of any gas, mechanical, or plumbing system requires a permit.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Colville, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Colville, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $150. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation (materials + labor, all systems and finishes). Specific rates set by city resolution.. Plan check fee: Contact city hall for current amounts..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Colville, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Colville, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine whether work requires a permit. 2. Obtain the appropriate application from city hall or the city website. 3. Complete all required fields: property owner name, phone number, property address, parcel number, project description, and valuation. 4. Submit application with required documents in person at city hall or by email to buildingpermits@colville.wa.us. Incomplete applications will be returned. 5. Permit is issued upon application approval. Applicant pays applicable fees. 6. Post permit on site; begin work only after permit is issued. 7. Call to schedule required inspections at each construction stage. 8. Schedule final inspection; obtain approval.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Colville, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Colville, WA typically run Varies based on completeness of application and plan review complexity. Contact city hall for estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Colville, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Colville, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided floor area does not exceed 200 sq ft; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II, or IIIA liquids; Platforms, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement or story below, and not part of an accessible route; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work; Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and other playground equipment. Note: Even if a building permit is not required, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits may still apply. Zoning compliance is also required regardless of permit exemption. Confirm edge cases with city hall. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Colville, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Colville, WA via: (509) 684-5096, CityReporter portal.
last verified April 2026
source Building and Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/stevens/colville
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.