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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Kettle Falls
Kettle Falls enforces the Washington State Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC with WA amendments, effective July 1, 2024). A permit is required for: new construction or modification to a structure, including electrical (L&I), plumbing, and HVAC work; signs; remodeling; and any new construction.
One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft, no plumbing, no habitable space, not on permanent foundation
Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (footing bottom to wall top), unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids
Fences not over 6 feet in height
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft, no plumbing, no habitable space, not on permanent foundation
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (footing bottom to wall top), unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet in height
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Note: Confirm current exemption list with city hall. Zoning permits may still be required even where building permits are exempt.
Required documents
- Building permit application
- Site plan
- Construction drawings
- Valuation statement
- Land Use Permit form (if applicable)
- 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 L&I-registered contractors may apply.
- 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 plan review complexity. Contact city hall for estimate.
- 01 Visit the Forms & Info page to download the City Building Permit application, or pick up at city hall.
- 02 Determine applicable zone before purchasing or leasing property for new uses (zoning compliance required).
- 03 Complete the permit application with project description, valuation, and site information.
- 04 Submit completed application with required documents at City Hall, 580 Meyers Street.
- 05 Pay applicable fees upon permit issuance.
- 06 Post permit at job site.
- 07 Contact city hall to schedule required inspections.
- 08 Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.
Typical processing time: Varies based on plan review complexity. Contact city hall for estimate.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Kettle Falls building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Charged separately; contact city hall for current amounts.
02
Permit fee formula
Fees are established by city resolution and based on project valuation (materials + labor, all systems and finishes). Plan review fees are charged separately.
Contact city hall at (509) 738-6821 for the current fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 738-6821 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
Typical sequence: Standard inspection stages: footing/foundation (before concrete poured), framing/rough-in (after rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical), insulation, and final. Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all inspections are approved.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Kettle Falls permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Kettle Falls, WA? ▸
Kettle Falls enforces the Washington State Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC with WA amendments, effective July 1, 2024). A permit is required for: new construction or modification to a structure, including electrical (L&I), plumbing, and HVAC work; signs; remodeling; and any new construction.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Kettle Falls, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Kettle Falls, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fees are established by city resolution and based on project valuation (materials + labor, all systems and finishes). Plan review fees are charged separately.. Plan check fee: Charged separately; contact city hall for current amounts..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Kettle Falls, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Kettle Falls, WA, follow these steps: 1. Visit the Forms & Info page to download the City Building Permit application, or pick up at city hall. 2. Determine applicable zone before purchasing or leasing property for new uses (zoning compliance required). 3. Complete the permit application with project description, valuation, and site information. 4. Submit completed application with required documents at City Hall, 580 Meyers Street. 5. Pay applicable fees upon permit issuance. 6. Post permit at job site. 7. Contact city hall to schedule required inspections. 8. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Kettle Falls, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Kettle Falls, WA typically run Varies based on 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 Kettle Falls, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Kettle Falls, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft, no plumbing, no habitable space, not on permanent foundation; Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (footing bottom to wall top), unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids; Fences not over 6 feet in height; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work. Note: Confirm current exemption list with city hall. Zoning permits may still be required even where building permits are exempt. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Kettle Falls, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Kettle Falls, WA via: (509) 738-6821.
last verified April 2026
source Building and Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/stevens/kettle-falls
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.