County Building Permits

Stevens County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Stevens County, including rural parcels, agricultural land, and communities outside incorporated city/town limits.

Department
Land Services Department, Building Division
Address
260 S. Oak Street (Annex), Colville, WA 99114
Phone
(509) 684-8325
Website
https://www.stevenscountywa.gov/20891/building-division

Online Permit Portal

Open Stevens County Building Applications and Forms

Platform: SmartGov Community Portal (limited permit types) + in-person/mail submission • Account required: Yes • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Confirm the project location is in unincorporated Stevens County (not within an incorporated city/town).
  2. Contact the Planning Division at (509) 684-2401 or planning@stevenscountywa.gov first if the project involves land use questions (zoning, site analysis, subdivision).
  3. Download the appropriate application from the Stevens County website or pick up at the Building Division office.
  4. Complete all required fields: property owner name, phone, property address, parcel number, project description and valuation.
  5. Gather required documents: completed permit application form, site plan (showing property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, setbacks), construction plans/drawings (for most residential and all commercial projects), energy code compliance documentation (WA State Energy Code 2021), and septic/well permits (if applicable).
  6. Submit in person to the Building Division, 260 S. Oak St., Colville. Arrive by 4:00 p.m.
  7. Plan review is conducted; applicant may be contacted for revisions or additional information.
  8. Upon approval, pay applicable fees and receive permit.
  9. Post permit and inspection record prominently at job site.
  10. Schedule inspections as required.
  11. Final inspection triggers issuance of Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance.

Typical processing time: Varies based on plan review complexity. Contact building division for estimate.

Source: Land Services Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, convert, or replace any gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, must apply to the Building Division and obtain all required permits.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application form
  • Site plan (showing property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, setbacks)
  • Construction plans/drawings (for most residential and all commercial projects)
  • Energy code compliance documentation (WA State Energy Code 2021, effective March 15, 2024)
  • Septic/well permits (if applicable)
Permit validity
Contact building division for permit validity period.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), and ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009 — all with Washington State amendments. Effective July 1, 2024.
Owner-builder
Both property owners and L&I-registered contractors may apply for building permits.
Contractor requirements
Contractors performing work 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. Registration fee: $141.10.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$150 (residential); $25 base (commercial)
Plan check fee
Typically 65% of building permit fee for commercial; contact building division for current rate.
Permit fee formula
Residential (R3/IRC): 0.75% of project valuation, minimum $150. Commercial (IBC): based on ICC Building Valuation Data, construction type, and occupancy classification.
Payment note
No permit fee required for non-structural R3 construction under $2,000 in valuation. No permit fee required for one-story detached IRC accessory structures with floor area of 200 sq ft or less (unless containing habitable space or plumbing). Valuation = total value of work including materials, labor, electrical, gas, mechanical, plumbing, finish work, and all permanent equipment and systems. Contact building division at (509) 684-8325 or building@stevenscountywa.gov for fee estimate.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Contact building division for current resolution effective date (most recent: R-119-2024)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Residential utility structures that are 200 sq ft or less, do not contain plumbing, do not contain habitable space (living, sleeping, eating, or cooking), and are not on a permanent foundation
  • One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (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, 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 accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling

Important: Owner/Builder Exemption program exists but has been subject to legal challenge by state authorities. Consult legal counsel before relying on this exemption for projects intended for sale, financing, or insurance purposes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Schedule at least two working days in advance. Daily inspection schedule fills quickly.
Inspection hours
Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. (call between 8:30-9:00 a.m. on inspection day for approximate time window)

Typical inspection sequence: Required stages: (1) Footing/Foundation — after excavation and forms/reinforcing steel in place, before concrete poured. (2) Framing/Rough-in — after roof, framing, fire blocking, and bracing in place; after rough heating, electrical, and plumbing. (3) Insulation — before interior wallboard installed. (4) Final — after finish grading complete and building ready for occupancy. Additional inspections may be required for commercial projects, structural elements, or fire suppression systems.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Land Services Department, Building Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Stevens County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, WA?
Any owner or authorized agent who intends to construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or to erect, install, enlarge, alter, repair, convert, or replace any gas, mechanical, or plumbing system, must apply to the Building Division and obtain all required permits.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Stevens County, WA?
The minimum permit fee is $150 (residential); $25 base (commercial). Fees are calculated as: Residential (R3/IRC): 0.75% of project valuation, minimum $150. Commercial (IBC): based on ICC Building Valuation Data, construction type, and occupancy classification.. Plan check fee: Typically 65% of building permit fee for commercial; contact building division for current rate..
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, WA?
1. Confirm the project location is in unincorporated Stevens County (not within an incorporated city/town). 2. Contact the Planning Division at (509) 684-2401 or planning@stevenscountywa.gov first if the project involves land use questions (zoning, site analysis, subdivision). 3. Download the appropriate application from the Stevens County website or pick up at the Building Division office. 4. Complete all required fields: property owner name, phone, property address, parcel number, project description and valuation. 5. Gather required documents: completed permit application form, site plan (showing property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, setbacks), construction plans/drawings (for most residential and all commercial projects), energy code compliance documentation (WA State Energy Code 2021), and septic/well permits (if applicable). 6. Submit in person to the Building Division, 260 S. Oak St., Colville. Arrive by 4:00 p.m. 7. Plan review is conducted; applicant may be contacted for revisions or additional information. 8. Upon approval, pay applicable fees and receive permit. 9. Post permit and inspection record prominently at job site. 10. Schedule inspections as required. 11. Final inspection triggers issuance of Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, WA?
Typical processing time is Varies based on plan review complexity. Contact building division for estimate..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Stevens County, WA?
The following work is generally exempt: Residential utility structures that are 200 sq ft or less, do not contain plumbing, do not contain habitable space (living, sleeping, eating, or cooking), and are not on a permanent foundation; One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (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, 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 accessory to a one- or two-family dwelling. Note: Owner/Builder Exemption program exists but has been subject to legal challenge by state authorities. Consult legal counsel before relying on this exemption for projects intended for sale, financing, or insurance purposes.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Stevens County, WA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (509) 684-8325, SmartGov portal. Schedule at least two working days in advance. Daily inspection schedule fills quickly..

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.
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