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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Stevens County
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.
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
- 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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, storage sheds, and playhouses with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft
- Exempt 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
- Exempt Platforms, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade, not over any basement, 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 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.
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)
- 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.
- Permit validity
- Contact building division for permit validity period.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies based on plan review complexity. Contact building division for estimate.
- 01 Confirm the project location is in unincorporated Stevens County (not within an incorporated city/town).
- 02 Contact the Planning Division at (509) 684-2401 or planning@stevenscountywa.gov first if the project involves land use questions (zoning, site analysis, subdivision).
- 03 Download the appropriate application from the Stevens County website or pick up at the Building Division office.
- 04 Complete all required fields: property owner name, phone, property address, parcel number, project description and valuation.
- 05 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).
- 06 Submit in person to the Building Division, 260 S. Oak St., Colville. Arrive by 4:00 p.m.
- 07 Plan review is conducted; applicant may be contacted for revisions or additional information.
- 08 Upon approval, pay applicable fees and receive permit.
- 09 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.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Contact building division for current resolution effective date (most recent: R-119-2024)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$150 (residential); $25 base (commercial)
02
Plan check fee
Typically 65% of building permit fee for commercial; contact building division for current rate.
03
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.
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Contact building division for current resolution effective date (most recent: R-119-2024)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 684-8325 (phone)
- SmartGov portal (online)
- 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 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Stevens County permits
01 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.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Stevens County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Stevens County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, WA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Stevens County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Stevens County, WA typically run Varies based on plan review complexity. Contact building division for estimate.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Stevens County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Stevens County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Stevens County, WA via: (509) 684-8325, SmartGov portal. Schedule at least two working days in advance. Daily inspection schedule fills quickly..
last verified April 2026
source Land Services Department, Building Division ↗
entry id permits/washington/stevens/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Land Services Department, Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.