On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Wahkiakum County
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, structural remodels, attached structures, detached structures with utilities or residential use, fences over 6 feet, decks more than 30 inches high or larger than 200 sq ft, mechanical systems, residential solar, manufactured home placement, shoreline development, and significant earth moving.
Sidewalks, driveways, and patios at grade level
Fences 6 feet high or less
Decks less than 30 inches above grade and less than 200 square feet in area
Detached recreational/accessory structures with no plumbing, no conditioned air, and not intended as residence (e.g., simple garden shed)
Non-structural maintenance and repairs that do not change occupancy, structural system, or egress (painting, re-roofing in-kind, cabinet replacement, flooring)
Unheated and unoccupied Group U Occupancies, Division 1 (agricultural utility buildings meeting specific criteria)
- Exempt Sidewalks, driveways, and patios at grade level
- Exempt Fences 6 feet high or less
- Exempt Decks less than 30 inches above grade and less than 200 square feet in area
- Exempt Detached recreational/accessory structures with no plumbing, no conditioned air, and not intended as residence (e.g., simple garden shed)
- Exempt Non-structural maintenance and repairs that do not change occupancy, structural system, or egress (painting, re-roofing in-kind, cabinet replacement, flooring)
- Exempt Unheated and unoccupied Group U Occupancies, Division 1 (agricultural utility buildings meeting specific criteria)
Note: Exempt structures must still comply with setback requirements and Critical Areas regulations. Work in the shoreline jurisdiction or floodplain is subject to additional review even if otherwise exempt from building permit. Agricultural structures may still trigger SEPA review. When in doubt, contact Building Inspector at (360) 795-6100 ext. 104.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application form
- Site plan: scaled drawing showing property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, utilities
- Construction documents: floor plans, elevations, cross-sections with dimensions and materials
- For new permanent residences: prior approval from Wahkiakum County Environmental Health for potable water source and sewer/septic system
- For shoreline/waterfront work: SEPA Checklist/Application and Washington State Joint Aquatic Resource Permit Application (JARPA)
- For floodplain locations: Elevation Certificate (FEMA Form 81-31) documenting Base Flood Elevation and finished floor elevation
- For manufactured homes: HUD data plate, setup specifications, site plan
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), and International Fire Code (IFC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024) per Revised Code of Wahkiakum County Title 30. Washington State Energy Code (WAC 51-11C) applies to all new construction.
- Permit validity
- Standard Washington state exemptions apply; confirm with Building Inspector.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may apply if performing their own work.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Verify registration at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Varies based on project complexity and staff workload; contact department for current estimates.
- 01 Call ahead to confirm permit requirements. Contact the Building Inspector before assembling your packet: (360) 795-6100 ext. 104 or hicksd@co.wahkiakum.wa.us. Missing documents will result in application rejection.
- 02 Schedule an appointment by calling (360) 849-9406 or (360) 795-3067. Do not arrive without an appointment as the Building Inspector is frequently in the field.
- 03 Assemble application packet: building permit application form, site plan (scaled drawing showing property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, utilities), construction documents (floor plans, elevations, cross-sections), water/sewer approvals (for residences), SEPA documentation (for waterfront work), Elevation Certificate if in floodplain, and HUD data plate (for manufactured homes).
- 04 Submit application and pay fees in person at 64 Main Street (by appointment) or by email to hicksd@co.wahkiakum.wa.us.
- 05 County staff reviews for code compliance. Contact department for current review turnaround.
- 06 Permit card must be posted at the job site in a visible location.
- 07 Schedule inspections at each construction stage using the Building Inspection Request form or phone.
- 08 Final inspection required before occupancy. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing final inspection.
Typical processing time: Varies based on project complexity and staff workload; contact department for current estimates.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Wahkiakum County building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Typically percentage of building permit fee (commonly 65% for complex projects, lower for simple residential)
02
Permit fee formula
Based on project valuation (construction cost). Specific amounts available in PDF fee schedule at link above; contact (360) 795-3067 for current quote.
03
Trade permit fee
Flat fee for mechanical permits per appliance/system
04
Reinspection fee
Charged when work is not ready at time of scheduled inspection
Fees paid at time of application.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Building Inspection Request Form (online) (form)
- Building Inspector: (360) 795-6100 ext. 104 or cell (360) 353-8074 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Inspector is in the field on Tuesdays (11 AM–3 PM) and Thursdays (8 AM–3 PM). Schedule accordingly for timely inspections.
- Inspection hours
- Monday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (in office); Tuesday: 11:00 AM–3:00 PM (field inspections); Thursday: 8:00 AM–3:00 PM (field inspections); Friday: 8:00 AM–4:00 PM (in office). Administrative office hours vary by week.
Typical sequence: Typical sequence for new residential construction: foundation/footing (before concrete pour, verify dimensions and rebar), foundation/slab (after forms set, before pour), framing (all framing and structural connections complete, before insulation), insulation/energy code (verify insulation type and R-values per WAC 51-11C), rough mechanical (ductwork, venting, combustion air; coordinate electrical/plumbing with L&I), final inspection (all construction complete, address numbers posted, site accessible, water and sewer/septic operational).
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Wahkiakum County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA? ▸
Building permits are required for new construction, additions, structural remodels, attached structures, detached structures with utilities or residential use, fences over 6 feet, decks more than 30 inches high or larger than 200 sq ft, mechanical systems, residential solar, manufactured home placement, shoreline development, and significant earth moving.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on project valuation (construction cost). Specific amounts available in PDF fee schedule at link above; contact (360) 795-3067 for current quote.. Plan check fee: Typically percentage of building permit fee (commonly 65% for complex projects, lower for simple residential).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Call ahead to confirm permit requirements. Contact the Building Inspector before assembling your packet: (360) 795-6100 ext. 104 or hicksd@co.wahkiakum.wa.us. Missing documents will result in application rejection. 2. Schedule an appointment by calling (360) 849-9406 or (360) 795-3067. Do not arrive without an appointment as the Building Inspector is frequently in the field. 3. Assemble application packet: building permit application form, site plan (scaled drawing showing property boundaries, existing and proposed structures, setbacks, utilities), construction documents (floor plans, elevations, cross-sections), water/sewer approvals (for residences), SEPA documentation (for waterfront work), Elevation Certificate if in floodplain, and HUD data plate (for manufactured homes). 4. Submit application and pay fees in person at 64 Main Street (by appointment) or by email to hicksd@co.wahkiakum.wa.us. 5. County staff reviews for code compliance. Contact department for current review turnaround. 6. Permit card must be posted at the job site in a visible location. 7. Schedule inspections at each construction stage using the Building Inspection Request form or phone. 8. Final inspection required before occupancy. Certificate of Occupancy issued upon passing final inspection.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA typically run Varies based on project complexity and staff workload; contact department for current estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Sidewalks, driveways, and patios at grade level; Fences 6 feet high or less; Decks less than 30 inches above grade and less than 200 square feet in area; Detached recreational/accessory structures with no plumbing, no conditioned air, and not intended as residence (e.g., simple garden shed); Non-structural maintenance and repairs that do not change occupancy, structural system, or egress (painting, re-roofing in-kind, cabinet replacement, flooring); Unheated and unoccupied Group U Occupancies, Division 1 (agricultural utility buildings meeting specific criteria). Note: Exempt structures must still comply with setback requirements and Critical Areas regulations. Work in the shoreline jurisdiction or floodplain is subject to additional review even if otherwise exempt from building permit. Agricultural structures may still trigger SEPA review. When in doubt, contact Building Inspector at (360) 795-6100 ext. 104. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Wahkiakum County, WA via: Building Inspection Request Form (online), Building Inspector: (360) 795-6100 ext. 104 or cell (360) 353-8074. Inspector is in the field on Tuesdays (11 AM–3 PM) and Thursdays (8 AM–3 PM). Schedule accordingly for timely inspections..
last verified April 2026
source Wahkiakum County Building and Planning Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/wahkiakum/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Wahkiakum County Building and Planning Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.