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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pullman
Building permits are required for all new construction, additions, most alterations and remodels, and any work affecting structural components, fire protection systems, or zoning compliance.
Accessory storage structures: one-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft (IBC) or 200 sq ft (IRC).
Fences: not exceeding 7 feet in height.
Retaining walls: not exceeding 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting surcharge.
Sidewalks and driveways: on private property, not more than 30 inches above grade.
Decks: not exceeding 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving as required egress (IRC only).
Finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
Minor alterations: valuation under $1,500 in any 12-month period, provided work does not create a bedroom, affect structural components, or reduce egress/light/air/ventilation.
Prefabricated pools: under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons.
Residential playground equipment: swings and similar accessories.
- Exempt Accessory storage structures: one-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft (IBC) or 200 sq ft (IRC).
- Exempt Fences: not exceeding 7 feet in height.
- Exempt Retaining walls: not exceeding 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting surcharge.
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways: on private property, not more than 30 inches above grade.
- Exempt Decks: not exceeding 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving as required egress (IRC only).
- Exempt Finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.
- Exempt Minor alterations: valuation under $1,500 in any 12-month period, provided work does not create a bedroom, affect structural components, or reduce egress/light/air/ventilation.
- Exempt Prefabricated pools: under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons.
- Exempt Residential playground equipment: swings and similar accessories.
Note: Exemption from building permit does not exempt work from plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit requirements. All work must still conform to applicable codes.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Construction plans (structural framing, architectural, mechanical, plumbing sheets for complex projects)
- Plot plan showing property lines and setbacks
- IRC submittal documents (for new homes)
- Contractor Waiver Form (if owner-performing)
- Solar Permit Checklist (if applicable)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) — all with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024).
- Permit validity
- Permit becomes null and void if work is not started within 180 days of issuance or if work is suspended/abandoned for 180 days or more.
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may self-perform work by submitting a signed Contractor Waiver Form in lieu of contractor registration.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors performing paid construction work must be registered with Washington State L&I (RCW 18.27). Registration numbers must appear on permit applications, vehicles, and advertising. Bond requirements (2026): General Contractor $30,000; Specialty Contractor $15,000.
Source: Building & Protective Inspections, Community Development Department ↗
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Same-day or next business day for simple permits; four to six weeks for complex projects with plan review. Reroofing, re-siding, window replacement: typically same-day to next business day.
- 01 Determine the permit type required (simple projects like reroofing, re-siding, window replacement vs. complex projects with structural changes).
- 02 For simple projects: apply online via Civic Access Portal or over the counter; permits typically issued same-day or next business day.
- 03 For complex projects: submit detailed construction plans through the portal or in person; plan review takes four to six weeks.
- 04 For single-family/duplex: submit completed application, construction plans (structural, architectural, mechanical, plumbing), plot plan, IRC submittal documents, and Contractor Waiver Form if owner-performing.
- 05 Pay permit fees through the online portal.
- 06 Upon approval, receive permit and post on job site.
- 07 Schedule inspections through the Civic Access Portal or by phone at (509) 338-3220.
- 08 Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy for new structures and major additions.
Typical processing time: Same-day or next business day for simple permits; four to six weeks for complex projects with plan review. Reroofing, re-siding, window replacement: typically same-day to next business day.
Source: Building & Protective Inspections, Community Development Department ↗
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective March 17, 2024
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Included in valuation-based calculation
02
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based using ICC Building Valuation Data table; fees calculated by multiplying square footage by cost-per-square-foot, then applying IBC permit fee schedule.
Payment made online through Civic Access Portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective March 17, 2024) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Civic Access Portal (online)
- (509) 338-3220 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Same-day inspections: requests must be received before 9:00 a.m. Late requests (after 9:00 a.m.) are scheduled for the next business day.
- Inspection hours
- Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Morning: 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.; Afternoon: 1:30 p.m.–5:00 p.m. Note: Inspections start slightly later on Tuesdays due to weekly staff meeting.
Typical sequence: Typical residential new construction sequence: Foundation/footing before pour, Framing (before insulation), Rough plumbing/mechanical/electrical (coordinate electrical with L&I), Insulation, Final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy. Commercial projects include additional stages (shear wall, envelope, structural).
Source: Building & Protective Inspections, Community Development Department ↗
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Pullman permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Pullman, WA? ▸
Building permits are required for all new construction, additions, most alterations and remodels, and any work affecting structural components, fire protection systems, or zoning compliance.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Pullman, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Pullman, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Valuation-based using ICC Building Valuation Data table; fees calculated by multiplying square footage by cost-per-square-foot, then applying IBC permit fee schedule.. Plan check fee: Included in valuation-based calculation.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Pullman, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Pullman, WA, follow these steps: 1. Determine the permit type required (simple projects like reroofing, re-siding, window replacement vs. complex projects with structural changes). 2. For simple projects: apply online via Civic Access Portal or over the counter; permits typically issued same-day or next business day. 3. For complex projects: submit detailed construction plans through the portal or in person; plan review takes four to six weeks. 4. For single-family/duplex: submit completed application, construction plans (structural, architectural, mechanical, plumbing), plot plan, IRC submittal documents, and Contractor Waiver Form if owner-performing. 5. Pay permit fees through the online portal. 6. Upon approval, receive permit and post on job site. 7. Schedule inspections through the Civic Access Portal or by phone at (509) 338-3220. 8. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy for new structures and major additions.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Pullman, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Pullman, WA typically run Same-day or next business day for simple permits; four to six weeks for complex projects with plan review. Reroofing, re-siding, window replacement: typically same-day to next business day.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Pullman, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Pullman, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Accessory storage structures: one-story detached tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses with floor area not exceeding 120 sq ft (IBC) or 200 sq ft (IRC).; Fences: not exceeding 7 feet in height.; Retaining walls: not exceeding 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top), not supporting surcharge.; Sidewalks and driveways: on private property, not more than 30 inches above grade.; Decks: not exceeding 200 sq ft, not more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to dwelling, not serving as required egress (IRC only).; Finish work: painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work.; Minor alterations: valuation under $1,500 in any 12-month period, provided work does not create a bedroom, affect structural components, or reduce egress/light/air/ventilation.; Prefabricated pools: under 24 inches deep and under 5,000 gallons.; Residential playground equipment: swings and similar accessories.. Note: Exemption from building permit does not exempt work from plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit requirements. All work must still conform to applicable codes. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Pullman, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Pullman, WA via: Civic Access Portal, (509) 338-3220. Same-day inspections: requests must be received before 9:00 a.m. Late requests (after 9:00 a.m.) are scheduled for the next business day..
last verified April 2026
source Building & Protective Inspections, Community Development Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/whitman/pullman
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Building & Protective Inspections, Community Development Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.