City Building Permits

Selah, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Yakima County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Selah.

Department
City of Selah Building Department
Address
115 W. Naches Avenue, Selah, WA 98942
Phone
(509) 698-7300
Website
https://www.selahwa.gov

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov Community Portal

Platform: SmartGov • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Create account in SmartGov Community Portal or visit Permit Counter at City Hall.
  2. Complete application forms (available online or at Permit Counter).
  3. Submit application digitally, by email, or in person.
  4. Prepare site plan and construction plans (two sets for residential, three for commercial).
  5. Include energy code compliance forms in PDF format.
  6. Pay applicable fees.
  7. Building department conducts digital plan review and approves permit.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact city for estimates.

Source: City of Selah Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Selah.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan (PDF, max 11x17) showing lot coverage calculations
  • Construction plans drawn to scale
  • Truss package with engineer's stamps and layout
  • Beam calculation sheets
  • Energy Code compliance sheets (PDF format)
  • Floor joist manufacturer's layout with calculations
  • Engineering for non-prescriptive elements
Building code
2021 International Building Code (effective May 1, 2023)
Contractor requirements
Washington State contractor license required for contractors.

Fees

Plan check fee
Plan review fees apply
Permit fee formula
Based on valuation of construction
Payment note
Payment accepted online (3% service fee for credit/debit), cash, or check. Contact office for specific fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory buildings under 200 sq ft
  • Fences not over 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
  • Water tanks supported directly on grade (if not over 5,000 gallons)
  • Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
  • Painting, papering, and similar finish work
  • Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
24-48 hours notice required

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, floor joist/under slab plumbing, framing, plumbing rough-in, mechanical (ductwork before covering), insulation, drywall, final inspection.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Selah Building Department before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Selah Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in Selah, WA?
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Selah.
How much does a building permit cost in Selah, WA?
Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation of construction. Plan check fee: Plan review fees apply.
How do I apply for a building permit in Selah, WA?
1. Create account in SmartGov Community Portal or visit Permit Counter at City Hall. 2. Complete application forms (available online or at Permit Counter). 3. Submit application digitally, by email, or in person. 4. Prepare site plan and construction plans (two sets for residential, three for commercial). 5. Include energy code compliance forms in PDF format. 6. Pay applicable fees. 7. Building department conducts digital plan review and approves permit.
How long does it take to get a building permit in Selah, WA?
Typical processing time is Variable; contact city for estimates..
What work is exempt from building permits in Selah, WA?
The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory buildings under 200 sq ft; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height; Water tanks supported directly on grade (if not over 5,000 gallons); Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade; Painting, papering, and similar finish work; Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets. Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
How do I schedule a building inspection in Selah, WA?
Inspections can be scheduled via: (509) 698-7300, SmartGov Community Portal. 24-48 hours notice required.

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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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