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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Selah
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Selah.
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
- Exempt One-story detached accessory buildings under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade (if not over 5,000 gallons)
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Painting, papering, and similar finish work
- Exempt Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets
Note: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements.
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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Variable; contact city for estimates.
- 01 Create account in SmartGov Community Portal or visit Permit Counter at City Hall.
- 02 Complete application forms (available online or at Permit Counter).
- 03 Submit application digitally, by email, or in person.
- 04 Prepare site plan and construction plans (two sets for residential, three for commercial).
- 05 Include energy code compliance forms in PDF format.
- 06 Pay applicable fees.
- 07 Building department conducts digital plan review and approves permit.
Typical processing time: Variable; contact city for estimates.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Selah building permit fees
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
Plan review fees apply
02
Permit fee formula
Based on valuation of construction
Payment accepted online (3% service fee for credit/debit), cash, or check. Contact office for specific fee schedule.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- (509) 698-7300 (phone)
- SmartGov Community Portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- 24-48 hours notice required
Typical sequence: Typical sequence: foundation/footing, floor joist/under slab plumbing, framing, plumbing rough-in, mechanical (ductwork before covering), insulation, drywall, final inspection.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Selah permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Selah, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Selah.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Selah, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Selah, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation of construction. Plan check fee: Plan review fees apply.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Selah, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Selah, WA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Selah, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Selah, WA typically run Variable; contact city for estimates.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Selah, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Selah, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Selah, WA via: (509) 698-7300, SmartGov Community Portal. 24-48 hours notice required.
last verified April 2026
source City of Selah Building Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/yakima/selah
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with City of Selah Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.