How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?

Fees are calculated as: Based on size of structure (base fee per square foot), occupancy type, construction type (I-V), and ICC valuation table. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.

How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?

Typical processing time is Variable; Project Coordinator will provide timeline..

What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?

The following work is generally exempt: Residential Accessory Structures (Sheds) - Exempt ONLY if ALL conditions met: on same lot as existing house (Group R-3); non-habitable; used only as tool/storage shed, playhouse, pump house, woodshed, or portable animal shelter (max 360 sq ft); max 200 sq ft per structure; max 2 structures per lot (1 portable animal shelter); max 10 ft wall height, one story only, no loft storage; max 24 inch eaves; detached, at least 6 feet from all other structures; no heat, plumbing, or mechanical systems; no basement or crawlspace with more than 18 inches clearance; not in FEMA floodplain, floodway, critical areas, or shoreline areas; not used as carport, garage, vehicle storage, tractor/farm equipment storage, agricultural product storage, or business use; Fences up to 7 feet high (may still require zoning approval); Retaining walls up to 4 feet (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks: on grade, max 5,000 gallons, height not exceeding 2x width/diameter; Decks, sidewalks, ramps, driveways: no roof cover, max 30 inches above grade; Interior finish work (painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops); Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep; Playground equipment for single-family homes; Window awnings max 54 inches projection (no additional support); Siding repair/replacement (non-fire-resistive areas); Insulation retrofits with no structural changes; Door and window replacement (like for like, not egress bedroom windows); Re-roofing (shingles only, not in wildfire hazard zones requiring fire-resistive roofing). Note: Even if exempt from building permit, other permits or approvals may still be required (land use, zoning, utilities, etc.). Shed exemptions exclude tractor/farm equipment storage and agricultural product storage -- storage structures on farm properties likely require permits. Floodplain exposure across county near Yakima River and tributaries.

How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?

Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access (ACA), (509) 574-2300.

County Building Permits

Yakima County, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Yakima County.

Department: Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division
Address: 128 N 2nd Street, Room 203, Yakima, WA 98901
Phone: (509) 574-2300
Email: Building@yakimacounty.us
Website: https://www.yakimacounty.us/1181/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Accela Citizen Access (ACA)

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

Additional resources:

Yakima County Building Department

Application Process

Register for Accela Citizen Access account.
Select appropriate permit application type.
Complete online application form.
Upload required plans and documents.
Pay fees online or in person.
Project Coordinator assigned to application.
Plans Examiner reviews for code compliance with 2021 IBC and Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024).
Permit issued upon approval.

Typical processing time: Variable; Project Coordinator will provide timeline.

Source: Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Yakima County.

Required Documents

Two sets of plans (minimum 11x17, 1/8-inch scale)
Site plan showing parcel number, legal description, street address, location of proposed work
Truss and beam specifications
Calculations and footings sized for loads
Energy Code compliance forms
Completed online application via Accela

Building code: 2021 International Building Code with Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
Contractor requirements: Contractor must have valid Washington State contractor license. Verify at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/.

Fees

Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula: Based on size of structure (base fee per square foot), occupancy type, construction type (I-V), and ICC valuation table
Payment note: Annual fee increases based on Consumer Price Index (CPI). Effective April 1, 2026: 3.1% increase in permit fees. Additional fees for fire plan review, land use application, road approach application, address application. Extra fees for FEMA floodplain/floodway locations. Contact (509) 574-2300 for fee estimates.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective April 1, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Residential Accessory Structures (Sheds) - Exempt ONLY if ALL conditions met: on same lot as existing house (Group R-3); non-habitable; used only as tool/storage shed, playhouse, pump house, woodshed, or portable animal shelter (max 360 sq ft); max 200 sq ft per structure; max 2 structures per lot (1 portable animal shelter); max 10 ft wall height, one story only, no loft storage; max 24 inch eaves; detached, at least 6 feet from all other structures; no heat, plumbing, or mechanical systems; no basement or crawlspace with more than 18 inches clearance; not in FEMA floodplain, floodway, critical areas, or shoreline areas; not used as carport, garage, vehicle storage, tractor/farm equipment storage, agricultural product storage, or business use
Fences up to 7 feet high (may still require zoning approval)
Retaining walls up to 4 feet (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks: on grade, max 5,000 gallons, height not exceeding 2x width/diameter
Decks, sidewalks, ramps, driveways: no roof cover, max 30 inches above grade
Interior finish work (painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops)
Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
Playground equipment for single-family homes
Window awnings max 54 inches projection (no additional support)
Siding repair/replacement (non-fire-resistive areas)
Insulation retrofits with no structural changes
Door and window replacement (like for like, not egress bedroom windows)
Re-roofing (shingles only, not in wildfire hazard zones requiring fire-resistive roofing)

Important: Even if exempt from building permit, other permits or approvals may still be required (land use, zoning, utilities, etc.). Shed exemptions exclude tractor/farm equipment storage and agricultural product storage -- storage structures on farm properties likely require permits. Floodplain exposure across county near Yakima River and tributaries.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Accela Citizen Access (ACA) (online)
(509) 574-2300 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Footings/foundation inspection, framing inspection, plumbing and mechanical systems inspection, insulation inspection, final inspection. Additional inspections may be required (special bolting inspections, etc.). All work must be visible for inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code with Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Building Permit Fee Schedule
Exempt from Permit Information Page
Online Permit Application Tutorials/Videos
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division before applying.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yakima County Building Permit FAQ

Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?: A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Yakima County.
How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?: Fees are calculated as: Based on size of structure (base fee per square foot), occupancy type, construction type (I-V), and ICC valuation table. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.
How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?: 1. Register for Accela Citizen Access account. 2. Select appropriate permit application type. 3. Complete online application form. 4. Upload required plans and documents. 5. Pay fees online or in person. 6. Project Coordinator assigned to application. 7. Plans Examiner reviews for code compliance with 2021 IBC and Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024). 8. Permit issued upon approval.
How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?: Typical processing time is Variable; Project Coordinator will provide timeline..
What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?: The following work is generally exempt: Residential Accessory Structures (Sheds) - Exempt ONLY if ALL conditions met: on same lot as existing house (Group R-3); non-habitable; used only as tool/storage shed, playhouse, pump house, woodshed, or portable animal shelter (max 360 sq ft); max 200 sq ft per structure; max 2 structures per lot (1 portable animal shelter); max 10 ft wall height, one story only, no loft storage; max 24 inch eaves; detached, at least 6 feet from all other structures; no heat, plumbing, or mechanical systems; no basement or crawlspace with more than 18 inches clearance; not in FEMA floodplain, floodway, critical areas, or shoreline areas; not used as carport, garage, vehicle storage, tractor/farm equipment storage, agricultural product storage, or business use; Fences up to 7 feet high (may still require zoning approval); Retaining walls up to 4 feet (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks: on grade, max 5,000 gallons, height not exceeding 2x width/diameter; Decks, sidewalks, ramps, driveways: no roof cover, max 30 inches above grade; Interior finish work (painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops); Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep; Playground equipment for single-family homes; Window awnings max 54 inches projection (no additional support); Siding repair/replacement (non-fire-resistive areas); Insulation retrofits with no structural changes; Door and window replacement (like for like, not egress bedroom windows); Re-roofing (shingles only, not in wildfire hazard zones requiring fire-resistive roofing). Note: Even if exempt from building permit, other permits or approvals may still be required (land use, zoning, utilities, etc.). Shed exemptions exclude tractor/farm equipment storage and agricultural product storage -- storage structures on farm properties likely require permits. Floodplain exposure across county near Yakima River and tributaries.
How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Yakima County, WA?: Inspections can be scheduled via: Accela Citizen Access (ACA), (509) 574-2300.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Unincorporated Yakima County can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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