On this page 6
§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Yakima County
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Yakima County.
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)
- 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
- Exempt Fences up to 7 feet high (may still require zoning approval)
- Exempt Retaining walls up to 4 feet (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Water tanks: on grade, max 5,000 gallons, height not exceeding 2x width/diameter
- Exempt Decks, sidewalks, ramps, driveways: no roof cover, max 30 inches above grade
- Exempt Interior finish work (painting, flooring, cabinets, countertops)
- Exempt Prefabricated pools under 24 inches deep
- Exempt Playground equipment for single-family homes
- Exempt Window awnings max 54 inches projection (no additional support)
- Exempt Siding repair/replacement (non-fire-resistive areas)
- Exempt Insulation retrofits with no structural changes
- Exempt Door and window replacement (like for like, not egress bedroom windows)
- Exempt 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.
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/.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Variable; Project Coordinator will provide timeline.
- 01 Register for Accela Citizen Access account.
- 02 Select appropriate permit application type.
- 03 Complete online application form.
- 04 Upload required plans and documents.
- 05 Pay fees online or in person.
- 06 Project Coordinator assigned to application.
- 07 Plans Examiner reviews for code compliance with 2021 IBC and Washington amendments (effective March 15, 2024).
- 08 Permit issued upon approval.
Typical processing time: Variable; Project Coordinator will provide timeline.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective April 1, 2026
Fee type
Amount
01
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
02
Permit fee formula
Based on size of structure (base fee per square foot), occupancy type, construction type (I-V), and ICC valuation table
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 periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective April 1, 2026) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Accela Citizen Access (ACA) (online)
- (509) 574-2300 (phone)
Typical 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.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Yakima County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction in unincorporated Yakima County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Yakima County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Yakima County, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Yakima County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Yakima County, WA typically run Variable; Project Coordinator will provide timeline.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Yakima County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Yakima County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Yakima County, WA via: Accela Citizen Access (ACA), (509) 574-2300.
last verified April 2026
source Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division ↗
entry id permits/washington/yakima/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Yakima County Building & Fire Safety Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.