City Building Permits

Clarkston, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Asotin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Clarkston.

Department: Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston
Address: 829 5th Street, Clarkston, WA 99403
Phone: (509) 758-9046
Website: https://clarkston-wa.com/departments/building-and-planning/

Online Permit Portal

Open IWorQ Citizen Portal

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

Additional resources:

Application Process

Verify the project address falls within Clarkston city limits using the Asotin County Parcel Map.
Determine permit type (building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination).
Prepare required submittal documents including site plan, construction plans, and contractor registration number.
Submit application in person at City Hall (829 5th Street) or through the IWorQ online portal.
City staff review plans for compliance with adopted codes and local zoning.
Pay invoiced plan-check and application fees.
Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required.
Pay remaining permit fees and obtain permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Time varies by project complexity; contact the Building Inspector at (509) 758-9046 for estimates.

Source: Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston

General Requirements

Permits are required for most construction projects in Clarkston, including new construction, additions, alterations, re-roofing, window and siding replacement, fences over 7 feet, decks attached to dwellings, electrical work, mechanical and plumbing work, and demolition.

Required Documents

Completed Building Permit Application
Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, and structure location
Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, foundation plan)
Plot plan
Contractor registration number (if using a contractor)

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024
Owner-builder: Property owners may apply for their own permits for work on their primary residence (owner-builder), subject to applicable code limitations.
Contractor requirements: Contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) and must maintain active bonding and workers' compensation compliance.

Fees

Plan check fee: Typically assessed as a percentage of the building permit fee
Permit fee formula: Fees are calculated via a buildings and construction permit fee matrix based on project valuation, referencing fee structures aligned with the International Building Code and International Residential Code.
Payment note: Contact the Building Department at (509) 758-9046 for a current fee estimate. A State surcharge is also collected on all permits.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Fences 7 feet or less in height
Detached decks not exceeding 200 square feet, not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, not attached to a dwelling, and not serving a required exit door
Detached accessory structures less than 200 square feet (garden sheds, tool sheds, playhouses)
Painting, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
Patio and concrete slabs at ground grade
Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, or ventilation, with valuation not exceeding $1,500 in any 12-month period (does not apply to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)
Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (measured from footing bottom to top of wall), not supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids

Important: Exempt work must still comply with building code and local zoning requirements such as setbacks and height limits. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of these exemptions.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(509) 758-9046 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Confirm advance notice requirements by phone.
Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential inspection stages: footing/foundation, framing, insulation, rough mechanical/plumbing, final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Planning Services
Clarkston Municipal Code — Permits (Chapter 16.20)
Washington State L&I — Electrical Permits
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 Building and Planning Department, City of Clarkston before applying.

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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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