Asotin County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Asotin County, excluding the incorporated cities of Clarkston and the City of Asotin.

Department

Asotin County Building and Planning Department

Address

95 2nd Street, Suite 2, Asotin, WA 99402

Phone

(509) 243-2020

Website

https://www.asotincountywa.gov/161/Building-Planning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Verify the property is in unincorporated Asotin County using the county parcel map (not within Clarkston or City of Asotin city limits).
2. Obtain permit forms by downloading from asotincountywa.gov/279/Permit-Information-Forms or picking up at 95 2nd Street, Suite 2.
3. Prepare supporting materials including site plan, construction drawings, contractor registration number, and any required engineering documentation.
4. Submit application to the Building and Planning Department in person or by mail to P.O. Box 610, Asotin, WA 99402.
5. Staff review for code compliance, zoning, setbacks, and any required land use approvals.
6. Fees are assessed and paid at permit issuance.
7. Permit card is issued and posted on-site.
8. Call 24 hours in advance at (509) 243-2020 to schedule each inspection stage.
9. Final inspection is required for certificate of occupancy on new construction.

Typical processing time: Time varies by project complexity; contact the Building and Planning Department at (509) 243-2020.

Source: Asotin County Building and Planning Department

General Requirements

The Building and Planning Department requires permits for development throughout unincorporated Asotin County, including new residential and commercial construction, additions and structural alterations, decks, porches, carports, and attached structures, accessory buildings (beyond exempt thresholds), re-roofing and exterior cladding changes, demolition, placement or installation of manufactured/mobile homes, septic system installation or repair, and land use permits related to boundary lines and occupancy changes.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site/plot plan (showing property lines, setbacks, structure location, access, drainage)
• Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, structural details, foundation)
• WA L&I contractor registration number (if using a contractor)
• Geotechnical report (may be required for steep slopes, unstable soils, or proximity to the Snake River canyon rim — verify with department)
• Septic system approval (if applicable — contact Asotin County Environmental Health)

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024

Owner-builder

Property owners may apply for their own permits. Washington State contractor registration is required for all contractor work.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under RCW 18.27. Registration requires active bonding ($30,000 for general contractors; $15,000 for specialty contractors as of July 1, 2024) and workers' compensation compliance.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fees are typically calculated based on project valuation using IBC/IRC Table 1 valuation schedules, with plan review fees as a percentage of the building permit fee.

Payment note

Checks are made payable to the Asotin County Clerk. Fees are generally charged to all applicants including government agencies, unless a specific statutory exemption applies. Contact the Building and Planning Department at (509) 243-2020 to obtain a current fee estimate before submitting an application. A Washington State surcharge applies to all permits.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor alterations to residential occupancies (Group R-3) with total valuation not exceeding $1,500 in any 12-month period, not affecting structural components or reducing egress, light, air, or ventilation (exemption does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical)
• One-story detached accessory buildings (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with projected roof area of 120 square feet or less
• Retaining walls 4 feet or less in height (bottom of footing to top of wall) not supporting a surcharge or impounding liquids
• Fences within locally specified height limits
• Painting, floor covering, cabinet installation, and similar interior finish work
• Concrete patios and flatwork at ground grade

Important: Even exempt work must comply with building codes and county zoning regulations (setbacks, height limits, land use). Contact the department to confirm current exemption thresholds, as county ordinance may refine state defaults.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 243-2020 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections must be scheduled at least 24 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection stages (residential new construction): footing/foundation (before concrete pour), framing and sheathing (after rough framing, before insulation), rough plumbing and mechanical, insulation, wallboard/sheathing (if required), final inspection (all work complete, prior to occupancy). Approved plans and permit card must be on-site at all inspections.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Asotin County official website
• Asotin County Stormwater — Construction Ordinances
• Washington State L&I — Electrical Permits
• Washington DNR Geologic Hazard Maps
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub