Kennewick, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Kennewick.

Department

Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division

Address

City Hall, 210 W 6th Avenue, Kennewick, WA 99336

Phone

509-585-4276

Website

https://www.go2kennewick.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact Building Safety Division at 509-585-4276 to discuss project specifics.
2. Prepare required documents including completed application, plot plan (1 inch = 20 feet scale), and construction plans.
3. Submit application and documents to Building Safety Division.
4. Building Department conducts plan review, typically completed within 10 business days for complete submittals.
5. Pay permit fee at permit issuance.
6. Obtain physical permit and approved plans; both must be on-site during construction.

Typical processing time: Approximately 10 business days for complete submittals.

Source: Building and Development Services, Building Safety Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction within the City of Kennewick.

Required Documents

• Completed New Single Family Residential application (if applicable)
• Plot plan showing 1 inch = 20 feet scale, sidewalk, curb, proposed curb cut, sewer/water services
• Two or more sets of construction plans
• Building elevations
• Foundation plan
• Floor plan with rooms labeled
• Cross-section showing foundation, floor joists, wall framing, ceiling joists
• Stairway detail (if applicable)
• Braced wall panel locations
• Truss reactions and truss layout
• Compliance with Washington State Energy Code

Permit validity

18 months from issuance; expires if work not commenced or inspections not requested within this period.

Building code

2021 IBC with Washington State amendments

Contractor requirements

Valid Washington State L&I contractor registration required; business license required for all contractors conducting business in Kennewick.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$23.50

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee (due at submittal for commercial)

Permit fee formula

Based on Table 1-A valuation: $1-$500: $23.50; $501-$2,000: $23.50 + $3.05 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $69.25 + $14 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000: $391.25 + $10.10 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000: $643.75 + $7 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000: $993.75 + $5.60 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000: $3,233.75 + $4.75 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+: $5,608.75 + $3.65 per additional $1,000

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft
• Temporary land uses not exceeding 10 days (may require business license)
• Certain minor repairs (verify with Building Department)

Important: Contact Building Department for verification of specific projects.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• CSS Portal (online)
• 509-585-4276 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

As specified on permit; typically 24-48 hours notice required

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, during business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections typically include: foundation, framing, plumbing, mechanical, electrical (L&I), and final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC with Washington State amendments
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Planning Department
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Benton County