Richland, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Richland.

Department

Development Services Division - Building/Permitting

Address

City Hall, 625 Swift Blvd, Richland, WA 99352

Phone

509-942-7794

Website

https://www.richlandwa.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Schedule a pre-application conference (required for most commercial projects, recommended for complex residential).
2. Prepare construction documents, statement of special inspections, geotechnical report (if applicable).
3. Submit two or more sets of construction documents prepared by Washington-licensed design professional where required.
4. Development Services conducts plan review: 7-10 business days for residential and commercial projects (may vary based on complexity).
5. Pay permit fee at permit issuance.
6. Approved plans must be maintained on jobsite during construction.

Typical processing time: 7-10 business days for plan review.

Source: Development Services Division - Building/Permitting

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction documents
• Statement of special inspections
• Geotechnical report (if applicable)
• Two or more sets of documents

Building code

2021 IBC/IRC with Richland amendments

Contractor requirements

Valid City of Richland business license required. Valid Washington State L&I contractor registration required. All contractors and subcontractors must be registered before commencing work.

Fees

Plan check fee

No fee for residential (single-family, two-family, accessory buildings). Commercial: 65% of building permit fee (payable at first submittal). Additional plan review for changes/revisions per fee schedule.

Permit fee formula

Based on Table 1-A from 1997 Uniform Building Code with annual updates. Valuation based on Building Valuation Data from ICC Building Safety Journal. Fee is greater of: valuation from Supplemental Table 1-B OR declared valuation from applicant.

Payment note

Mechanical permits: 25% of mechanical permit fee if separate from building permit. Plumbing permits: 25% of plumbing permit fee if separate from building permit. Manufactured/Mobile Home Installation: $300 per installation.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft (IRC) / 120 sq ft (IBC)
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Oil derricks
• Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
• Decks not attached to dwelling and not serving required exit door
• Amusement devices and structures

Important: All electrical permits handled by Washington State L&I (not City of Richland). Plumbing exemptions per adopted plumbing code.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 509-942-7565 (phone)
• Development Services Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

48-hour notice required

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, during business hours

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections vary by project type; typically include foundation, framing, MEP rough, and final inspection.

Virtual inspections available via Zoom for residential construction (pilot program).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 IBC/IRC with Richland amendments
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Richland Municipal Code Chapter 21.01
• Construction Stormwater General Permit
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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