Wenatchee, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Wenatchee.

Department

Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

Wenatchee, WA

Phone

(509) 888-3256

Website

https://www.wenatcheewa.gov/government/community-development/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account or log in to the Permit Center at https://ci-wenatchee-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/
2. Click 'Go' under 'My Portal' and select 'Apply Online'
3. Select department and permit type (Building, Planning, or Public Works)
4. Enter project address or parcel number
5. Provide project description, permit contacts, and contractor information
6. Upload required documents (Building Application, Construction Plans, Site Plan, Landscape Plan, Energy Credits, Civil Plans as applicable)
7. Submit application and pay plan review fees (65% of building permit fee)
8. City staff routes application through Building, Planning, Land Development Engineering, and other departments for review
9. Respond to correction comments and upload revised documents if required
10. Pay remaining permit fees upon permit issuance before beginning work

Typical processing time: Varies by permit type and project complexity. Initial reviews typically 2-4 weeks, with resubmittals requiring additional time.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for most construction, renovation, and alterations within the City of Wenatchee.

Required Documents

• Building Application
• Construction Plans
• Site Plan
• Landscape Plan
• Energy Credits
• Civil Plans (for certain projects)

Permit validity

Work must begin within 180 days of permit issuance.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC) with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries.

Fees

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Based on International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data. New R-3 occupancies (<3,000 sq ft): 85% of ICC square foot costs. All other new structures: 90% of ICC square foot costs. Residential alterations: 25% of ICC square foot costs. Carports, decks, patio covers: 85% of ICC square foot costs. 5% technology surcharge applied to all fees.

Reinspection fee

$75

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Community Development Department, Building Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Permit Portal (online)
• Phone request (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Online inspection requests must be submitted by 4:00 pm to be scheduled for the next business day. Requests submitted after 4:00 pm will be scheduled for two business days later.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Foundation/Footings, Framing, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Electrical rough-in (L&I), Insulation, Final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC) with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Property Foreclosure Registration
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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