Port Angeles, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Port Angeles.

Department

Building Division, Community & Economic Development Department

Address

321 East 5th Street, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Phone

(360) 417-4817

Email

permits@cityofpa.us

Website

https://www.cityofpa.us/369/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Research the property using the public GIS Map (cityofpa.us) to review zoning, setbacks, and permit history. Confirm the project complies with current zoning.
2. Download the fillable PDF application from https://www.cityofpa.us/988/Permit-Applications. A 'Building Permit General Application' PDF covers most residential and commercial projects.
3. Prepare supporting documents including a site plan and construction drawings. Engineering may be required for structural work.
4. Email completed application and all attachments to permits@cityofpa.us. Walk-in submission available Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM; counter office hours Monday, Wednesday & Friday, 8:30 AM - 10:30 AM.
5. Pay fees due at submission. Payment available online at cityofpa.us/866/Permit-Pay or in person. Payment plans are not available.
6. Staff reviews for code compliance. Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits require approximately 3 business days; standard residential/commercial up to 65 calendar days.
7. Once approved and fees confirmed paid, permit is issued.
8. Book inspections online through the Inspection Requests portal (https://www.cityofpa.us/986/Inspection-Requests) or email inspections@cityofpa.us. Fire inspections: call 360-417-4652 or email jmckeen@cityofpa.us (Tuesdays only; request by 12 PM Friday for following Tuesday).
9. Certificate of Occupancy issued automatically once all required inspections pass.

Typical processing time: Over-the-Counter (OTC): approximately 3 business days; Standard residential/commercial: up to 65 calendar days.

Source: Building Division, Community & Economic Development Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, decks over 30 inches, fences over 6 feet, demolition, mechanical/plumbing/roofing work, and signage.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit General Application
• Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, existing structures, and proposed construction
• Construction drawings to scale
• Project scope information
• Engineering plans (required for certain structural or commercial projects)

Permit validity

Six months from issuance or last inspected activity. Extensions up to 180 days available upon written request.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Washington State Energy Code -- all with WA amendments, effective March 15, 2024.

Owner-builder

Owner-builders are permitted; indicate in the application that you are performing the work yourself. For project valuation, owner-builders should total material costs and double that amount to account for personal labor.

Contractor requirements

Any contractor performing work must be registered with WA L&I (RCW 18.27). The permit application must include the contractor's name, address, phone, and current WA L&I registration number. Homeowner exemption applies for work on a primary residence (RCW 18.27.090) but does not extend to investment or rental properties.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation. ICC minimum per-square-foot entries from February 2025 Building Valuation Data Table used as minimum standards.

Penalty (no permit)

Work started before permit issuance may result in fines, stop-work orders, and complications with financing or resale.

Payment note

All fees due at application submission. No payment plans available. Payment accepted online (cityofpa.us/866/Permit-Pay) or in person (cash, check, card).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Detached tool sheds and playhouses under 120 sq ft
• Fences under 6 feet in height
• Retaining walls under 4 feet high (measured from bottom of footing)
• Like-for-like fixture replacements (faucets, toilets, light fixtures -- no structural or systems change)
• Platforms, walks, and uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade

Important: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes. Even exempt structures must meet building code requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspection Requests Portal (online)
• inspections@cityofpa.us (email)
• Fire inspections: (360) 417-4652 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections must be booked before 8:00 PM on the business day prior to the desired inspection day.

Inspection hours

Available 24/7 online through the Inspection Requests portal.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: Foundation/footing, Framing (after plumbing/electrical rough-in approved, before insulation or wall covering), Insulation and air/vapor barrier, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Final inspection.

Virtual inspections available for certain project types.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Washington State Energy Code -- all with WA amendments, effective March 15, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Building Division
• Building Permits
• Port Angeles Municipal Code (Building)
• WA L&I Electrical Permits
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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