Sequim, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Sequim.

Department

Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department

Address

152 W Cedar Street, Sequim, WA 98382

Phone

(360) 683-4908

Email

buildingdept@sequimwa.gov

Website

https://www.sequimwa.gov/1091/Building-and-Permitting

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 15.04 and the Building and Permitting Division website to confirm requirements for your project.
2. Download the appropriate checklist from the Permitting & Land Use Resources and Checklists page (sequimwa.gov/1194). Checklists available for new construction, residential remodel, garage conversion, manufactured home, commercial tenant improvement, demolition, and others.
3. Gather all required documents per the project-specific checklist. Typical requirements include site plan, floor plans, elevations, energy calculations, and structural details.
4. Create a portal account at cityofsequimwa-energovweb.tylerhost.net/apps/selfservice. Contractors recommended to use a shared business email for team access.
5. Submit application online via the Sequim Permitting Portal, following the portal prompts. All applications are electronic.
6. Pay plan review fees due at plan submittal (separate from permit fee).
7. Building Department reviews applications in order received after plan review fees are paid. Current review time: approximately 6-8 weeks. Most plans also go through Planning and Engineering review.
8. Respond promptly to any correction requests to avoid losing your place in queue.
9. Permit issued once review is complete and all fees are paid.
10. Post permit and approved plans on site during construction.
11. Schedule inspections via the portal by noon the day prior to the requested date. No inspections on Mondays or holidays.
12. Request final inspection upon project completion. CO issued upon approval of all required inspections.

Typical processing time: Approximately 6-8 weeks. Over-the-Counter (OTC) permits available for residential mechanical, re-roof, residential solar, demolition, and residential plumbing permits without standard lengthy plan review cycle.

Source: Building and Permitting Division, Community Development Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new residential construction, additions, alterations, manufactured homes, re-roofing, propane tanks, water heaters, heat pumps, and other specified work.

Required Documents

• Site plan
• Floor plans
• Elevations
• Energy calculations
• Structural details
• Building Design Criteria compliance documentation

Permit validity

Permits expire if work does not commence within a specified period or if construction is abandoned. Check the permit for the specific expiration date.

Building code

2021 Washington State Building Code (which incorporates 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 UPC, and Washington State Energy Code) plus local amendments per Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 15.04. Effective March 15, 2024.

Owner-builder

Homeowner/owner-builder applications accepted per WA state rules (RCW 18.27.090).

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with WA L&I. Permit applications must include the contractor's WA L&I registration number.

Fees

Plan check fee

Paid at plan submittal, separate from the permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation and type. See Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 3.68 (Rates and Fees).

Penalty (no permit)

RCW 19.27 provides for penalties for unpermitted work.

Payment note

Payments made through the Sequim Permitting Portal.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft
• Residential decks, platforms, walks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade (meeting setback requirements)
• Fences 7 feet or less in height
• Like-for-like fixture replacements with no structural or systems impact

Important: Exempt work must still comply with applicable codes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Sequim Permitting Portal (online)
• buildingdept@sequimwa.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be submitted by noon the day prior to the requested date.

Inspection hours

Available through the portal.

Time windows

Typical inspection window approximately 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM (varies by inspector routing).

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: Foundation, Shear-nailing (framing stage), Drywall/wall insulation, Final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code (which incorporates 2021 IBC, 2021 IRC, 2021 IMC, 2021 UPC, and Washington State Energy Code) plus local amendments per Sequim Municipal Code Chapter 15.04. Effective March 15, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Building FAQ
• Sequim 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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