Clallam County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

Unincorporated areas outside the city limits of Port Angeles, Sequim, and Forks.

Department

Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD)

Address

223 East 4th Street, Suite 5, Port Angeles, WA 98362

Phone

(360) 417-2318

Email

buildingapplications@clallamcountywa.gov

Website

https://www.clallamcountywa.gov/1353/Building-Division

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact the Planning Division (360-417-2420) to verify zoning, setbacks, and any applicable overlays (Critical Areas, Shoreline, etc.).
2. Check water and septic requirements. If not on a public water system, determine whether the Dungeness Water Rule applies. Confirm potable water availability and existing septic system status or sewer connection.
3. Obtain a 911 address if the property does not have one (contact Building Division).
4. Prepare required documents: detailed scaled site plan (1" = 20' to 1" = 200'), foundation/floor/framing/roof plans, prescriptive braced wall line locations with calculations, four-direction elevations, structural cross sections, truss design documentation, WA State Energy Calculations, proof of property ownership, proof of potable water availability, septic system documentation, Road Approach Permit (if applicable), drainage plan, Dungeness Water Rule mitigation certificate (if applicable), and Authorized Agent Form (if applicable).
5. Submit application via the Permit Portal at clallamcountywa-energovweb.tylerhost.net. All applications must be submitted online.
6. Pay plan review fee at application submission (separate from permit fee).
7. Planning Department conducts review ($75.00 fee) for new construction, additions, manufactured homes, and change of use.
8. Building Division reviews for code compliance. Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog.
9. Respond to any correction requests to maintain your place in queue.
10. Pay remaining fees (Planning review, building code, and permit fees) before permit issuance.
11. Permit and approved plans provided upon fee payment.
12. Post permit and plans on site throughout construction.
13. Schedule inspections via the Permit Portal or by calling 360-417-2318 before 7:30 AM on the inspection day. Daily routing posted by 9:00 AM.
14. Coordinate with Environmental Health (septic: 360-417-2506) and Public Works (drainage: 360-417-2379) before requesting final inspection.
15. All exterior elements, plumbing fixtures, smoke detectors, exits, and guardrails must be installed before final inspection is approved.

Typical processing time: Current typical processing: 2-4 weeks initial backlog for plan review.

Source: Building Division, Department of Community Development (DCD)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations, manufactured home placement, mechanical work, demolition, and other specified work in unincorporated Clallam County.

Required Documents

• Detailed scaled site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing structures, and proposed construction
• Foundation, floor, framing, and roof framing plans
• Prescriptive braced wall line locations with seismic and wind load calculations
• Four-direction elevations
• Structural cross sections and details
• Truss design documentation
• Washington State Energy Calculations (Single Family Prescriptive Worksheet)
• Proof of property ownership
• Proof of potable water availability
• Septic system documentation or proof of sewer connection
• Road Approach Permit (if applicable)
• Drainage plan
• Dungeness Water Rule mitigation certificate (if in designated Rule Area)

Permit validity

Building permits remain valid for two years if work progresses continuously.

Building code

2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Washington State Energy Code, all with WA amendments effective March 15, 2024. County Building & Construction code: Title 21, Clallam County Code.

Owner-builder

Property owners or contractors may apply. Use the Authorized Agent Form when anyone other than the property owner is submitting an application.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with WA L&I. Permit applications must include contractor WA L&I registration number. Washington owner-builder exemption (RCW 18.27.090) applies for primary residences.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$50

Plan check fee

65% of the building permit fee, paid at plan submittal (separate from permit fee). Alternative: 35% administrative fee for private plan review in lieu of standard review.

Permit fee formula

Building, mechanical, and plumbing permit fees determined by Schedule 310-A with a minimum of $50.

Reinspection fee

$75.00 (charged if work is not ready or if permit/plans are not on-site at time of inspection)

Penalty (no permit)

Investigation fee for unpermitted work equals the full permit fee amount.

Payment note

Annual CPI adjustment: Fees updated annually based on Consumer Price Index for West Region (CPI-U). Accepted payments: Cash, check, eCheck ($2.50 fee), credit card (3.95% fee, $2.50 minimum). Plan review fees due at application; remaining fees due before permit issuance.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Single-story detached tool sheds and playhouses under 400 sq ft, set back at least 6 feet from existing buildings
• Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls under 4 feet in height without surcharge
• Uncovered decks 30 inches or less above grade
• Prefabricated above-ground pools under 24 inches in depth and under 5,000-gallon capacity

Important: Exempt work must still comply with applicable building codes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Permit Portal (online)
• (360) 417-2318 (phone)
• buildingapplications@clallamcountywa.gov (email)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be received by 7:30 AM on the day of the inspection.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM (counter hours 8:30 AM - 4:30 PM)

Time windows

Daily routing posted by 9:00 AM via the Permit Portal.

Typical inspection sequence: Residential typical sequence: Footing and walls, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Framing/air seal, Energy (insulation and vapor barrier), Pre-final (coordinate with Environmental Health and Public Works), Final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), Washington State Energy Code, all with WA amendments effective March 15, 2024. County Building & Construction code: Title 21, Clallam County Code.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Department of Community Development
• Building Division User Guides
• Dungeness Water Exchange
• 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