Town of Starbuck, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All building permits for the Town of Starbuck are processed by Columbia County Planning and Building Department under an interlocal agreement effective March 2018. The town does not operate a dedicated building department.

Department

Columbia County Planning and Building Department (Building Services Provider for Town of Starbuck)

Address

115 E. Main Street, Dayton, WA 99328; Town Hall: P.O. Box 276, Starbuck, WA 99359

Phone

(509) 382-4676 (Building Services); (509) 399-2100 (Town Clerk)

Website

https://www.columbiaco.com/69/Planning-and-Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain building permit application forms from Columbia County Planning and Building website or by calling (509) 382-4676.
2. Contact the Columbia County Planning and Building Department to confirm applicable zoning, setbacks, and Town of Starbuck ordinance requirements before submitting.
3. Prepare all required documents: site plan, structural drawings, and project-specific materials.
4. Submit the completed application package to Columbia County Planning and Building in person at 115 E. Main Street (Dayton), by mail, or via email. Email submissions must be under 20 MB per email.
5. County staff will confirm receipt within two business days and initiate review for compliance with the Town Comprehensive Plan, zoning, critical areas, SEPA, and the 2021 Washington State Building Code.
6. Permit is issued upon completion of all reviews. Fees are due at issuance.
7. Contact (509) 382-3941 to schedule inspections (minimum 24-hour advance notice). Applicants should plan for travel to Dayton as there is no local building staff in Starbuck.
8. Final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy upon satisfactory completion.

Typical processing time: 2-3 weeks for complete applications. Applicants should plan for travel to Dayton (approximately 35+ miles) for consultations and inspections.

Source: Columbia County Planning and Building Department (Building Services Provider for Town of Starbuck)

General Requirements

A building permit is required before erecting, constructing, enlarging, repairing, altering, or demolishing any structure in the Town of Starbuck.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application form
• Site plan showing all structures, distances, proposed location, utility lines, easements, and significant landscape elements
• Structural/construction plans
• Foundation design documentation
• Energy code compliance worksheets
• Any materials specific to project type (commercial, mechanical, plumbing, etc.)

Permit validity

Permit must be obtained within 6 months of application. Issued permit expires if construction does not commence within 6 months of issuance.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State Amendments (effective March 15, 2024)

Owner-builder

Owner-builders may apply for their primary residence; confirm eligibility with Columbia County Planning and Building at (509) 382-4676.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I registration number. Registration number must appear on all advertising, bids, vehicles, and online presence.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Based on project valuation; see county fee schedule

Permit fee formula

Based on construction value; see county fee schedule PDF for complete fee tables

Reinspection fee

$75.00 minimum, up to double the original permit fee; hourly rate $65.00

Payment note

Online payment via Point & Pay (2.5% convenience fee, $2.00 minimum). Also accepts checks payable to Columbia County Treasurer or exact cash in person at 115 E. Main St., Dayton.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Per Columbia County Resolution 2024-42, Exhibit B).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq. ft. of floor area
• Fences not over 6 feet in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from footing bottom to wall top), not supporting a surcharge
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches in depth
• Swings and playground equipment
• Agricultural structures used solely for agricultural purposes (not open to public, not for processing/packaging, not used as residence) — confirm with county

Important: Even for exempt work, the 2021 Washington State Building Code and local setback requirements still apply. If plumbing, heating, or electrical work is part of an otherwise exempt structure, those trade permits are still required. All electrical permits are required from Washington State L&I. Agricultural structure exemptions are fact-specific — obtain written confirmation from Columbia County before assuming exemption.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 382-3941 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Requests must be submitted with minimum 24-hour advance notice.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, business hours; Columbia County Planning and Building hours apply.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for new construction: footing/foundation, framing/rough-in, insulation, and final inspection. Specific inspection stages listed on the issued permit.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State Amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Columbia County Planning and Building
• Town of Starbuck Clerk-Treasurer
• Columbia County Building Information and Resources
• L&I Electrical Permits and Inspections
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Columbia County