Kelso, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Kelso.

Department

Kelso Building Department - Community Development Department

Address

203 S Pacific Avenue, Kelso, WA 98626

Phone

(360) 423-9922

Website

https://www.kelso.gov/280/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine your permit type. Access the Kelso Online Permit Center for eligible applications.
2. Prepare required documentation: completed building permit application, construction plans and specifications, site plan showing property dimensions and structure locations.
3. If applicable, provide proof of contractor registration with Washington State L&I.
4. Submit application with all required documents and payment of fees through Online Permit Center, in person, or by mail.
5. Review available plan requirements documents (Commercial Building Plan Requirements, Residential Building Plan Requirements, Site Plan Submittal Requirements).
6. City staff reviews application for completeness and performs plan review.
7. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval and before beginning work.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity. Contact department for current timeframes.

Source: Kelso Building Department - Community Development Department

General Requirements

Building permits are required for all construction within the City of Kelso.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Construction plans and specifications
• Site plan showing property dimensions and structure locations
• Proof of contractor registration with Washington State L&I (if applicable)
• Payment of fees

Permit validity

Contact City for permit validity period.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC); 2021 International Fire Code; Washington State Energy Code

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I and must comply with City of Kelso requirements.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Valuation-based

Plan check fee

Percentage of permit fee (see Master Fee Schedule)

Permit fee formula

Building permit fees based on project valuation

Reinspection fee

Applies for failed inspections or incomplete work

Payment note

State Building Code surcharge: $6.50 per building permit. Residential multi-unit: $6.50 plus $2.00 per additional unit. Contact City for complete current fee schedule and payment methods.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (360) 423-9922 (phone)
• Kelso Online Permit Center (online)

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required at various construction phases. Final inspection required for certificate of completion.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC); 2021 International Fire Code; Washington State Energy Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Commercial Building Plan Requirements
• Residential Building Plan Requirements
• Building and Fire/Life Safety Master Application
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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