Longview, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Longview.

Department

Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department

Address

Longview City Hall, 1525 Broadway Street, Longview, WA 98632

Phone

(360) 442-5086

Email

permits@ci.longview.wa.us

Website

https://www.ci.longview.wa.us/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine your permit type. Eligible 'One Stop' permits (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, re-roofs, window replacements, fences/sheds) may be applied for online.
2. Projects requiring plan review must submit paper applications to the Building Division.
3. For online permits: Create an account and submit application through the Longview Online Permits Portal.
4. For paper permits: Submit to the Building Division counter, by mail, or courier with completed application, plans, specifications, contractor registration proof, and City business license.
5. Pay plan review fee at time of submittal. Plan review fee is 65% of permit fee for residential, 70% for commercial.
6. Building Division reviews application for completeness and performs plan review (2-4 weeks typical for residential, 3-5 weeks for commercial).
7. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval and before beginning work.

Typical processing time: Residential: 2-4 weeks for complex projects; 5-10 business days for simpler projects. Commercial: 3-5 weeks typical; smaller projects 2-3 weeks.

Source: Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Completed permit application forms
• Plans and specifications (where required)
• Proof of contractor registration with Washington State L&I
• Current City of Longview business license
• Payment of plan review fees

Permit validity

All permits are valid for 180 days from date of issuance (except electrical which is valid for 365 days). An inspection must be performed every 180 days to keep permit active.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Homeowners may obtain permits for work on their own property.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I and have a current City of Longview business license filed with Community Development Department.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Valuation-based

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee for residential; 70% for commercial (paid at time of application submittal)

Permit fee formula

Residential: Based on new square footage or project valuation. Commercial: Based on valuation of work (labor and materials) or contractor's bid price before tax.

Reinspection fee

Applies for incomplete work or corrections not made

Payment note

Payment methods: Cash, checks, or credit/debit cards (except American Express). Note: Effective January 13, 2025, 3% convenience fee applies to all card transactions. Make checks payable to 'City of Longview'. Residential permits include $6.50 State fee for first living unit plus $2 per unit over one. Commercial permits include $25.00 State fee for first unit plus $2 per dwelling unit over one.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Longview Building Division - Community and Economic Development Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (360) 442-5090 (24/7 inspection request line) (phone)
• Longview Online Permits Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspections requested by 6:30 AM may be done that afternoon if scheduling allows. Afternoon requests may not be scheduled until following day. Recommended: 24-hour advance scheduling.

Inspection hours

Monday through Thursday, 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM (Closed Fridays and Federal Holidays)

Typical inspection sequence: Various stages of inspections depending on project type. Final inspection required for all permits. Re-inspection fees apply for incomplete work or corrections not made.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with amendments; 2021 International Residential Code (IRC); 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC); Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) or 2021 International Plumbing Code; 2021 International Fire Code; Washington State Energy Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Longview Municipal Code Chapter 16.02 (Building Code)
• Shoreline Master Program
• Critical Areas Regulations (Appendix A)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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