City Building Permits
Bridgeport, WA Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Bridgeport, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Bridgeport. Bridgeport is located on the Columbia River in the north part of Douglas County adjacent to Chief Joseph Dam. Electrical permits are obtained from Washington State L&I, not the city.
- Department
- City Hall (contracted with Blades Code Services)
- Address
- 1206 Columbia Ave., P.O. Box 640, Bridgeport, WA 98813
- Phone
- (509) 686-4041
Online Permit Portal
Platform: Paper-based • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only
Additional resources:
Application Process
- Download the Building Permit Application (PDF) from the city website or pick up at City Hall.
- Prepare required documents: site plan, construction plans (floor plan, elevations, foundation, framing), and energy compliance documentation per 2021 IECC with WA amendments.
- Submit in person at 1206 Columbia Ave during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM).
- Bridgeport contracts with Blades Code Services for plan review and inspections.
- Upon approval and fee payment, permit is issued.
- Schedule inspections through Blades Code Services.
General Requirements
A building permit is required for new construction, additions, alterations affecting structure, mechanical, plumbing, and gas system installation, and demolition.
Required Documents
- Completed Building Permit Application
- Site plan
- Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, foundation, framing)
- Energy compliance documentation (per 2021 IECC with WA amendments)
- Building code
- 2021 International Building Code (IBC), IRC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC, and IWUIC with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024. Bridgeport Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 744 (passed July 16, 2025).
- Owner-builder
- Property owners may perform their own work without contractor registration for personal-use projects (not for resale).
- Contractor requirements
- Contractors must hold valid Washington State L&I registration. No permit may be issued for work by a third-party contractor unless the contractor is registered with L&I and in good standing.
Fees
- Permit fee formula
- Specific fee amounts for Bridgeport building permits were not publicly available. Blades Code Services contract likely includes a schedule for inspection and plan review fees.
- Payment note
- Contact City Hall at (509) 686-4041 for the current fee schedule. State surcharge of $6.50 per residential permit or $25.00 per commercial permit applies. Online payments available through InvoiceCloud: https://www.invoicecloud.com/bridgeport
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
- One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) up to 200 sq ft with no plumbing or sleeping accommodations
- Minor repairs and maintenance
- Minor plumbing repairs (stopping leaks, clearing stoppages)
- Minor mechanical repairs (replacement parts)
- Portable fuel-cell or heating appliances not connected to fixed systems
Important: Contact City Hall for any Bridgeport-specific local exemptions. Even exempt work must comply with setback requirements, shoreline regulations (Columbia River shoreline), and other local ordinances.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- (509) 686-4041 (phone)
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections are conducted by Blades Code Services under contract with the City of Bridgeport. Typical inspection stages: Foundation/footing before pour, Framing before insulation, Mechanical and plumbing rough-in, Final inspection (required before occupancy).
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), IRC, IMC, IPC, IFGC, IECC, and IWUIC with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024. Bridgeport Municipal Code is current through Ordinance 744 (passed July 16, 2025).
- Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
- Zoning information: View zoning info
- City of Bridgeport Official Website
- Bridgeport Municipal Code (eCode360)
- WA State L&I
- WA State Building Code Council
- License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City Hall (contracted with Blades Code Services) before applying.
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