East Wenatchee, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of East Wenatchee. Electrical permits are obtained from Washington State L&I, not the city.

Department

Building and Code Enforcement Division

Address

271 9th Street NE, East Wenatchee, WA 98802

Phone

(509) 884-5396

Email

planningstaff@eastwenatcheewa.gov

Website

https://www.eastwenatcheewa.gov/168/Building-Department

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download or request the appropriate application form from the city website or Building Division office.
2. Prepare required documents: site plan, construction plans drawn to scale (floor plan, elevations, foundation plan, framing plan), and energy code compliance documentation.
3. Submit in person at 271 9th Street NE during office hours (Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).
4. Building Division staff conducts plan review. Single-family residential review typically takes approximately four weeks after the application is deemed complete.
5. Upon approval, pay fees and obtain permit issuance.
6. Schedule inspections as required at each construction stage.

Typical processing time: Approximately four weeks for single-family residential plan review after application is deemed complete.

Source: Building and Code Enforcement Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any new construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, removal, conversion, or replacement of a building or structure. Installation of new gas, mechanical, or plumbing systems, and demolition of structures all require permits.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Site plan showing property lines, setbacks, existing and proposed structures
• Construction plans drawn to scale (floor plan, elevations, foundation plan, framing plan, structural details)
• Energy code compliance documentation
• Mechanical/Plumbing Application (if applicable, separate form)

Permit validity

Work must begin within 180 days of permit issuance.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), and International Fire Code (IFC) with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024.

Owner-builder

Property owners may perform their own work without contractor registration for personal-use projects (not for resale).

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I and in good standing. No permit may be issued for work by a third-party contractor unless the contractor is registered with L&I.

Fees

Plan check fee

Typically 65% of the building permit fee (confirm current rate with Building Division)

Permit fee formula

Based on 88% of the International Code Council (ICC) Square Foot Construction Costs table (valuation-based fee structure). Specific amounts are available in the city's 2025 fee schedule.

Trade permit fee

Single-Family Mechanical: $30; Single-Family Plumbing: $85

Payment note

All permit processing fees must be submitted as part of required application materials. Most fees are non-refundable, except where an application is formally withdrawn in writing before any required public notice is issued.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, or similar uses with a projected roof area not exceeding 200 sq ft, with no sleeping accommodations, no plumbing, and a 5-foot minimum separation from other structures and property lines

Important: Refer to the East Wenatchee Municipal Code or contact the Building Division for the current exemptions list. Even exempt work must comply with setback requirements, shoreline regulations, and other local ordinances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 884-5396 (phone)
• planningstaff@eastwenatcheewa.gov (email)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical inspection stages: Foundation/footing (before pour), Framing (before insulation or wallboard), Insulation, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Final inspection (all work complete; required before occupancy).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), and International Fire Code (IFC) with Washington State amendments, effective March 15, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• City of East Wenatchee Official Website
• East Wenatchee Municipal Code
• Washington State L&I (contractor registration, electrical permits)
• 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

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