Ferry County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated land in Ferry County, excluding City of Republic and Colville Indian Reservation trust lands.

Department

Ferry County Planning & Building Department

Address

147 N. Clark Ave., Suite 7, Republic, WA 99166

Phone

(509) 775-5225, Extension 3101

Email

build@co.ferry.wa.us

Website

https://www.ferry-county.com/departments/planning___building/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Determine permit type needed: Residential, Commercial, Mobile Home, Outbuilding, or Plumbing & Mechanical. Confirm whether project also requires a planning permit (shoreline, floodplain, critical areas).
2. Download application package from ferry-county.com or pick up in person at 147 N. Clark Ave., Suite 7.
3. Prepare supporting documents: site plan, floor plan, foundation plan, elevations, project description, owner/contractor information, and proof of contractor registration.
4. Verify design requirements: 40 PSF minimum snow load (55 PSF above 3,000 ft), 110 MPH wind speed, 30-inch frost depth, and severe weathering classification.
5. Check for additional permits: shoreline development, floodplain, critical areas, lot divisions, or variances.
6. Submit completed application package and documents in person or by mail to the department Monday-Thursday.
7. Department reviews plans for compliance with 2021 IBC/IRC, county building ordinance, energy code, and local regulations.
8. Permit issued upon approval. Post permit card visibly on job site.
9. Contact department at (509) 775-5225 ext. 3101 to schedule required inspections.
10. Request final inspection upon project completion. Certificate of Occupancy issued after passing final inspection.

Typical processing time: Timeline varies by project complexity and concurrent planning reviews; contact department for estimates.

Source: Ferry County Planning & Building Department

General Requirements

Building permit required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, re-roofing, mechanical system installation, plumbing, accessory structures above 200 sq ft, and demolition.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction drawings (floor plan, foundation plan, elevations)
• Project description
• Owner and contractor information
• Proof of contractor L&I registration
• Proof of contractor liability insurance and surety bond

Permit validity

Contact department for current permit validity period.

Building code

Washington State Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024). Washington State Energy Code (2021 WSEC) applies.

Owner-builder

Property owners may act as their own contractor on their own property. Electrical work requires separate L&I electrical permit and inspection.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) per RCW 18.27. County verifies registration at permit issuance. Surety bond and general liability insurance required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Contact department for specific amounts.

Plan check fee

Approximately 65% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Fees typically based on project valuation (ICC Building Valuation Data) or structure type and square footage. Plan review fees approximately 65% of building permit fee. Minimum fees apply.

Trade permit fee

Varies by trade

Reinspection fee

Applies if work fails inspection; governed by Ordinance 2022-01

Payment note

Contact department at (509) 775-5225 ext. 3101 or build@co.ferry.wa.us for current fee estimates before submitting application.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Governed by Planning and Building Fees Ordinance 2022-01).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, storage buildings, playhouses) not exceeding 200 sq ft
• Fences not over 6 feet in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (from bottom of footing), not supporting a surcharge or adjacent to public way
• Sidewalks and driveways at or near grade
• Interior painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar nonstructural finish work
• Window and door replacements in existing openings
• Agricultural structures on bona fide farm properties (verify with county per RCW 19.27.065)

Important: Work exempt from building permit may still require trade permits (electrical through L&I; septic through NETCHD). Shoreline, floodplain, and critical areas regulations may impose additional requirements. Wildland-Urban Interface (WUI) code may require ignition-resistant construction regardless of permit status. Contact build@co.ferry.wa.us if unsure.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 775-5225, Extension 3101 (phone)
• build@co.ferry.wa.us (email)

Scheduling deadline

Advance scheduling (1-2 business days or more) recommended given county's rural nature.

Inspection hours

Monday-Thursday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM (closed Fridays effective September 2025)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: footing/foundation (before pour), slab (if applicable), framing/structural (before insulation), insulation (before drywall), mechanical rough-in (HVAC), plumbing rough-in (interior; septic inspected by NETCHD separately), final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Washington State Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024). Washington State Energy Code (2021 WSEC) applies.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• County Ordinances (Building Ordinance 2022-02, Fees Ordinance 2022-01)
• WA L&I Electrical Permits
• Northeast Tri-County Health District (Septic Permits)
• WA L&I Contractor Registration
• Washington State Building Code Council
• Ferry County Board of Commissioners
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub