City Building Permits

Pasco, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Pasco, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Franklin County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Pasco.

Department
Community and Economic Development Department, Building Division
Address
525 N 3rd Ave, Pasco, WA 99301
Phone
509-543-5726

Online Permit Portal

Platform: eTRAKiT • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. For complex projects, contact the Building Division at 509-543-5726 to discuss project specifics before submission.
  2. Prepare all application documents in PDF format, including site plan, construction plans, and energy code compliance documentation.
  3. Submit applications by email to permittech@pasco-wa.gov with the project site address as the subject line. Files over 30 MB can be submitted via pascofileshare.com/filedrop/permittech@pasco-wa.gov.
  4. Building Division staff reviews documents for completeness and routes plan review to applicable departments.
  5. Residential plan review target: 5-7 business days. Commercial plan review target: 20-30 business days.
  6. Pay permit fees at permit issuance (not at submittal). Permit and approved plans must be on the job site during all construction.
  7. For inspections, schedule online through eTRAKiT (https://egov-pasco.com/eTRAKit3/) or call 509-543-5726. Inspection requests submitted by midnight are guaranteed for the next business day.

Typical processing time: 5-7 business days for residential; 20-30 business days for commercial. Extensions required if work not complete within 180 days.

Source: Community and Economic Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Pasco. Permits are valid for 180 days; extension requests must be submitted before expiration.

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application
  • Site plan (showing AC pad location, finished floor elevation, drainage flow arrows, easements, building shape and location, setbacks, sidewalk and driveway with dimensions)
  • Full construction plans (floor plan with rooms labeled, building elevations, foundation plan, cross-sections, braced wall panel locations, truss layout and reactions, stairway detail if applicable)
  • Washington State Energy Code compliance documentation
  • Contractor information and Washington State L&I registration number
Permit validity
180 days from issuance. Extension requests must be submitted before expiration.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC) and 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024)
Contractor requirements
Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I contractor registration (RCW Chapter 18.27) and a City of Pasco business license. All electrical work goes through Washington State L&I regardless of local permit status.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$50.00
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee for projects over $10,000; flat $50.00 for new single-family residences (R-3 dwellings)
Permit fee formula
Graduated schedule based on project valuation. Projects $1-$10,000 are $50.00; rates increase for higher valuations. See current fee schedule for complete table.
Reinspection fee
Contact Building Division
Payment note
Fees collected at permit issuance, not at submittal. Annual fee increase: 3.25% on January 1st each year (PMC 3.35.250).

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached sheds or playhouses: up to 200 sq ft (residential) or up to 120 sq ft (commercial)
  • Sidewalks, driveways, and concrete/flatwork slabs less than 30 inches above ground
  • Retaining walls under 4 feet tall (not supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
  • Fences under 7 feet tall
  • Water tanks smaller than 5,000 gallons
  • Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches from the structure
  • Decks under 200 sq ft and less than 30 inches above ground
  • Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
  • Residential roofing replacement
  • Residential siding replacement

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning and planning requirements. All electrical work requires Washington State L&I electrical permit regardless of building permit exemption status.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Inspection requests submitted in eTRAKiT by midnight are guaranteed for the next business day.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential sequence: foundation, framing, insulation, MEP rough-ins (plumbing and mechanical; electrical through L&I), drywall/sheathing, final.

Remote inspections may be available; contact Building Division to inquire.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community and Economic Development Department, Building Division before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Pasco can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

Learn how Jaspector works
Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

Other cities in Franklin County

View all Franklin County jurisdictions →