Franklin County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in Franklin County outside the incorporated city limits of Pasco, Connell, Mesa, and Kahlotus.

Department

Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department (Planning and Building Division)

Address

Franklin County Courthouse, 1016 N 4th Avenue, Pasco, WA 99301

Phone

509-545-3501 (General/Director); 509-545-3522 (Building Inspection Requests)

Email

permitsubmittal@FranklinCountyWA.gov

Website

https://www.franklincountywa.gov/250/Planning-Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review the applicable application packet and checklist for your project type from franklincountywa.gov/263/Application-Forms. Available types: Detached Accessory Structure (over 200 sq ft), Addition, Remodel, Solar Panel Installation, Swimming Pool/Hot Tub, New single-family dwelling.
2. CRITICAL: Franklin County has an 'all or nothing' completeness policy. Incomplete applications will be DENIED, not held for revision. Ensure every item on your project's checklist is complete before submitting.
3. Gather all required documents: completed permit application, site plan (showing property boundaries, structure location, setbacks, distances to property lines), construction documents (floor plan, elevations, cross-sections), contractor L&I registration number, HVAC/water heater/fireplace information if applicable, Benton-Franklin Health District approval if septic involved.
4. Submit all materials as individual PDF files attached to email to permitsubmittal@FranklinCountyWA.gov. Multiple emails may be sent for one application if needed.
5. DO NOT use cloud-based file-sharing services (Dropbox, Google Drive, WeTransfer, etc.) -- applications sent via these services will be REJECTED.
6. County staff reviews for completeness. If all required items are present, the permit process moves forward. Determination letter will be sent.
7. Building, plumbing, and mechanical permit fees are NOT due at submittal -- they are due at permit issuance. Contact Building Division at 509-545-3522 for fee estimate in advance.
8. Permit issues after fees are paid. Permit and approved plans must be on job site during all construction.

Typical processing time: Timeline varies by project complexity. Contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for estimate specific to your project.

Source: Franklin County Planning and Economic Development Department (Planning and Building Division)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for most construction in unincorporated Franklin County. Permits remain valid indefinitely, but if work is not complete within a certain timeframe (contact county for specifics), inspection records and work sequencing may be required.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application form for your project type
• Site plan showing property boundaries, structure location, setbacks, and distances to property lines
• Construction documents: floor plan, elevations, cross-sections
• Contractor information and Washington State L&I registration number (if contractor is being used)
• HVAC, water heater, and fireplace information (if applicable)
• Benton-Franklin Health District approval letter (required if project involves a septic/on-site sewage system)
• For commercial buildings, structures over 4,000 sq ft, or buildings with 5+ residential units: plans prepared by a Washington-licensed design professional

Building code

2021 International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and Washington State Energy Code

Contractor requirements

Contractors must hold a valid Washington State L&I contractor registration (RCW Chapter 18.27) before work begins. County business registration may be required; confirm with department.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Valuation-based fees per Franklin County fee schedule (specific dollar amounts not reproduced in this resource). Building, plumbing, and mechanical fees are not due until permit issuance.

Payment note

Contact Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 for a fee estimate for your specific project. Current fee schedule available at franklincountywa.gov/271/Building-Fees and /290/Fee-Schedule.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures used as tool sheds, playhouses, or similar uses: not exceeding 200 sq ft (residential/IRC) or 120 sq ft (commercial/IBC)
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (not supporting surcharge or impounding liquids)
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade
• Water tanks on grade not exceeding 5,000 gallons
• Decks not more than 30 inches above grade and not attached to the dwelling or serving a required exit
• Agricultural structures designed and constructed to house farm implements, hay, grain, poultry, livestock, or horticultural products (not used for human habitation, public access, or processing/packaging)

Important: Exempt from building permit does NOT mean exempt from zoning, planning, Critical Areas, or Shoreline regulations. Agricultural structure exemption has limits: any plumbing, heating, or electrical work within the structure requires a permit from L&I or the county. All electrical work goes through Washington State L&I regardless of building permit exemption status. Confirm exemption applicability with Franklin County Building Division at 509-545-3522 before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 509-545-3522 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM (office); 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM (permit pickup)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential new construction sequence: foundation/footings, framing, insulation, MEP rough-ins (plumbing and mechanical with county; electrical with L&I), drywall/sheathing, final. Septic inspections handled separately by Benton-Franklin Health District.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), International Building Code (IBC), and Washington State Energy Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Franklin County Building Division
• Building Fees
• Fee Schedule
• Application Forms
• Critical Areas Ordinance
• Building Code Ordinance
• Plans and Ordinances
• Shoreline Master Program
• Benton-Franklin Health District (Septic Approvals)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub