Garfield County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All unincorporated areas of Garfield County outside the City of Pomeroy.

Department

Garfield County Building and Planning Division (under Public Works)

Address

300 S. 19th Street, Pomeroy, WA 99347

Phone

(509) 843-1301

Website

https://www.garfieldcountywa.gov/buildingplanning

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Confirm the property is in unincorporated Garfield County (outside Pomeroy city limits). Refer to the Urban Growth Boundary map at https://www.garfieldcountywa.gov/buildingplanning/page/urban-growth-boundary-city-pomeroy.
2. Determine permit type: building, mechanical, plumbing, or combination. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I.
3. Download the applicable permit application form from https://www.garfieldcountywa.gov/buildingplanning/page/building-permit-applications.
4. Prepare required documents: completed application, site plan, construction plans, WA L&I contractor registration number, energy code documentation, and septic/sewer confirmation if applicable.
5. Determine any prerequisite approvals needed, such as zoning compliance, SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act) review, or other land use approvals. Contact the Planning Division to confirm.
6. Submit the completed application package in person at 300 S. 19th Street, Pomeroy, Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM.
7. Building Inspector Paul Strohbehn reviews submitted plans for compliance with adopted codes.
8. Fees are assessed based on project valuation and paid at permit issuance.
9. Upon approval, receive the permit card; post on-site during construction.
10. Notify the building official at (509) 843-1301 or (509) 382-4676 to schedule required inspections at each construction phase.
11. Obtain a final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying the structure.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact the Building Division at (509) 843-1301 for a timeline estimate. The county has a single building inspector serving all unincorporated areas.

Source: Garfield County Building and Planning Division (under Public Works)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for any project that will construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, demolish, or change the occupancy of a building or structure, or for any electrical, gas, mechanical, or plumbing system installation or modification.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application (including property owner, contractor, and project information)
• Site plan showing property boundaries, setbacks, structure location, access, and drainage
• Construction plans (floor plan, elevations, foundation/structural details, sections)
• WA L&I contractor registration number and details (if using a contractor)
• Energy code compliance documentation (energy code worksheet available on the Building Information and Resources page)
• Septic system approval or connection to public sewer confirmation (if applicable; coordinate with county environmental health)
• Applicable land use or SEPA approval documentation if required

Permit validity

Applications and permits follow the adopted IBC provisions for permit expiration and renewal.

Building code

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

Owner-builder

Property owners may apply for their own permits without a contractor.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing paid construction work in Washington must be registered with the Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) under RCW 18.27. Registration requires active bonding ($30,000 for general contractors; $15,000 for specialty contractors as of July 1, 2024) and workers' compensation compliance. Verify contractor registration at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/.

Fees

Plan check fee

Typically a percentage of the building permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Fees are calculated based on estimated construction valuation using the International Code Council (ICC) Building Valuation Data table with a county modifier. The fee schedule and associated documents (climatic criteria, energy code worksheets) are maintained on the county's Building Information and Resources page.

Reinspection fee

Assessed when a required correction has not been made before a reinspection. Contact the Building Division for the current rate.

Payment note

Building permit fee structure: permit fee calculated from project valuation (increases with valuation), plan review fee typically a percentage of permit fee, additional inspection fees for outside business hours or additional plan reviews are hourly, reinspection fee assessed for corrections not made. A Washington State building permit surcharge applies to all permits. Contact the Building Division at (509) 843-1301 or Building Inspector Paul Strohbehn at (509) 382-4676 to request a fee estimate before submitting an application.

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, where the projected roof area does not exceed 120 square feet
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall) that do not support a surcharge or impound liquids
• Concrete or masonry sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Minor repairs not affecting structural components, egress, light, ventilation, or fire ratings — state threshold is $1,500 in total valuation within any 12-month period; does not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work
• Shade cloth structures constructed for nursery or agricultural purposes, not including service systems
• Fences within locally specified height limits

Important: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes and county zoning and setback requirements. Exemptions do not authorize code-violating work. Agricultural buildings used exclusively for farm purposes on working farms may qualify for broader exemptions under RCW 19.27.040 and the adopted codes — confirm with the Building Division before proceeding with any agricultural construction. Electrical work always requires a separate L&I permit regardless of building permit exemptions above.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 843-1301 — Main line; Building Inspector Paul Strohbehn (509) 382-4676 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Notify the building official to schedule each required inspection. Given the rural geography and single-inspector model, advance notice is essential. Work shall not proceed beyond each inspection point without the building official's approval.

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 6:30 AM – 5:00 PM (closed Fridays). Applications accepted Monday–Thursday, 7:00 AM – 4:30 PM. Confirm hours by calling before visiting.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for residential new construction: footing/foundation (before concrete is poured), framing (after rough framing, before insulation/wall sheathing), rough mechanical and plumbing (before walls are closed), insulation (if required under WSEC), final inspection (all work complete, prior to occupancy).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 International Plumbing Code (IPC), and Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), all with Washington amendments, effective March 15, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Building FAQ
• Do I need a building permit?
• Planning information and resources
• SEPA (State Environmental Policy Act)
• Comprehensive Plan
• Garfield County Zoning Ordinance (October 2022)
• Urban Growth Boundary (City of Pomeroy)
• Garfield County Public Works
• Washington State L&I (electrical permits)
• Washington State Building Code Council (adopted codes)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub