Ephrata, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ephrata.

Department

Community Development Department - Building Division

Address

121 Alder Street SW, Ephrata, WA 98823

Phone

(509) 754-4601 Ext. 135

Email

bcox@ephrata.org

Website

https://www.ephrata.org/186/Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download the appropriate permit application form from the city website at https://www.ephrata.org/186/Permits.
2. Complete the application with all required information.
3. Prepare required submittal documents: 2 complete sets of construction plans with site plan, 2 sets of truss/floor joist/beam specifications.
4. Submit in person or by mail to the Community Development Department at 121 Alder St SW, Ephrata, WA 98823.
5. Pay applicable fees at time of submission.
6. City staff reviews completeness and performs plan review.
7. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
8. Receive permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Variable; dependent on project complexity and completeness of initial submittal.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for construction, alterations, and use of new and existing buildings per Ephrata Municipal Code Title 16.

Required Documents

• 2 complete sets of construction plans with site plan
• 2 sets of truss, floor joist and beam specifications
• Completed Building Permit Application
• Additional documents based on project type

Permit validity

Permit expires if no inspection is passed within 180 days.

Building code

International Building Code (IBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fire Code (IFC)

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$70.60

Plan check fee

25% of permit fee (residential), 65% of permit fee (commercial)

Permit fee formula

ICC Building Valuation Data with local fee schedule: $1-$1,400: $70.60 flat; $1,401-$2,000: $70.60 + $4.30 per additional $100; $2,001-$25,000: $96.40 + $19.75 per additional $1,000; and additional brackets continuing to $7,935.65 base for $1,000,001+

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet
• Sidewalks, driveways and platforms not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Shade cloth structures for nursery/agricultural purposes (without service systems)
• Window awnings supported by exterior wall of Group R-3 or Group U occupancies
• Movable cases, counters, and partitions not over 69 inches in height
• Interior signs, credit card signs (window areas only), and nonstructural sign modifications

Important: Exemption from permit requirements does NOT grant authorization for work to be done in violation of building code or other laws/ordinances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 754-4601 Ext. 123 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

24 hours required for next-day inspections.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday, 7:30 AM to 4:00 PM (Building counter opens at 7:00 AM)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: Foundation, Groundwork Plumbing, Framing, Rough Plumbing, Rough Heating/Ventilation, Insulation, Sheetrock, Final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: International Building Code (IBC), International Plumbing Code (IPC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), International Fire Code (IFC)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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