City Building Permits

Mattawa, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Grant County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Mattawa and surrounding areas; fence permits and business licenses handled by City of Mattawa Clerk's Office.

Department
Grant County Development Services - Building Division
Address
264 W Division Avenue, Ephrata, WA 98823
Phone
(509) 754-2011 Ext. 3001
Website
https://www.grantcountywa.gov/177/Building

Online Permit Portal

Open Grant County Online Permit Center

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

Application Process

  1. Create an account on the Grant County Online Permit Center at https://co-grant-wa.smartgovcommunity.com/.
  2. Complete application with project details and estimated valuation.
  3. Upload required documents: construction plans (24" x 36" format), site plans, engineering calculations, energy code compliance forms, contractor license information.
  4. Submit application electronically (mandatory effective June 16, 2025; paper no longer accepted except for small accessory structures).
  5. Pay deposit fees if required for your project type.
  6. Application is routed to multiple departments for plan review (zoning, structural, fire, environmental).
  7. Respond to correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
  8. Pay permit fees and receive permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Variable; dependent on project complexity and multi-department review requirements.

Source: Grant County Development Services - Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction (residential and commercial), additions and alterations, repairs and remodeling, demolition, electrical/plumbing/mechanical work, fences over 7 feet tall, retaining walls over 4 feet, and signs.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Construction/site plans (24" x 36" format)
  • Energy code compliance documentation
  • Washington State contractor registration (if applicable)
  • Proof of property ownership or authorization
  • City of Mattawa business license (for commercial work)
  • Plot plan showing setbacks and property lines
Permit validity
Permits expire if no inspection is passed within applicable timeframe.
Building code
2021 Washington State Building Codes (effective March 15, 2024)
Contractor requirements
Washington State contractor registration required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$6.50 (residential base), $25.00 (commercial base)
Plan check fee
50% of the Permit Fee (for certain permit types)
Permit fee formula
Valuation-based fees updated annually (July 1). Base fee: $6.50 per residential permit, $25.00 per commercial permit, plus valuation-based percentage fees.
Reinspection fee
Charged if work not ready for inspection
Payment note
Online payment accepted through portal with 2.7% convenience fee.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2024).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures (sheds, playhouses) <= 120 square feet
  • Fences not over 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
  • Water tanks on grade <= 5,000 gallons
  • Sidewalks and driveways <= 30 inches above grade
  • Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
  • Window awnings <= 54 inches projection
  • Playground equipment (swings, etc.)
  • Non-fixed fixtures under 5'9" height

Important: Exemption from building permits does NOT exempt work from zoning requirements, setback requirements, HOA restrictions, or other local ordinances.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Must be scheduled before 4 p.m. for next-day inspection.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. - 4 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspection stages: Footing/Foundation (after excavation and reinforcing steel placement), Framing/Rough (after framing, fire-blocking, and rough MEP), Insulation (before covering), Final (after all work complete and accessible).

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Grant County Development Services - Building Division before applying.

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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.

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