City Building Permits

Aberdeen, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Grays Harbor County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Aberdeen.

Department
Community Development Department - Building Division
Address
200 E Market Street, Aberdeen, WA 98520
Phone
(360) 537-3217
Website
https://www.aberdeenwa.gov/330/Permit-Center

Online Permit Portal

Open SmartGov Community

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

Application Process

  1. Create an account on the SmartGov Community online portal
  2. Choose permit type (Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical, Planning, Environmental, Zoning, Site Development)
  3. Upload required submittal documents as PDFs
  4. Submit application for review
  5. Wait for email response (2-5 business days)
  6. Participate in plan review period (1-8 weeks depending on project size and submittal accuracy)
  7. Pay fees after approval
  8. Schedule inspections online

Typical processing time: 1-8 weeks for plan review, depending on project size and submittal accuracy.

Source: Community Development Department - Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Aberdeen.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan
  • Construction plans
  • Project scope information
Building code
International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments
Owner-builder
Property owners can perform own work if keeping property 2+ years.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I).

Fees

Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Based on ICC Building Valuation Data (varies by project valuation)
Payment note
Online via credit card (convenience fee applies) or in-person at City Hall

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

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Sheds 128 square feet or smaller
  • Finish work: cabinetry, painting, floor covering
  • Roofing and siding classified as maintenance in floodplain areas (does not count against 50% substantial improvement rule)
  • Fences (check specific requirements)

Important: Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from other requirements. Confirm edge cases with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Inspection hours
Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Friday from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM (lunch 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM). NO INSPECTIONS ON THURSDAYS (effective January 1, 2026).

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections are listed on the permit. Must be completed before next phase of construction.

Additional Resources

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

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Aberdeen can be complicated.

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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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