City Building Permits

Town of Coupeville, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Island County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Coupeville.

Department
Planning and Building Department
Address
4 NE 7th Street, PO Box 725, Coupeville, WA 98239
Phone
(360) 678-4461
Website
https://townofcoupeville.org

Online Permit Portal

Open Planning and Building

Platform: In-Person / Email • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Complete Master Building Permit Application.
  2. Prepare or obtain all required documentation including building plans, site plans, and supporting forms.
  3. For projects within Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve: Obtain Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Historic Preservation Commission prior to building permit issuance.
  4. Submit completed application with all required plans and documentation to Town Hall.
  5. Building Official reviews plans for code compliance.
  6. Town staff calculates permit fees based on project valuation.
  7. Pay permit fees.
  8. Permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity and whether historic review is required. Contact town for current timelines.

Source: Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Coupeville.

Required Documents

  • Master Building Permit Application
  • Building Permit Checklist
  • Two sets of building plans (to scale)
  • Plot plan
  • Owner/Contractor Declaration (if applicable)
  • Contractor license information
  • Lender information (for projects over $5,000 per RCW 19.27.095)
  • Foundation survey completed by licensed surveyor
Permit validity
Work must commence within 180 days of permit issuance. Work must not be suspended or abandoned for 180 days after commencement. Extensions available in writing with justifiable cause (up to 180 days each).
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 IEBC, IMC, IFGC, IFC, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, ICC A117.1-2017 (Accessibility), with local amendments. Effective March 15, 2024. Foundation survey required for all building permits, completed by licensed surveyor.
Owner-builder
Owner-builder exemption available with signed Owner/Contractor Declaration. Owner must agree to retain only registered contractors for assistance exceeding $500.
Contractor requirements
Washington State registered contractor required. All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I.

Fees

Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Tiered formula based on ICC Valuation Data (2025 Resolution 25-03). Valuation rates per square foot: Dwellings (Good Construction) = $212/SF; Qualified Affordable Housing = $91/SF; Modular = $79/SF; Move/Relocated = $49/SF; Carport = $17/SF; Garage/Barn/Workshop (Conventional) = $30/SF; Garage/Barn/Workshop (Pole) = $22/SF; Covered Deck/Porch = $24/SF; Uncovered Deck = $18/SF. Contact town for specific fee brackets.
Reinspection fee
$75/hour (outside normal business hours, 2-hour minimum); $75/hour for 3rd+ reinspection on same issue; $75/hour for additional plan review
Penalty (no permit)
Minimum $150 for work without permit or investigation
Payment note
Technology Fee: 3% of total permit cost. Additional fees include Demolition ($185), Reroof (<10 squares, includes COA) ($150), Reroof (>10 squares, includes COA) ($200), Resheath/Reroof ($150), Manufactured/Mobile Home in Park ($250), Manufactured/Mobile Home on Town Lot ($400), Modular per module ($250), Moved Structure ($400), Underground Tank Decommission ($150), Adult Family Home Inspection ($250), Change of Occupancy ($150).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet
  • Fences not over 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls under 4 feet (with setbacks)
  • Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons)
  • Sidewalks and driveways (under 30 inches above grade)
  • Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets)
  • Ordinary repairs

Important: Properties within Ebey's Landing National Historical Reserve require Certificate of Appropriateness (COA) from Historic Preservation Commission even for exempt work. Contact Planning Department for applicability.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • (360) 678-4461 ext. 8 (phone)
Scheduling deadline
48-hour notice requested
Inspection hours
During normal business hours

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Building Department 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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