Langley, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Langley.

Department

Community Planning & Building Department

Address

112 Second Street, PO Box 366, Langley, WA 98260

Phone

(360) 221-4214

Email

permittech@langleywa.org

Website

https://www.langleywa.org

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain building permit application form from City Hall or download from the city website.
2. Complete Master Building Permit Application and all required checklists.
3. Prepare site plan (to scale) and building plans (to scale).
4. Complete Energy Code Worksheet.
5. Prepare or obtain contractor verification (or Owner/Contractor Declaration for owner-builders).
6. Submit completed application with all required plans and documentation to City Hall.
7. City staff review for code compliance.
8. City staff calculates permit fees based on project valuation.
9. Pay permit fees.
10. Permit issuance.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity. Staff reviews during regular business hours (Monday-Wednesday 10 AM-4 PM; Thursday/Friday by appointment).

Source: Community Planning & Building Department

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

• Master Building Permit Application
• Building Permit Checklist
• Plot or site plan (drawn to scale)
• Building plans (to scale)
• Energy Code Worksheet
• Contractor verification (or Owner/Contractor Declaration for owner-builders)

Permit validity

Standard permit expiration terms apply per adopted 2021 codes.

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), 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), with local amendments. Effective March 15, 2024.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption available. Owner/Contractor Declaration must be signed and submitted with permit application.

Contractor requirements

City of Langley Contractor's Business License required for all contractors. All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Contractor licenses are required for construction contracting, home building, building trades, landscaping construction, and related occupations. Langley endorsements applied through Washington Department of Revenue.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$53

Plan check fee

65% of building permit fee

Permit fee formula

Tiered formula based on ICC Valuation Data Table: $0-$1,000 = $53; $1,001-$2,000 = First $1,000 + $4 per $100; $2,001-$25,000 = First $2,000 + $17 per $1,000; $25,001-$50,000 = First $25,000 + $12 per $1,000; $50,001-$100,000 = First $50,000 + $8 per $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = First $100,000 + $7 per $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000 = First $500,000 + $6 per $1,000; $1,000,001-$5,000,000 = First $1,000,000 + $6 per $1,000; $5,000,000+ = First $5,000,000 + $3 per $1,000.

Reinspection fee

$150 (work concealed without inspection); $116/hour for overtime inspections (2-hour minimum weekday, 4-hour minimum weekend/holiday); $116 for miscellaneous inspection

Payment note

Processing fee for permits not requiring plan review: $38. Re-roof (residential): $150. Re-roof (commercial/multifamily): Based on valuation. Demolition (single-family primary): $189. Demolition (single-family accessory): $96. Demolition (commercial/multifamily): 10% of demolition value. Solar photovoltaic (large, 15kW+): Racking system valuation. Technology Fee: Actual cost + 5%. State Fee (RCW 19.27.085): $6.50 (residential) / $25 (commercial).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures under 120 square feet
• Fences not over 7 feet in height
• Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (with setback requirements)
• Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons)
• Sidewalks and driveways (under 30 inches above grade)
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Ordinary repair and maintenance

Important: Verify specific exemptions with City staff as local amendments may apply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (360) 221-4214 (phone)
• permittech@langleywa.org (email)

Scheduling deadline

48-hour notice requested

Inspection hours

Monday-Wednesday 10 AM - 4 PM; Thursday and Friday by appointment, email, and phone

Time windows

Inspections scheduled for Tuesdays and Thursdays

Additional Resources

• 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), 2021 International Property Maintenance Code (IPMC), with local amendments. Effective March 15, 2024.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• City of Langley Building Codes
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Island County