Jefferson County Building Permit Guide (Unincorporated Area)

Permit Authority

All properties in unincorporated Jefferson County (outside City of Port Townsend).

Department

Department of Community Development (DCD) — Building Division

Address

621 Sheridan Street, Port Townsend, WA 98368

Phone

(360) 379-4450

Email

dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us

Website

https://www.co.jefferson.wa.us/283/Building-Permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Contact DCD at (360) 379-4450 or walk in during consultation hours (Monday–Thursday, 10:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m.) to speak with a Permit Technician. Pre-application review is recommended; a pre-application conference is required for complex projects.
2. Prepare all required documents before scheduling an intake appointment. Incomplete submittals will be returned or delayed.
3. Upload documents electronically to the DCD file drop prior to the appointment.
4. Schedule an intake appointment online via the DCD appointment calendar. Contact staff at (360) 379-4450 if unable to attend in person.
5. Attend appointment and submit application in person with all required materials.
6. DCD evaluates compliance with the Jefferson County Unified Development Code (UDC), Comprehensive Plan, Critical Areas Ordinance (CAO), Shoreline Master Program (SMP), and applicable regulations.
7. Upon approval, permit is issued. Do not begin work before the permit is issued.

Typical processing time: Varies; processing time depends on project complexity and completeness of initial submittal.

Source: Department of Community Development (DCD) — Building Division

General Requirements

Building permits are required for most construction and improvement work, including new residential and commercial construction, additions to existing structures, structural alterations and remodeling, garages and carports, decks and covered porches, accessory structures exceeding 200 square feet, fireplace inserts and fireplaces (mechanical permit), re-roofing, demolition of structures, manufactured home installation, and short-term rental operations.

Required Documents

• Completed and signed Building Permit Application (separate application per building permit)
• Site Plan Checklist and completed site plan
• Building Permit Submittal Checklist
• Construction drawings (plans, elevations, sections, details) at appropriate scale
• Energy Code Calculation Worksheet (prescriptive or performance path; WSU forms accepted)
• Stormwater Calculation Worksheet and supporting documentation
• Potable water documentation: well logs and lab analysis (for well), or signed Water Availability Notification from water purveyor (for public water)
• Septic permit application on file with Environmental Health prior to building permit submittal
• Address Application (if no address currently assigned)
• Supplemental Manufactured Home Application (if applicable)

Permit validity

Standard building permits expire if work has not started within a specified period; refer to the 2026 Building Fees schedule for specific timelines. Refund requests must be submitted within one year of permit issuance.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024) and 2021 Washington State Energy Code

Owner-builder

Property owners are responsible for submitting permits, though contractors often submit on behalf of their clients as a courtesy.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I). Contractors must hold a current L&I contractor registration and L&I electrical contractor license (if performing electrical work). Failure to verify contractor L&I registration creates liability exposure.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fees are calculated based on project valuation (project cost including owner labor). See 2026 Building Fees schedule (PDF) and Building Valuation Table (PDF) on the Fees & Payments page.

Payment note

To obtain a fee estimate, email dcd@co.jefferson.wa.us with project address, total project cost (including owner labor), square footage breakdown, septic and water plans, and any critical area involvement.

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 sheds, storage buildings, greenhouses, playhouses, and similar uses) with a floor area of 200 square feet or less (measured outside wall to outside wall), not used as habitable space, wall height not exceeding 10 feet, and eave overhangs not exceeding 24 inches horizontally
• Fences under 7 feet in height (provided not located in a shoreline zone or critical area)
• Minor construction and alteration activities permitted under RCW 19.27.060(7)
• Routine maintenance not affecting structural integrity, fire safety, or life safety systems

Important: Heated structures require a building permit regardless of size (energy code compliance required). All exempt work must still comply with building code standards, the Unified Development Code, and applicable setbacks and critical area buffers. Properties with septic systems may require an Operations and Maintenance (O&M) inspection. Properties with wells must demonstrate potable water supply.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Inspection Request Form (online)
• Inspections Line: (360) 379-4455 (24 hours) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Phone requests must be received by 3:00 p.m. the day before the needed inspection.

Inspection hours

Monday–Thursday, 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. and 1:00 p.m.–4:30 p.m. (closed for lunch)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence for new construction: underground utilities (plumbing, electrical, mechanical underground) before backfill; wall and/or roof sheathing; rough inspections (electrical, plumbing, mechanical, fireplace before insulation or drywall); pre-pour inspection (foundations and rebar before concrete); final inspections (electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and building; all newly installed fixtures tested).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024) and 2021 Washington State Energy Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Permitting Portal
• Critical Areas Ordinance (Chapter 18.22)
• Shoreline Master Program (Chapter 18.25)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub