Port Orchard, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Port Orchard.

Department

Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department)

Address

216 Prospect Street, Port Orchard, WA 98366

Phone

(360) 874-5533

Email

permitcenter@portorchardwa.gov

Website

https://portorchardwa.gov/online-permitting/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Use Camino Permit Guide to understand site constraints and requirements.
2. Submit electronic application with all required documentation.
3. Plans reviewed by multiple departments (Planning, Building, Fire, Engineering, Public Works).
4. Pay fees upon approval.
5. Permit issued.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; contact Permit Center for current timelines.

Source: Port Orchard Permit Center (Community Development Department)

General Requirements

Building permits required for all construction within the City of Port Orchard.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction plans
• Project scope information
• Approved plans must be on-site during construction

Permit validity

Contact Permit Center for current validity periods.

Building code

2015 International Codes (as amended by City of Port Orchard)

Owner-builder

Home businesses require valid City business license and must comply with POMC Chapter 20.60.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I (Chapter 18.27 RCW) and hold valid City of Port Orchard business license.

Fees

Plan check fee

$100 plus 20% of permit fee for commercial/industrial

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation: Up to $500,000 = 0.75% of value; $500,000-$1,000,000 = 0.7% of value; Over $1,000,000 = 0.65% of value

Reinspection fee

$75

Penalty (no permit)

Double the standard permit fee for work without permit

Payment note

Pay fees through SmartGov portal upon approval.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures not exceeding 200 square feet
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
• Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches

Important: Standard IRC R105.2 exemptions generally apply. Verify specific exemptions with Port Orchard Permit Center before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov Online Public Portal (online)

Scheduling deadline

Inspection requests must be submitted through SmartGov Online Portal. As of August 1, 2025, NO inspection requests accepted via email or phone. Requests accepted until 3:30 p.m. for next-day inspections.

Inspection hours

Contact Permit Center for current inspection hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Foundation, Framing, Plumbing, Mechanical, and Final inspections typically required. Electrical inspections performed by Washington State L&I (not city). Approved plans must be available on-site.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2015 International Codes (as amended by City of Port Orchard)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Certificate of Occupancy
• Pre-application Meetings Available
• New Business Walk-Through (30 min, no cost)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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