City Building Permits

Goldendale, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Klickitat County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Goldendale.

Department: City of Goldendale Building / Code Enforcement
Address: 1103 S. Columbus Avenue, Goldendale, WA 98620
Phone: (509) 773-3771
Website: https://www.ci.goldendale.wa.us/your-government/building-code-enforcement

Online Permit Portal

Open Permits / Application Forms

Platform: In-person or electronic submission via city website • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Download or pick up the building permit application form from City Hall or the city website.
Complete the application with accurate project description and property information.
Prepare required supporting documents (site plan, construction plans, project scope).
Submit application in person at City Hall (1103 S. Columbus Ave) or electronically if available.
Pay applicable permit and plan review fees at time of application or upon permit issuance.
City staff reviews application for compliance with building codes, zoning, and special requirements (e.g., outdoor lighting, flood zone).
Upon approval, collect permit card and post it at the project site.
Call to schedule required inspections at each stage of construction.
Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy before occupying new or substantially altered structures.

Typical processing time: Processing time not specified; contact city for current turnaround.

Source: City of Goldendale Building / Code Enforcement

General Requirements

A separate building permit is required before any person, firm, or corporation may erect, construct, enlarge, alter, repair, move, improve, remove, convert, or demolish any building or structure within Goldendale city limits.

Required Documents

Completed permit application
Site plan
Construction plans
Project scope information

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, International Fuel Gas Code, Chapter 15.52 Outdoor Lighting Fixtures (dark-sky ordinance)
Owner-builder: Owner-builders are subject to Washington state owner-builder requirements.
Contractor requirements: Washington L&I contractor registration is required for contractors performing work in Goldendale.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Based on project valuation per Table 15-A of Goldendale Municipal Code Chapter 15.08
Payment note: Contact City Hall at (509) 773-3771 to confirm current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses, and similar) with a floor area of 120 square feet or less
Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), where not supporting a surcharge
Minor plumbing repairs: stopping leaks in drains, water, soil, waste or vent pipe; clearing stoppages or repairing leaks in pipes, valves, or fixtures; removal and reinstallation of water closets — provided such repairs do not require replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work

Important: Exempt work must still comply with all applicable building codes, zoning ordinances, and the outdoor lighting ordinance. Goldendale has adopted a dark-sky lighting ordinance (Chapter 15.52) to protect the Goldendale Observatory State Park. All outdoor lighting must use full cut-off fixtures. Outdoor lighting plans are required for all permit or development applications involving land use review.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(509) 773-3771 (phone)

Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Common inspection stages for residential construction: foundation/footing, framing, insulation, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, final.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 International Fire Code, Uniform Plumbing Code, Washington State Energy Code, Washington State Ventilation and Indoor Air Quality Code, International Fuel Gas Code, Chapter 15.52 Outdoor Lighting Fixtures (dark-sky ordinance)
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Goldendale Observatory State Park
City of Goldendale Official Website
Goldendale Municipal Code Title 15 (Buildings)
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Goldendale Building / Code Enforcement 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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