White Salmon, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of White Salmon. Building officials from Hood River County, Oregon conduct plan review and inspections.

Department

City of White Salmon — Building Department (services provided by contract with Hood River County, Oregon)

Address

100 N. Main Street, PO Box 2139, White Salmon, WA 98672

Phone

(509) 493-1133

Website

https://www.whitesalmonwa.gov/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create an account on the SmartGov portal (ci-whitesalmon-wa.smartgovcommunity.com).
2. Verify the account via the confirmation email received.
3. Log in and submit the building permit application online, including project description and all required documents.
4. Pay the plan review fee (due at application submission).
5. Hood River County building officials review the application (30–45 day average turnaround for complete submissions).
6. Upon approval, permit is issued; download or collect permit documents.
7. Post permit card at the job site.
8. Schedule inspections through the SmartGov portal or by contacting Hood River County building officials.
9. Obtain final inspection and certificate of occupancy.

Typical processing time: 30–45 days average turnaround for complete submissions

Source: City of White Salmon — Building Department (services provided by contract with Hood River County, Oregon)

General Requirements

Permits are required for construction, alteration, repair, demolition, or change of use of buildings and structures within White Salmon city limits.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application
• Project description
• Architectural and structural drawings
• Site plan

Building code

2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Building Code (with Washington amendments), effective March 15, 2024

Owner-builder

Property owners may apply for owner-builder permits for work on their own primary residence under Washington state law, subject to limitations.

Contractor requirements

A Washington residential contractor registration or specialty contractor registration is required for contractors performing work in Washington, even when building officials are from Oregon.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Based on Hood River County fee schedule; approximately 20% increases to structural permit fees and 5% increases to mechanical, plumbing, and electrical permit fees as of August 4, 2025

Payment note

Current fee schedules can be obtained by contacting Hood River County at (541) 386-1306 or reviewing documents on the SmartGov portal.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Small detached accessory structures (120 sq ft or less)
• Retaining walls under 4 feet high not supporting a surcharge
• Minor plumbing repairs not requiring rearrangement of valves or pipes
• Finish work (painting, flooring, cabinets, counter tops)
• Ordinary maintenance and minor repairs

Important: Exempt work must still comply with applicable building codes, Scenic Area land use rules (White Salmon is within the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area), and zoning regulations. Contact City Hall for jurisdiction-specific exemption guidance.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• SmartGov portal (online)
• Hood River County Building Officials: (541) 386-1306 (phone)

Inspection hours

Hood River County: Monday–Thursday, 7:00–10:00 AM in-person office hours

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential stages include: footing/foundation, framing, rough plumbing and mechanical, insulation, and final.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Building Code (with Washington amendments), effective March 15, 2024
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• White Salmon Municipal Code Title 15 (Building/Construction)
• Residential Code Summary (PDF)
• Hood River County Building Code and Inspection
• Columbia River Gorge Commission (Scenic Area permits)
• White Salmon Short-Term Rental (STR) Permits
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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