Centralia, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Centralia and its Urban Growth Area (UGA). Centralia has an interlocal agreement with Lewis County for co-management of the UGA.

Department

Community Development Department, Building Division

Address

118 West Maple Street, P.O. Box 609, Centralia, WA 98531

Phone

(360) 330-7662

Website

https://www.cityofcentralia.com

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Pre-application conference (optional but recommended for complex projects) with Site Plan Review Committee at Centralia Public Works Office (1100 N. Tower), held every Monday at 10:00 AM. Submit by 3 PM Wednesday preceding the meeting.
2. Submit completed building permit application with checklist and all required documents.
3. Submit three (3) copies of all plans (Community Development, City Utilities, Contractor).
4. Planning and Engineering Divisions review applications; Building Division reviews for code compliance.
5. Pay plan check fee if required at time of application. Residential plan review is 50% of building permit fee; Commercial is 65%.
6. Respond to correction list if issued.
7. Pay remaining permit fees upon approval.
8. Permit is issued and work may commence.

Typical processing time: Varies; pre-application conferences held weekly. Allow 2-4 weeks for plan review after submission.

Source: Community Development Department, Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Centralia and its Urban Growth Area.

Required Documents

• Completed Building Permit Application
• Three (3) copies of all plans
• Plot Plan/Site Plan showing setbacks, easements, wells, septic, critical areas
• Building Plans drawn to scale (1/4 inch = 1 foot or greater)
• Energy Code Requirements Form
• Utilities Connection Form (if applicable)
• Septic System Approval from Lewis County Environmental Health (if applicable)
• Contractor Registration Verification

Permit validity

Permits expire if work not started within 180 days or abandoned for 180 days.

Building code

2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code

Contractor requirements

Valid City of Centralia Business License and Washington State L&I registration required for all contractors. Registration must be verified before permit issuance per WAC 296-200A-110.

Fees

Plan check fee

50% of building permit fee for residential; 65% for commercial, plus state fees ($6.50 residential, $25.00 commercial)

Permit fee formula

Based on Valuation of Work

Payment note

3.5% fee for Debit/Credit Card payments

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor cosmetic updates including painting, flooring replacement, small non-structural repairs
• Sheds 200 sq ft or smaller (verify with City)

Important: Verify all exemptions with the Building Division before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• 24-hour Building Inspection Request Line: (360) 330-7663 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections typically include: Foundation inspection (prior to concrete placement), Framing inspection (before insulation/drywall), Plumbing/Mechanical rough-in, Insulation inspection, Final building inspection. Final inspection requirements must be met by: Electrical (WA State L&I if applicable), City of Centralia Building Department, Fire Department (if applicable), City Engineering Department (if applicable). Allow at least 3 working days for final inspections process.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Lewis County Environmental Health (Septic Permits)
• Washington State L&I Electrical
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Lewis County