City Building Permits

Chehalis, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Lewis County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

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

Department: Community Development Department
Address: 350 N. Market Blvd., Chehalis, WA 98532
Phone: (360) 748-0782
Website: https://www.ci.chehalis.wa.us

Online Permit Portal

Open City of Chehalis Community Development

Platform: City Portal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Submit completed permit application with all required documentation in person or by mail.
Include legal description or tax parcel number, project street address, property owner information, prime contractor details, and contractor registration verification.
For commercial work: interim construction loan lender or payment bond holder information (per RCW 19.27.095).
Building official reviews application, plans, and specifications.
Other departments may review for compliance with applicable laws.
Pay required fees based on project valuation.
Permit issued upon approval and payment.

Typical processing time: Varies based on project complexity and review department workload

Source: Community Development Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required prior to the start of any construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, movement, demolition, or change of occupancy of a building or structure.

Required Documents

Completed building permit application
Legal description or tax parcel number
Project street address
Property owner information
Prime contractor business name, address, phone, and contractor registration number
For commercial work: interim construction loan lender or payment bond holder information
Verification of current contractor registration
Applicable plans and specifications

Permit validity: Standard permit validity applies; verify with City.
Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2017 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Fire Code, Washington State Energy Code, International Existing Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code
Contractor requirements: Must verify current contractor registration before permit issuance per WAC 296-200A-110. Contractor includes any person, firm, or entity undertaking construction, alteration, repair, or demolition work.

Fees

Plan check fee: Building plan review fees and fire plan review fees established by city council ordinance
Permit fee formula: Based on project valuation (total of construction work, finish work, painting, roofing, electrical, plumbing, heating, AC, elevators, permanent equipment)
Payment note: Contact Community Development at (360) 748-0782 for current fee schedule details

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, playhouses) with floor area not greater than 200 square feet per IRC R105.2
Certain minor repairs (verify with Building Official)

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

Inspections

How to Schedule

Contact Community Development Department (in-person)

Typical inspection sequence: Special inspections required by code and Section 1704 shall be made by Special Inspection Labs and Inspectors certified and approved by Washington Association of Building Officials (WABO), or based on adequate documentation approved by the Building Official. Standard inspections typically include: Foundation inspection, Framing inspection, Plumbing/mechanical rough-in, Electrical (through L&I), Insulation inspection, Final inspection.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, International Fuel Gas Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2017 National Electrical Code, 2021 International Fire Code, Washington State Energy Code, International Existing Building Code, International Property Maintenance Code
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Chehalis Fire Department
Public Works Department (Water/Sewer)
Lewis County Environmental Health (Septic)
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 Community Development Department 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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