Morton, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Morton limits. Morton is an 'Option 2' city under Lewis County's Urban Growth Area ordinance, meaning Lewis County administers building permits after City of Morton approval.

Department

City of Morton with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process)

Address

192 Adams Ave, P.O. Box 1089, Morton, WA 98356

Phone

(360) 496-6881

Website

https://visitmorton.com

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete 'City Pre-Application' form and submit to City of Morton.
2. Complete site plan meeting Site Plan Requirements.
3. Complete Lewis County Building Permit Application.
4. Submit to City of Morton for pre-approval and pay any City-adopted fees.
5. City of Morton performs site inspection and certifies project complies with zoning regulations, setbacks, water/sewer service requirements.
6. Submit approved City Approval Form to Lewis County Community Development with completed Lewis County Building Permit Application, site plan, and required fees.
7. Lewis County reviews for compliance with building codes using SmartGov portal (as of December 1, 2024, all applications must be submitted online).
8. Lewis County issues building permit.

Typical processing time: Varies; two-step approval process may take 4-6 weeks total

Source: City of Morton with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Morton limits.

Required Documents

• City Pre-Application form
• Site plan meeting City and County requirements
• Lewis County Building Permit Application
• Legal description or tax parcel number
• Property owner information
• Contractor registration information
• City Approval Form (from City of Morton pre-approval step)

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, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Washington State Energy Code, 2021 International Fire Code

Contractor requirements

Contractor registration with Washington State L&I required per WAC 296-200A-110. Verification required before permit issuance.

Fees

Plan check fee

Lewis County plan review fees

Permit fee formula

Lewis County fee schedule applies; City of Morton may charge pre-approval fees

Payment note

Contact City of Morton at (360) 496-6881 for pre-approval fees. Contact Lewis County Community Development at (360) 740-1146 for building permit fees.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses with floor area not greater than 200 square feet per IRC R105.2
• Agricultural outdoor burning conducted per state law

Important: Verify all exemptions with both City of Morton and Lewis County Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Lewis County Community Development: (360) 740-1146 (phone)

Typical inspection sequence: Site inspection performed by City of Morton prior to construction start. Building inspections (Foundation, Framing, Plumbing/mechanical rough-in, Insulation, Final building inspection) performed by Lewis County Community Development.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code, 2021 International Residential Code, 2021 International Mechanical Code, 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, 2021 Washington State Energy Code, 2021 International Fire Code
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• City of Morton City Hall
• Lewis County Community Development
• 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