Town of Pe Ell, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Pe Ell limits. Pe Ell is an 'Option 2' town under Lewis County's Urban Growth Area ordinance, meaning Lewis County administers building permits after Town of Pe Ell approval. Pe Ell has approximately 2 miles of shoreline jurisdiction and maintains its own Shoreline Master Program.

Department

Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process)

Address

111 S. Main St., P.O. Box 215, Pe Ell, WA 98572

Phone

(360) 291-3543

Email

peellclerk@centurytel.net

Website

https://www.townofpeell.com

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Complete 'City Pre-Application' form and submit to Town of Pe Ell.
2. Complete site plan meeting Site Plan Requirements.
3. Complete Lewis County Building Permit Application.
4. Submit to Town of Pe Ell for pre-approval and pay any Town-adopted fees.
5. Town certifies project complies with zoning regulations (Titles 20, 28, 36), setback requirements, water/sewer requirements, SEPA compliance, and critical areas requirements.
6. Submit approved Town Approval Form to Lewis County Community Development with completed Lewis County Building Permit Application and required fees.
7. Lewis County reviews for building code compliance 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: Town of Pe Ell with Lewis County Community Development (Two-Tier Process)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Pe Ell limits.

Required Documents

• City Pre-Application form
• Site plan meeting Town and County requirements
• Lewis County Building Permit Application
• Legal description or tax parcel number
• Property owner information
• Contractor registration information
• Town Approval Form (from Town 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; Town of Pe Ell may charge pre-approval fees

Payment note

Contact Town of Pe Ell at (360) 291-3543 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 (sheds/playhouses) under 200 sq ft per Lewis County Code
• Agricultural burning (subject to state regulations)

Important: Verify all exemptions with both Town of Pe Ell and Lewis County Community Development before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

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

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections performed by Lewis County Community Development. Schedule online through SmartGov portal or by phone.

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
• Town of Pe Ell
• Lewis County Community Development
• Pe Ell Shoreline Master Program
• 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