City Building Permits

Shelton, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Mason County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Shelton.

Department
City of Shelton Community Development Department
Address
525 West Cota Street, Shelton, WA 98584 (Shelton Civic Center)
Phone
(360) 426-4491
Website
https://www.sheltonwa.gov/government/departments/community_development/

Online Permit Portal

Open EnerGov Citizen Self-Service Portal

Platform: EnerGov (Tyler Technologies) • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Application Process

  1. Determine permit type needed: Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Sign, or Demolition.
  2. Prepare application materials: completed application forms, site plan, construction drawings, and contractor L&I registration information.
  3. Submit application online through EnerGov portal (preferred), in-person at Community Development Department, or via email/mail if permitted.
  4. Plan review by Building Official and city staff: 65% of building permit fee charged for plan review; 25% for mechanical-only permits.
  5. Pay plan review fees at submittal and remaining permit fees at or prior to permit issuance.
  6. City issues permit upon fee payment; applicant receives permit card and approved plans.
  7. Schedule and complete required inspections in sequence (footing, foundation, rough, insulation, final).
  8. Obtain Certificate of Occupancy at Building Office before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity and completeness of submittal. Standard residential permits typically issued within 2-4 weeks of submittal.

Source: City of Shelton Community Development Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, additions, and remodels within the City of Shelton.

Required Documents

  • Completed application forms
  • Site plan
  • Construction drawings
  • Contractor information and L&I registration number
  • Project scope documentation
  • Applicant/owner acknowledgements
Permit validity
Permit validity period not specified in available documentation; confirm directly with City of Shelton.
Building code
2021 International Building Code (IBC) with city amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC) with amendments, 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC) with city amendments, 2021 International Existing Building Code (IEBC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code (Commercial and Residential), National Electrical Code (NEC) enforced by L&I.
Owner-builder
Owner-builders may apply; confirm specific requirements with Building Office.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. City of Shelton business license endorsement required. L&I registration number must be included on applications.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$25.00
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee (collected at submittal); 25% for mechanical-only permits
Permit fee formula
Based on ICC Building Valuation Data: $1-$500 = $25.00; $501-$2,000 = $25.00 + $3.00 per each additional $100; $2,001-$25,000 = $70.00 + $14.00 per additional $1,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $390.00 + $10.00 per additional $1,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $640.00 + $7.00 per additional $1,000; $100,001-$500,000 = $1,000.00 + $6.00 per additional $1,000; $500,001-$1,000,000 = $3,400.00 + $5.00 per additional $1,000; $1,000,001+ = $5,700.00 + $7.00 per additional $1,000
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade type; see current fee schedule
Reinspection fee
$70.00/hour (1-hour minimum)
Penalty (no permit)
First Offense: $100 Fine; Second Offense: $250 Fine and misdemeanor; Third Offense: $1,000 Fine and City endorsement denied for 180 days
Payment note
Washington State surcharge applies: $25.00 Commercial, $6.50 Residential. Maximum Building Permit Fee: $50,000.00 (cap unique to Shelton). After hours inspections: $70.00/hour (2-hour minimum).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Per Resolution 1225-1221; verify current schedule with City).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory structures (tool/storage sheds, playhouses) not exceeding 200 square feet with sidewall heights not greater than 10 feet and roof framing pitch not exceeding pitch of existing primary structure (unless approved by City Planning Department)
  • Fences not over 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (unless supporting surcharge)
  • Water tanks on grade (under 5,000 gallons)
  • Sidewalks, driveways, patios not over 30 inches above grade
  • Finish work (painting, tiling, carpeting, cabinets)
  • Prefabricated swimming pools less than 24 inches deep
  • Playground equipment
  • Window awnings not projecting more than 54 inches

Important: Exemption from permit requirements does not authorize work to be done in violation of code or other laws. Separate plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permits may still be required. All work must comply with zoning, Inland Wetlands, and other applicable regulations.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • EnerGov Portal (online)
  • (360) 426-4491 (phone)
  • permits@sheltonwa.gov (email)
Scheduling deadline
Schedule through portal or phone; deadlines vary by type.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM
Time windows
No specific time windows specified; inspections scheduled during regular business hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing (before concrete poured), Foundation/Finished Masonry (before backfill, including damp/waterproofing and footing drains), Rough Inspection (framing, plumbing, heating, electrical), Insulation, Final Building Inspection.

Remote inspections not specified; contact City for case-by-case availability.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the City of Shelton 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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