Town of Winthrop, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Winthrop.

Department

Building/Planning Department

Address

206 Riverside Avenue, Winthrop, WA 98862

Phone

509-996-2320

Email

planner@townofwinthrop.com

Website

http://www.townofwinthrop.com/planning.html

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the Building Permit Application from townofwinthrop.com/forms.html.
2. Ensure the property has a valid assigned address before submitting.
3. Obtain a current Business License for any business operating within Winthrop before Design Review Board consideration.
4. Submit completed application with required documents to Town Hall.
5. Applications are reviewed by the Town Planner.
6. Submit Water and Sewer service applications (may be completed before or after building permit issuance).
7. Pay required fees.
8. Permit issued upon approval; valid for six months from issuance.
9. Permit extensions: one six-month extension available in writing if no plan changes are made.
10. Schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies. Contact Town Hall for estimate.

Source: Building/Planning Department

General Requirements

A permit is required for construction, enlargement, alteration, repair, demolition, and system changes.

Required Documents

• Building Permit Application
• Site plan of the project
• Construction plans/drawings
• All other documents per application checklist

Permit validity

Permits are valid for six months from date of issuance. One six-month extension is available by written request if no plan changes are involved.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and related Washington State codes.

Contractor requirements

Contractor registration with Washington State L&I required. Electrical permits obtained separately through Washington State L&I. Business license required before Design Review Board review of any business project.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Fees established by Town Council. A Land Use Fee Schedule is available from Town Hall.

Payment note

Contact Town Hall at 509-996-2320 or planner@townofwinthrop.com for current building permit fee amounts.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Building/Planning Department to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Town Hall: 509-996-2320 or Okanogan County: 509-422-7110 (phone)
• pubwks@methow.com (email)

Scheduling deadline

For county inspections, call at least 24 hours in advance.

Inspection hours

Building/Permit hours: Thursday and Friday, 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM. Methow Valley county inspections: Wednesday and Friday.

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections may be conducted in coordination with Okanogan County. Typical sequence: Foundation/footings, Framing, Rough-in plumbing, Rough-in mechanical, Electrical rough-in (L&I, separate), Insulation, Final inspection.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington amendments, 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), and related Washington State codes.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Town website
• Building Permit Application
• Building Contractor Requirements
• Winthrop Municipal Code / Zoning
• Okanogan County Building Dept (inspections)
• Washington State L&I (electrical permits and contractor registration)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Okanogan County