Ilwaco, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Ilwaco. Planning authority is retained by City of Ilwaco; building permit authority and inspections are provided by City of Long Beach Building Department.

Department

City of Ilwaco (Planning Authority); City of Long Beach (Building Permits & Inspections via interlocal agreement)

Address

City of Ilwaco: 120 First Ave N, Ilwaco, WA 98624 (Mailing: PO Box 548, Ilwaco, WA 98624) | Building Permits (Long Beach): 115 Bolstad Avenue West, PO Box 310, Long Beach, WA 98631

Phone

Ilwaco Planning: (360) 642-3145 | Building/Inspections (Long Beach): (360) 642-4421

Email

inspector@longbeachwa.gov

Website

https://www.ilwaco-wa.gov/forms-permits/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. STEP 1 - PLANNING AUTHORITY (City of Ilwaco): Obtain and complete the Master Planning Permit Application Packet from the city website.
2. Submit planning application to City of Ilwaco with all required supporting materials as described in relevant Permit Guidelines.
3. Apply applicable planning fees (per Ilwaco Fee Schedule 2025, available on city website).
4. Ilwaco Planning reviews and approves or conditions the application.
5. STEP 2 - BUILDING PERMITS (City of Long Beach): Once planning approval is secured, contact the City of Long Beach Building Department (360-642-4421, inspector@longbeachwa.gov).
6. Obtain and complete the Building Permit Application and submit with construction documents and site plan.
7. Long Beach reviews and issues building permit.
8. Pay building permit fees (per Long Beach fee schedule).
9. Schedule required inspections with at least 24 hours advance notice.
10. Complete all required inspections; final inspection required before occupancy.

Typical processing time: Two-step process. Planning approval typically 4-8 weeks; building permit review follows planning approval. Contact both departments for current timelines.

Source: City of Ilwaco (Planning Authority); City of Long Beach (Building Permits & Inspections via interlocal agreement)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction projects within the City of Ilwaco. Planning approvals must be obtained from City of Ilwaco before a building permit is requested from Long Beach.

Required Documents

• Master Planning Permit Application Packet (Ilwaco planning)
• Supplemental materials per relevant Permit Guidelines
• Building Permit Application (Long Beach)
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Engineering documentation (as required by project type)

Permit validity

Confirm current permit expiration policy with both jurisdictions.

Building code

Washington State Building Code, current edition (administered by Long Beach Building Department per interlocal agreement).

Owner-builder

Applicant is financially responsible for any required engineering, planning, or professional services.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I). Verify contractor registration at https://secure.lni.wa.gov/verify/ before engagement.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Planning Fees: Per Ilwaco Fee Schedule 2025 (download from city website). Building Permit Fees: Per City of Long Beach fee schedule. Right-of-Way permits require traffic control plan, surety bond (100% of estimated cost, minimum $1,000), contractor insurance, and Washington State business license with Ilwaco endorsement.

Payment note

Fees due at application submittal to each jurisdiction. Applicant responsible for all required engineering, planning, and professional service costs.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Fences 6 feet or shorter in height
• Detached accessory storage structures with roof area 120 square feet or less
• Minor maintenance, painting, non-structural interior work

Important: Exempt work thresholds follow Washington State Building Code as administered by Long Beach. Confirm project-specific exemption eligibility with Long Beach Building Inspector before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• inspector@longbeachwa.gov (Long Beach Building) (email)
• (360) 642-4421 (Long Beach Building) (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Give at least 24 hours advance notice.

Inspection hours

Contact Long Beach Building Division for office hours.

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections conducted by Rich Jacoby (City of Long Beach) under interlocal agreement. Planning-related inspections coordinated with City of Ilwaco. Final inspection required before occupancy.

Additional Resources

• Building code: Washington State Building Code, current edition (administered by Long Beach Building Department per interlocal agreement).
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• City of Ilwaco Forms & Permits
• City of Ilwaco Homepage
• City Code (current through Ordinance 959, March 24, 2025)
• Long Beach Building (for building inspections)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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