City Building Permits

Town of Metaline Falls, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Town of Metaline Falls, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Pend Oreille County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

Building permits for properties within the incorporated limits of the Town of Metaline Falls are administered by Pend Oreille County Community Development under an interlocal agreement.

Department: Pend Oreille County Community Development Department (per interlocal agreement)
Address: 418 S. Scott Ave., Newport, WA 99156
Phone: (509) 447-4821
Website: https://www.pendoreille.gov/community-development

Online Permit Portal

Open Pend Oreille County PublicPortal

Platform: PublicPortal • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Additional resources:

Application Process

Complete a Site Evaluation Application with Pend Oreille County Community Development before any building or land use development.
Submit a full permit application with all required documents to the county Community Development Department at 418 S. Scott Ave., Newport.
Applications will not be reviewed until complete per the checklist.
Pay permit fees after approval.
Display permit on the job site.
Schedule inspections through the county Community Development Department.

Typical processing time: Variable; contact the county for current timelines.

Source: Pend Oreille County Community Development Department (per interlocal agreement)

General Requirements

Building permits are required for structural work, new construction, manufactured home placement, additions, HVAC installation, and changes of occupancy. A Site Evaluation Application must be completed first.

Required Documents

Site Evaluation Application (with scaled sketch of parcel)
Building permit application
Construction plans and drawings
Plot plan

Permit validity: Permits expire one year after issuance and may be renewed up to four times at $55.00 per renewal, for a maximum total duration of five years.
Building code: 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024); 2023 BOCC-Approved Building Regulations; 2024 BOCC-Approved Development Regulations (adopted January 27, 2025)
Contractor requirements: Contractors must hold an active Washington State contractor registration with L&I (RCW 18.27).

Fees

Permit fee formula: Based on project type and value; contact the county for current fee amounts.
Payment note: Permit renewal: $55.00 per renewal (up to four renewals maximum).

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory buildings used as tool or storage sheds not exceeding 600 sq. ft. (including attached decks or porches) — exempt as of January 1, 2016, but Site Evaluation Application still required
Private greenhouses
Minor repairs, ordinary maintenance, painting, and cosmetic work per Washington State exemptions (RCW 19.27.040)

Important: Even exempt work may require a Site Evaluation Application. Confirm project-specific exemptions with the county before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

(509) 447-4821 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: Requests made before 3:00 PM are scheduled for the following business day; requests after 3:00 PM are not scheduled until the second business day. Same-day inspections will not be scheduled.
Inspection hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–4:30 PM

Typical inspection sequence: Typical stages: foundation, framing/rough-in, insulation, final inspection/Certificate of Occupancy. Inspections for northern Pend Oreille County (including Metaline Falls) are prioritized on Tuesdays and Thursdays. The permit packet must remain on the job site until final inspection is complete.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 IBC and 2021 IRC with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024); 2023 BOCC-Approved Building Regulations; 2024 BOCC-Approved Development Regulations (adopted January 27, 2025)
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
2024 Development Regulations
2023 Building Regulations
Shoreline Master Program User Guide (2023)
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Pend Oreille County Community Development Department (per interlocal agreement) 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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