University Place, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of University Place.

Department

Planning and Development Services

Website

https://www.cityofup.com/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Check Development Specifications & Design Standards for infrastructure requirements.
2. Review Zoning Code for allowable uses and standards.
3. Submit preliminary plans to identify potential code conflicts (encouraged).
4. Complete permit application with all required details including plumbing, mechanical, energy, and window details.
5. Submit complete, legible plans meeting current codes.
6. Provide scaled site plan showing property dimensions, easements, and structures.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity.

Source: Planning and Development Services

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction within the City of University Place.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Scaled site plan showing property dimensions, easements, and structures
• Plumbing plans
• Mechanical plans
• Energy code details
• Window schedule with U-Factors

Permit validity

Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.

Building code

2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may act as owner-builders; confirm requirements with Planning and Development Services.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Complete, legible plans required meeting current codes. Seismic Design Category: D1 (IRC) or D (IBC). Snow Load: 25 pounds per square foot. Basic Wind Speed: 80 mph. Exposure: Mostly B, some areas C and D facing Puget Sound.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$26.45

Plan check fee

65% of Building Permit Fee (minimum $62.50)

Permit fee formula

Based on valuation: $1-$500 = $26.45; $501-$2,000 = $26.45 + $4 per $100 over $500; $2,001-$25,000 = $86.45 + $16 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $454.45 + $11.90 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $751.95 + $7.65 per $1,000 over $50,000. NOTE: Fee table incomplete for valuations above $100,000.

Trade permit fee

See flat fee permits and fee schedule

Reinspection fee

$100/hour

Penalty (no permit)

Double the permit fee for work without permit

Payment note

Fees paid through online system or at city offices.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
• Minor interior alterations not affecting structural components
• Fences under height limits
• Retaining walls under specified heights

Important: Standard IRC/IBC exemptions apply. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Development Services before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• City of University Place Online System (online)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule inspections as required throughout project.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday during business hours (confirm with city)

Time windows

Inspection windows vary by project phase.

Typical inspection sequence: Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy.

Contact Planning and Development Services for remote inspection options.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Technical Review Committee (Weekly for larger projects)
• Sample Site Plan
• Residential Energy Packet - State Energy Code Assistance
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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