Town of Friday Harbor, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated Town of Friday Harbor.

Department

Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division

Address

60 Second Street, P.O. Box 219, Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Phone

(360) 378-2810 ext. 248

Email

permits@fridayharbor.org

Website

https://www.fridayharbor.org/2187/Building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Obtain the building permit application and required forms from the Permits & Fees page or Town Hall.
2. Complete the signed building permit application (owner or authorized agent).
3. Prepare and have signed by all utility companies the Utility Checklist.
4. Prepare energy code compliance calculations (2021 WSEC-R required for all conditioned space).
5. Prepare site plan, floor plans, elevations, and foundation/structural plans scaled to 1/4" = 1' minimum.
6. Prepare stormwater application and impervious surface worksheet.
7. Email all documents to permits@fridayharbor.org or submit in person at Town Hall.
8. Town staff notifies applicant of remaining fees; pay total building, plumbing, mechanical, and stormwater fees before plan check begins.
9. Town staff reviews for code compliance and routes to Planning, Development Engineering, and applicable departments.
10. Respond to any correction comments and resubmit revised documents if required.
11. Upon approval, permit is issued and work may commence.

Typical processing time: Varies; contact Building Division for current timelines.

Source: Community Development and Planning Department, Building Division

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all construction within the Town of Friday Harbor.

Required Documents

• Completed building permit application (signed by owner or authorized agent with authorization form)
• Utility Checklist signed by all utility companies and owner/agent
• Energy code compliance calculations (2021 WSEC-R)
• Site plan (scaled, showing lot dimensions, setbacks, utilities, drainage)
• Floor plan, elevations, foundation plan (scaled 1/4" = 1' minimum)
• Stormwater application and impervious surface worksheet
• Contractor license number (Washington State L&I registration)

Permit validity

Permits become invalid if work does not commence within 180 days of issuance, or if work is suspended or abandoned for 180 days. Extensions available in writing with justifiable cause.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), and Washington State and local amendments.

Owner-builder

Owner-builder exemption is available; owner must sign application and accept responsibility for compliance.

Contractor requirements

Washington State registered contractor required for all regulated work. Contractor's L&I registration number must be provided at application. All electrical work requires a separate Washington State L&I electrical permit.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

Contact permits@fridayharbor.org for current fees

Plan check fee

Included in building permit fee calculation

Permit fee formula

Based on project valuation (time and materials, including electrical, gas, fixtures, cabinetry, mechanical and plumbing equipment, and permanent systems; does not include land, septic, or water systems)

Payment note

Total fees due before plan check begins. Contact permits@fridayharbor.org for fee schedule details and estimates.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Current schedule available at Permits & Fees page (PDF document View/10269)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Storage sheds under 120 sq. ft. (IBC threshold) or 200 sq. ft. (IRC threshold)
• Fences not over 7 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top)
• Water tanks supported directly on grade (capacity not exceeding 5,000 gallons)
• Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches above adjacent grade
• Painting, papering, flooring, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Ordinary repair and maintenance (e.g., fixing leaks)

Important: Exemption from a building permit does not exempt work from compliance with other applicable codes (zoning, fire, health, utility). Exempt structures must still comply with setback and site requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• permits@fridayharbor.org (email)
• (360) 378-2810 ext. 248 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Minimum 24-hour advance notice required.

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Time windows

Inspection times vary; coordinate with Town staff.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard residential inspection sequence: foundation/setback verification, framing (before insulation and sheathing), insulation/energy code, plumbing rough-in, mechanical rough-in, final inspection (all trades). Confirm required stages with Building Division at permit issuance.

Contact Building Division regarding remote or virtual inspection options.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC), 2021 International Residential Code (IRC), 2021 International Mechanical Code (IMC), 2021 International Fire Code (IFC), 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), 2021 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC), and Washington State and local amendments.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Zoning information: View zoning info
• Historic Preservation Review Board
• Friday Harbor Municipal Code
• Washington State L&I Electrical Permits
• Washington State L&I Contractor Registration
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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