Stevenson, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Stevenson.

Department

City of Stevenson — Permit Center (Building services contracted to Skamania County Building Division)

Address

7121 East Loop Road, Stevenson, WA 98648

Phone

(509) 427-5970

Email

building@ci.stevenson.wa.us

Website

https://www.ci.stevenson.wa.us/building

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Create a Cloudpermit account at https://us.cloudpermit.com/dashboard.
2. Submit the application online, selecting the appropriate permit type (building, mechanical, plumbing, public works, or planning).
3. Upload required documents (site plan, floor plans, elevation drawings, structural plans, energy code documentation, and System Development Charge information).
4. Planning, Public Works, and the Skamania County Building Department review simultaneously through the portal.
5. Respond to any requests for additional information or revisions via the portal's messaging system.
6. Pay permit fees online by credit card once the permit is approved.
7. Download and post the permit card at the job site before work begins.
8. Schedule inspections through Cloudpermit at each required construction stage.
9. Upon final inspection approval, a Certificate of Occupancy (CO) is issued for new structures.

Typical processing time: Varies by project complexity; typical plan review is 2–4 weeks. Contact Daniel Pitariu (Permit and Records Manager) at (509) 427-5970 ext. 203 or daniel@ci.stevenson.wa.us for guidance.

Source: City of Stevenson — Permit Center (Building services contracted to Skamania County Building Division)

General Requirements

A building permit is required for all new construction, structural remodels, additions, roofing, plumbing, and mechanical work within the City of Stevenson. Electrical permits are obtained separately through Washington State L&I.

Required Documents

• Site plan (template available for download)
• Floor plans and elevation drawings
• Structural plans and specifications
• Energy code compliance documentation (WSEC)
• System Development Charge (SDC) information for water and sewer connections
• For new construction or additions: sewer service lateral details, stormwater infiltration plan and downspout locations, water service line specifications and meter placement, complete fixture list, driveway specifications (ADA compliance)

Permit validity

Work must begin within 180 days of permit issuance; first inspection must occur within 180 days. No more than 180 days may elapse between any two consecutive inspections.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024). Also: International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Fire Code (IFC), and Washington State Energy Code (WSEC).

Owner-builder

Permit applications may be submitted by the property owner or a licensed/registered contractor.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Contractor registration is separate from local permit requirements.

Fees

Plan check fee

65% of the established permit fee, charged in addition to the permit fee.

Permit fee formula

Calculated from project construction valuation: (a) square footage multiplied by the per-square-foot construction cost from ICC Building Valuation Data (Skamania County uses February 2020 ICC Building Valuation Data), or (b) stated fair market value of the improvement — whichever is greater.

Payment note

Fees may be paid online through Cloudpermit by credit card. For fee estimate, email building@co.skamania.wa.us with project description and square footage.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective August 1, 2023).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached residential accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses, and similar uses, with floor area not exceeding 200 square feet and no plumbing
• Fences not over 6 feet in height
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet in height (measured from bottom of footing to top of wall), not supporting surcharge
• Platforms, decks, sidewalks, and driveways not more than 30 inches above grade and not over any basement or story below
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work
• Minor repairs: replacement of existing work in kind, provided no structural changes are made

Important: An exemption from a building permit does not exempt work from compliance with the applicable building code, zoning setback requirements, or other local, state, or federal requirements. Electrical work is always separately permitted through L&I regardless of building permit status.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Cloudpermit portal (online)
• building@co.skamania.wa.us (email)
• (509) 427-3925 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday – Thursday, 7:30 AM to 5:30 PM (closed Fridays)

Typical inspection sequence: Typical residential new construction: footing/foundation (before concrete pour), framing/rough-in (before sheathing), rough plumbing and mechanical, insulation, energy code compliance, final inspection (all trades complete).

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) with Washington State amendments (effective March 15, 2024). Also: International Residential Code (IRC), International Mechanical Code (IMC), Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), International Fire Code (IFC), and Washington State Energy Code (WSEC).
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Washington State L&I (electrical permits and contractor registration)
• Skamania County Building Division
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Skamania County