Kettle Falls, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Kettle Falls.

Department

Building and Planning Department

Address

580 Meyers Street, P.O. Box 457, Kettle Falls, WA 99141

Phone

(509) 738-6821

Website

https://www.cityofkettlefalls.org/planningdept

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Visit the Forms & Info page to download the City Building Permit application, or pick up at city hall.
2. Determine applicable zone before purchasing or leasing property for new uses (zoning compliance required).
3. Complete the permit application with project description, valuation, and site information.
4. Submit completed application with required documents at City Hall, 580 Meyers Street.
5. Pay applicable fees upon permit issuance.
6. Post permit at job site.
7. Contact city hall to schedule required inspections.
8. Obtain final inspection approval and Certificate of Occupancy before occupying.

Typical processing time: Varies based on plan review complexity. Contact city hall for estimate.

Source: Building and Planning Department

General Requirements

Kettle Falls enforces the Washington State Building Code (2021 IBC/IRC with WA amendments, effective July 1, 2024). A permit is required for: new construction or modification to a structure, including electrical (L&I), plumbing, and HVAC work; signs; remodeling; and any new construction.

Required Documents

• Building permit application
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Valuation statement
• Land Use Permit form (if applicable)

Permit validity

Contact city hall for permit validity period.

Building code

2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments

Owner-builder

Both property owners and L&I-registered contractors may apply.

Contractor requirements

Contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I under RCW 18.27. General contractors must carry a $30,000 surety bond; specialty contractors must carry $15,000. General liability insurance minimums: $200,000 public liability / $50,000 property damage.

Fees

Plan check fee

Charged separately; contact city hall for current amounts.

Permit fee formula

Fees are established by city resolution and based on project valuation (materials + labor, all systems and finishes). Plan review fees are charged separately.

Payment note

Contact city hall at (509) 738-6821 for the current fee schedule.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures (tool sheds, storage sheds, playhouses) with floor area not exceeding 200 sq ft, no plumbing, no habitable space, not on permanent foundation
• Retaining walls under 4 feet in height (footing bottom to wall top), unless supporting surcharge or impounding liquids
• Fences not over 6 feet in height
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops, and similar finish work

Important: Confirm current exemption list with city hall. Zoning permits may still be required even where building permits are exempt.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 738-6821 (phone)

Inspection hours

Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard inspection stages: footing/foundation (before concrete poured), framing/rough-in (after rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical), insulation, and final. Certificate of Occupancy is issued after all inspections are approved.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) with Washington State amendments
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Kettle Falls Municipal Code
• L&I Electrical Permits (inspected by Washington State L&I)
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Other cities in Stevens County