Olympia, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Olympia.

Department

Community Planning and Development (CPD)

Address

601 4th Ave E, Olympia, WA 98501

Phone

(360) 753-8314

Email

cpdinfo@ci.olympia.wa.us

Website

http://www.olympiawa.gov

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Review permit application checklists available on the online portal.
2. Create a portal account (required for applicants to submit applications, plans, and request inspections).
3. Submit complete application and required documents online.
4. Pay plan review fees at time of submittal.
5. Respond to plan review comments if needed.
6. Pay remaining permit fees and receive permit issuance.
7. Schedule inspections throughout construction via portal or phone.

Typical processing time: 48-72 hour response time for application status after submission; plan review duration varies by building size and complexity.

Source: Community Planning and Development (CPD)

General Requirements

Building permit required for all construction, additions, alterations, and changes of occupancy within the City of Olympia.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan
• Construction drawings
• Project scope information
• Energy code compliance forms
• Contractor registration documentation

Permit validity

Incomplete permit applications are valid for 30 days only, then cancelled if not submitted completely.

Building code

2021 Building Codes (effective March 15, 2024)

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Proof of contractor registration required.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$125.09

Plan check fee

Included in permit formula above

Permit fee formula

Plan review fees (paid at submittal): Buildings less than 3,000 sq ft: $125.09; 3,001-5,000 sq ft: $284.30; 5,001-10,000 sq ft: $341.16; greater than 10,000 sq ft: $443.51

Reinspection fee

$199.01

Penalty (no permit)

Investigation fee (work without permit) equals permit fee or minimum permit fee, whichever is greater

Payment note

Technology fee: 4.1% of permit/plan review fees. State Building Code Council surcharge: $4.50 per permit. Temporary Certificate of Occupancy: Residential (single-family): $113.72; Commercial/multi-family (interior remodel): $170.58; Commercial/multi-family (new construction): $568.61. Supplemental plan review: $199.01 per hour.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2025-2026).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Agricultural/deer fences up to 8 feet tall (fee exempt)
• Other exemptions per Olympia Municipal Code (OMC) Chapter 4.36

Important: Contact CPD for specific exemption determinations. Exempt from building permit does not mean exempt from zoning, setback, and code requirements.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online portal (online)
• (360) 753-8314 (phone)

Scheduling deadline

Cutoff time for next-day inspections is 5:00 PM.

Inspection hours

Inspection hours: 8:00 AM - 3:00 PM. Inspector availability: 7:00 AM - 3:30 PM.

Typical inspection sequence: Required inspections: footing, foundation, underslab rough-in, framing, rough electrical, rough plumbing, rough mechanical, insulation, final building, final electrical, final plumbing, final mechanical, blower door test.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Building Codes (effective March 15, 2024)
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Impact Fees (Transportation and Schools)
• Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (All of Olympia)
• Heritage Review Districts
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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