City Building Permits

College Place, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in College Place, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Walla Walla County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of College Place.

Department
Community Development Department (Building and Planning)
Address
625 S. College Ave., College Place, WA 99324
Phone
(509) 525-0510
Website
https://www.cpwa.us/departments/planning/index.php

Online Permit Portal

Open Building and Planning Applications

Platform: Email submission (no self-service online portal) • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

  1. Review the appropriate Community Development department page for your permit type.
  2. Download the applicable application form from the city's Applications and Permits page.
  3. Assemble a complete permit package: application, site plan, construction plans, energy code compliance documents, and any engineering or calculations.
  4. Email the complete package to planbuild@cpwa.us or submit in person at City Hall (625 S. College Ave.).
  5. Staff reviews for completeness; applicant may be asked to supply missing information.
  6. Building Official (Scott Hall) reviews plans for code compliance.
  7. Pay applicable fees as determined by the city's Administrative Fees Resolution.
  8. Permit issued upon approval.
  9. Schedule inspections through the Building Official at (509) 394-8522.

Typical processing time: Varies by complexity; contact Building Official for estimate. Most residential permits are completed within 2-4 weeks.

Source: Community Development Department (Building and Planning)

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, alterations, remodels, and most structural changes.

Required Documents

  • Completed permit application
  • Site plan drawn to scale
  • Construction plans drawn to scale
  • Energy Code compliance forms
  • Engineering stamps for structural elements (trusses, beams, non-prescriptive designs)
  • Any required calculations or design documentation
Permit validity
Permits expire if work is not commenced or substantially progressed within applicable timeframes. Confirm expiration rules when permit is issued.
Building code
2021 IBC with Washington State amendments
Owner-builder
Owner-builders must comply with all permit requirements and code standards.
Contractor requirements
Contractors must hold a valid Washington State contractor registration with L&I. Business license requirements—confirm with the city.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
Determined by city Administrative Fees Resolution (not publicly posted online)
Plan check fee
Included in permit fee; contact city for details
Permit fee formula
Fees generally based on project valuation; contact Building Official for estimate
Trade permit fee
Varies by trade; contact city for estimate
Reinspection fee
May apply if work is not ready or corrections remain unresolved; contact city for amount
Penalty (no permit)
Penalty assessed for work without a permit; amount per Administrative Fees Resolution
Payment note
Contact Building Official Scott Hall at (509) 394-8522 or shall@cpwa.us for current fee schedule and estimates

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • One-story detached accessory storage structures under applicable square footage threshold
  • Fences not exceeding 7 feet in height
  • Retaining walls not exceeding 4 feet in height (without surcharge)
  • Painting, wallpapering, and similar finish work
  • Flooring, cabinet, and fixture replacement not involving structural work

Important: Exemptions do not include electrical, plumbing, or mechanical work—separate L&I electrical permits and city trade permits are required for those systems. Confirm specific exemptions with Building Official before beginning any work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Building Official Scott Hall: (509) 394-8522 (phone)
  • shall@cpwa.us (email)
Scheduling deadline
Minimum 24-hour notice recommended
Inspection hours
Monday–Thursday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM; Friday 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM and 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM
Time windows
During business hours; confirm specific availability when scheduling

Typical inspection sequence: Typical sequence: Footing/Foundation, Under-slab plumbing (where applicable), Framing, Plumbing rough-in, Mechanical rough-in, Insulation, Final inspection. Specific required inspections noted on issued permit.

Contact Building Official to discuss inspection methods and availability.

Additional Resources

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Community Development Department (Building and Planning) before applying.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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