Colfax, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Colfax limits. Note: County building permits (unincorporated areas) are handled separately by Whitman County Building & Development Division (310 N. Main St., 2nd Floor), also in Colfax.

Department

Building & Community Development Department, City of Colfax

Address

400 N. Mill Street, Colfax, WA 99111 (City Hall)

Phone

(509) 397-3861

Email

building@colfaxwa.org

Website

https://colfaxwa.org/building-permits

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Download applicable permit application form from colfaxwa.org/building-permits or call (509) 288-1852 to request forms.
2. Review the Submittal Requirements brochure (available on city website, 754 KB PDF) for documentation needed for your permit type.
3. Complete the application and gather supporting documents: site plan, construction drawings as required by project scope.
4. Submit completed application and documents to City Hall, 400 N. Mill Street.
5. Receive permit number; pay fees online through the city payment options page or at City Hall.
6. Permit is issued; post on job site.
7. Schedule required inspections by contacting the Building & Community Development Department at (509) 288-1852.
8. Obtain final inspection and Certificate of Occupancy for applicable projects.

Typical processing time: Not specified; contact department for estimate. Plan review timeframe not published.

Source: Building & Community Development Department, City of Colfax

General Requirements

Building permits are required for new construction, additions, structural alterations, full roofing replacements, re-siding, mechanical system installation/replacement, plumbing work, sign installation, grading, and demolition.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan and construction drawings appropriate to project scope
• Electrical permits: obtained separately from Washington State L&I (not City of Colfax)

Permit validity

Permit expires if work is not started within 180 days of issuance, or if work is abandoned for 180 days or more after beginning, or if two years have elapsed from permit issuance regardless of completion status.

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) — all with Washington State amendments.

Contractor requirements

All contractors performing paid construction work must be registered with Washington State L&I (RCW 18.27). Registration numbers must appear on permit applications, vehicles, and advertising. Bond requirements (2026): General Contractor $30,000; Specialty Contractor $15,000.

Fees

Permit fee formula

Tiered by project valuation. Example from 2021 schedule: Projects valued up to $500 cost $23.50; projects valued $2,001–$25,000 cost $69.25 for the first $2,000 plus $14 per additional $1,000.

Trade permit fee

Mechanical and plumbing permit fees set separately

Payment note

Permit fees can be paid online through the city's payment options page (after permit number is assigned) or at City Hall. Contact Shawn McSweeney at (509) 288-1852 or building@colfaxwa.org to verify current fees before submitting; the 2021 schedule on file may not reflect current rates.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective 2021 (most recent publicly available; verify current fees with department)).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• Minor alterations and work not requiring permits per Washington State minimums under RCW 19.27.060(7): valuation under $1,500 in any 12-month period, provided no bedroom creation, no structural changes, and no reduction of egress/light/air/ventilation.
• Agricultural structures (housing farm implements, grain, livestock — not for human habitation or food processing) require a permit, but fees are limited to cost-recovery only under RCW 19.27.015.

Important: Exemption from building permit does not exempt work from plumbing, electrical, or mechanical permit requirements. Electrical work must be permitted through Washington State L&I. Confirm specific local exemptions with the Building & Community Development Department.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• (509) 288-1852 (Shawn McSweeney, Building & Community Development Associate) (phone)

Inspection hours

Standard city hall hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. (confirm by phone; hours not published on website).

Typical inspection sequence: Building inspections and Certificates of Occupancy issued by the Building & Community Development Department.

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) — all with Washington State amendments.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Washington State L&I (Electrical Permits & Inspections)
• Colfax Municipal Code
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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