Why do I need a building permit?
The State of Washington under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.27 and Skamania County have adopted the International Building, and Residential Codes, International Mechanical Code, Uniform Plumbing Code and the International Fire Code as minimum construction standards for the state and Skamania County. While outlining minimum standards, these codes require permits to be issued, and inspections to be performed in order to verify compliance to the minimum construction standards. Our Building Division helps keep our homes, schools, offices, and other buildings safe for public use. We review and inspect all construction projects that require building permits in the unincorporated areas of Skamania County and the City of Stevenson. Building permits are beneficial to you and your community. By obtaining the required permits you are not only protecting the financial investment in your project, you are also guarding against potential hazards of unsafe construction
What kind of work requires a building permit?
Most new construction, remodeling, and repair work that affect a building or structure will require a permit. This includes any structural, mechanical or plumbing work. Electrical work is required to be permitted and inspected through WA State Department of Labor and Industries.
What is exempt from a building permit?
Please see Skamania County Code 15.08.030 Amendments for work exempt from permits.
*This does not apply to any parcels that fall within the National Gorge Scenic Area. Please contact Josh Neblock at (509) 427-3906 or jneblock@co.skamania.wa.us for any proposed NSA development. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Exempt work must still meet all required setbacks.
How do I apply for a building permit?
We accept all building permit applications online now! Please go to Cloud Permit to get signed up and start your online application.
How much does a permit cost?
Fee schedules for various permit processes are set by the Board of County Commissioners. Some projects will entail review through various permit processes before approval and/or permits may be granted. We suggest that you contact the Community Development Department with specific details for your project. In this way, staff can help determine what permit processes might apply to your project, and what the associated permit costs might be. Please email us at building@co.skamania.wa.us for an estimate.
How long does it take to get a building permit?
Building permits are currently running a minimum of 6-8 weeks after submittal. Permits for residential re-roofing, plumbing & mechanical can be done through our permit portal. You can apply, pay and print online! Some items that may cause lengthier review times include coordination with other departments (Planning, Environmental Health, Public works etc), or the need for more information and plan revisions to ensure minimum code compliance. The purpose of the plan review is to identify any significant issues with the project or property prior to the start of construction.
What happens once I get my permit?
Once you have obtained a permit, you can then proceed with the construction of your project. To keep your permit open and active, you have 180 days from the date of issuance to begin your project, meaning having the inspector out for your first inspection and 180 days between each inspection throughout your project. At various points during the construction you will need to request inspections to verify construction elements for your project. These inspections are a good time to ask the inspector any questions you may have about your project. You can request inspections by logging into your Cloud Permit workspace, emailing us or calling (509) 427-3925.
Where do I obtain an electrical permit?
Washington State Department of Labor and Industries. The County does not issue electrical permit or conduct electrical inspections.
