Now accepting ALL permit applications online!

_{*Cloudpermit is not compatible to apply for permits on a cell phone. Please use a tablet, laptop or PC.}

Skamania County uses a cloud-based software Cloudpermit so you can complete the entire building permit process online. With Cloudpermit, you can:

• Apply for building permits at any time online. 

• Check the status of your building permit or building inspection (when your application status changes, you’ll automatically receive an email letting you know)

• Schedule or cancel building inspections.

• Communicate with your building department with time-stamped messages.

• Pay for your building permit with a credit card.

• Request and submit changes to an existing building permit.

Follow the link below to get started today!

If you wish to apply in person, please come into the office to pick up a paper application packet during regular business hours. 

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Cloudpermit How-to Videos and support materials: 

Cloudpermit has a variety of resources to help you – check out Cloudpermit Support for instructions on the basics and watch the instructional videos below to learn how to use the software (watch more here):

• 'Cloudpermit - How to Submit a Building Permit Application' - video
• 'How to Send a Message on Cloudpermit' - video
• 'How to Request Inspections' - video

• We are closed on Fridays 
• Inspection requests made directly to the Building Official will not be accepted. All requests are required to go through the office or Cloudpermit.  
• This is only a request. Your inspection may be moved to another day when the inspector will be in the area.
• Please allow for 2 business days when submitting your request.
• Do not schedule concrete on the same day as the requested inspection.
• We are not able to accommodate next day or next 2 day inspections for the Swift area and are typically only in the area once a week.
• Temporary and/or permanent address MUST be posted at the street. Failure to post address may result in failed inspections if the inspector is unable to locate the job site. 

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We have a new permitting system!

We are excited to announce that we have partnered with Cloudpermit for our permitting services.

• If you have already created an account and applied online through Cloudpermit, please log into your account to request your inspections. 

• If you would like access to an older existing open and active permit and you have not already created a Cloudpermit account, please follow the 'Cloud Permit' link above to create an account. We will need to invite you to your permit workspace so please email us or call (509) 427-3925 and let us know you are ready to for access. The permit number or site address where the work is being done will be required. 

Building informational handouts and cutsheets

Accessory Dwelling Unit Information

ADAAG Manual (Accessibility)

Agriculture Building Exemption has been repealed ORD2018-07

Building permit application checklist & information
(Informational only)

Decks & Porches

Design Criteria

Foundation, Footing & Stem Wall

Emergency Escape & Rescue Openings

Generator Installation Requirements

Handrails

Inspection Types

Instructions for MFH Installation WAC

Manufactured Home Alterations - Contact L&I

Manufactured Home Basics

Manufactured Home Built prior to 1976

Manufactured Home Snow Load Waiver

Min Dwelling Unit

Owner-Builder Affidavit

Pole Building - Non-Engineered Plan Requirements

Propane Container Separation Distances

Radon Mitigation

Slab on grade

Solar Panel Information (Roof Mount)

Solid Fuel Burning Appliances Installation Standards (Wood/Pellet Stove)

Stairs & Landing (attached)

Tiny Houses - Information Packet

Typical Site Plan Example

Water Heaters

Yurt Permitting Information

The Skamania County Building Department now accepts pole building permit applications without requiring construction plans, provided the pole barns meet the specifications outlined in the handout below.

Please note the following:

• A building permit application is still required.

• A site plan must be submitted with the application.

• Inspections are still required throughout the construction process.

• Permit review times will be significantly reduced.

• The permit fee will not include a plan review fee, resulting in a lower overall permit cost.

Non-Engineered Pole Building Requirements 

For more information, please refer to the handout or contact the Building Department directly.

Fee Schedule

How to Calculate a Building Permit Fee

Residential and Commercial Building Permit Fees are determined by the building value or value of the improvement as calculated by either using the square footage of the project multiplied by the square foot construction cost, as compiled by the International Code Council (ICC) and published by the Building Safety Journal magazine annually, or the value of the improvement. Skamania County Building will be guided by the "February 2020 ICC Building Valuation Data". For improvements not covered in the ICC table, applicants may be asked to provide the valuation for those projects (i.e., interior remodel, solar panels, etc).

The plan review fee will be 65% of the established permit fee as calculated in the valuation table on the fee schedule, and is in addition to the permit fee.

Need an estimate? Please email us with your proposed project information, including square footage of the new structure: building@co.skamania.wa.us

WA State Licensed Contractors List

Are you a licensed WA State contractor?
Request to be added to the contractors list here!

Washington State voters approved Initiative 2066!
Effective December 5, 2024, Initiative 2066 will be enacted and enforced by Skamania County Building, which protects natural gas as an energy source. 

For energy code worksheets and materials, please go to: https://www.energy.wsu.edu/buildingefficiency/energycode/2018energycode.aspx

For assistance with filling out energy code forms based on your building plans, please contact a Certified Home Energy Rater

We now have a Public Search Map available to search building permit information!

This search map is informational only and will not provide documents.

Please select the jurisdiction you wish to search below:

Skamania County Map
City of Stevenson Map
City of North Bonneville Map
City of Bingen Map

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

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.