FAQs • Cowlitz County, WA • CivicEngage

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. The State of Washington under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.27 and Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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. Specialists from Building, Planning, and Environmental Health (part of the Health Department) are available to help you determine what permitting will be required for your project or if you may have an exemption.

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Building & Planning - Building

1. 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. The State of Washington under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 19.27 and Cowlitz 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 Cowlitz 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. Specialists from Building, Planning, and Environmental Health (part of the Health Department) are available to help you determine what permitting will be required for your project or if you may have an exemption.

2. Where do I get an electrical permit?: Electrical Permits can be obtained through Labor & Industries (L&I). Their local office is located at 711 Vine St, Kelso, WA 98626. You can get more information by calling them at (360) 575-6900 or visiting their website at lni.wa.gov, clicking on Licensing & Permits, then locate the permit type you are searching for.

3. What design criteria do I need to meet?: The Washington State Building Code includes the 2015 International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC) as adopted pursuant to the Cowlitz County Code (CCC) Title 16. Please see our Design Criteria page for more details.

4. Where do I get a Mobile Home Alterations Permit?: Mobile Home Alteration Permits can be obtained through Labor & Industries (L&I). Our local office is located at 711 Vine St, Kelso, WA 98626. You can get more information by calling them at (360) 575-6900 or visiting their website at lni.wa.gov, clicking on Licensing & Permits, then locate the type of permit you are searching for.