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Building Division

PERMITS (YELLOW COPY) MUST BE POSTED AT THE JOBSITE.  FAILURE TO DO SO MAY RESULT IN ADDITIONAL INSPECTIONS AT PERMIT HOLDERS EXPENSE AS WELL AS A DELAY IN FINAL INSPECTIONS AND CERTIFICATES OF OCCUPANCY.

Building Inspector, Ryan James

Hours: Monday-Thursday, 8:00 – 3:30 CLOSED FRIDAYS

27234 State Route 25 N

Davenport , WA   99122

509 725-7911   For technical questions, it is easiest to reach the building inspector on the cell at 509-721-0539 (or text)If you are from out of town, an appointment is highly recommended since we only have one (1) Building Official/Inspector and he is often out on inspections. 

building@co.lincoln.wa.us

Fax: 725-4467

MUST SUBMIT PROOF OF SEPTIC PERMIT TO RECIEVE A RESIDENTIAL BUILDING PERMIT (HOUSE, SHOP HOUSE ETC…)

Forms, etc.

  1. Building Permit Request Form * Note that a physical address must be assigned to the site before a building permit or septic permit (509-725-2501) can be applied for.  All utility companies will also need to have a physical address before they will connect service. Click here for the address request form.  A list of exemptions can be found hereThe Tax Location Code for Lincoln County is very important to get right.
  2. Site Plan
  3. Inspection Affidavit (must have prior approval from Building Department)
  4. Site Built Residences
  5. Factory Built Residences
  6. Non-Residential
  7. Remodeling
  8. Plans
  9. Attics & Crawl Spaces
  10. Foundations
  11. Title 15 – Flood Damage Prevention
  12. Building Code
  13. Contractors: A list of local building services providers
  14. Plumbing Testing
  15. Stairs
  16. LP Gas Container Location
  17. Smoke Alarms
  18. Reinforced Concrete and Masonry Foundation Walls
  19. Retaining Walls
  20. Setback Variance Request

Washington State:  Labor and Industries

  • Electrical Permits are not issued or inspected by the Lincoln County Building Division.  Before beginning electrical work, contact Washington State Labor and Industries.
  • If you are altering a Factory Assembled Structure (also know as a manufactured/mobile home) you will need to get a permit through Labor and Industry.  Call 509-324-2568 for more information.  An addition will need a permit from Lincoln County Building.  509-725-7911.  Construction Alteration:  The replacement, addition, modification, or removal of any equipment or installation that may affect the originally approved design of construction, plumbing, heating, cooling, fuel-burning, or electrical systems.
  • Any manufactured/mobile home constructed in 1976 or earlier is not permitted in Lincoln County.

Codes Used 

The Washington State Legislature, together with the Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC), has adopted the  State Building Code (RCW 19.27).  The State Building Code is comprised of model code editions with Washington State Amendments, and is the minimum construction requirement for the State of Washington.  The editions of the model codes listed below, as adopted by the SBCC, are currently in effect and prevail for construction in all counties and cities of Washington State, as required by the State of Washington, pursuant to RCW 19.27.031.

The 2018 editions are listed below in green, to be referenced for building permit applications submitted on or after February 1, 2021.

*for one & two family dwellings and residential utility structures
2015 International Residential Code (IRC) with statewide amendments
2018 International Residential Code (IRC)
 with statewide amendments
2018 Washington State Residential code includes:
-adoption of Appendices F, Q and U
-Chapter 11 and Chapters 25 through 43 are not adopted

*for commercial and other public projects
2015 International Building Code (IBC) with statewide amendments
2018 International Building Code (IBC) with statewide amendments
2018 Washington State Building Code includes:
-adoption of Appendix E & ICC/ANSI A117.1-2009
-the 2018 International Existing Building Code
-the International Swimming Pool and Spa Code

ICC/ANSI A117.1-09 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities with statewide amendments found in the IBC

2015 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with statewide amendments
2018 International Mechanical Code (IMC) with statewide amendments
2018 Washington State Mechanical Code includes:
-adoption of 2018 International Fuel Gas Code, 2018 NFPA 58 & 2017 NFPA 54

2015 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with statewide amendments (part of the IMC adoption)
2018 International Fuel Gas Code (IFGC) with statewide amendments (part of the IMC adoption)

2014 Liquefied Petroleum Gas Code (NFPA 58)

2015 National Fuel Gas Code (NFPA 54) (for LP Gas installation only)

2015 International Fire Code (IFC) with statewide amendments
2018 International Fire Code (IFC) with statewide amendments

2015 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with statewide amendments
2018 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC) with statewide amendments
2018 Washington State Plumbing Code includes:
-adoption of Appendices A, B and I

2015 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) 
2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC)

2015 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with statewide amendments found in the IBC
2018 International Existing Building Code (IEBC) with statewide amendments found in the IBC

2015 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) with statewide amendments found in the IBC
2018 International Swimming Pool and Spa Code (ISPSC) with statewide amendments found in the IBC

*National Electrical Code (NFPA 70) – Please see the Washington State Department of Labor and Industries (L&I) for information on the adoption and amendment of the National Electrical Code

Design Guidelines

  1. Minimum Snow Loads in Lincoln County: Roof 40 lb/sqft, Ground 50 lb/sqft
  2. Frost Depth is 30 inches (from finished graded to bottom of footing)
  3. Design for winds of 85 MPH
  4. Design for Exposure Class C
  5. Seismic Design Category C
  6. Termite Infestation: Slight to moderate.
  7. Radon: Zone 2, Moderate Potential (from 2-4 pCi/L).  EPA recommends that all homes that measure 4 and greater be mitigated.
  8. Rebar is not required in slabs but is highly recommended.
  9. Egress Windows:  5.7 Square feet minimum, 44″ Maximum Sill Height.  All bedrooms must have egress windows.
  10. Railings must be a minimum of 36″ tall (34″ on stairs) on structures more than 30″ high.
  11. Wood Stoves: Use the manufacturer’s recommendations.
  12. ADA Accessibility Guidelines for Buildings and Facilities (ADAAG)
  13. Click here to research the soils for your site.

Miscellaneous Notes and Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  1. From the time that the building permit is issued, you have 180 days to start construction.  Permits become null and void if work or construction authorized is not commenced within 180 days.  The permit is valid for 18 months from the date it is issued.  The permit may be renewed for a period of 6 months if substantial progress is shown.
  2. If you choose to build in Lincoln County, you may at times have to wait in excess of a week for inspections.  We only have one inspector.  We will make every effort to work your inspection into the schedule within 2 business days but it is on a first come, first served basis.
  3. An additional $50 fee (minimum) may be assessed if excessive repeat inspections are required.  It is essential that you are ready for your inspection when you schedule it.  Please refer to the list of inspections appropriate to your project which are available at on this website.
  4. A confirmation letter from a public water system or a well log is required for a septic permit.  Well logs are available online at: https://fortress.wa.gov/ecy/waterresources/map/WCLSWebMap/default.aspx
  5. Tax Location Code for Lincoln County  All contractors and/or subcontractors on projects in Lincoln County must know that the Sales/Use Tax four (4) digit location code for this construction project is:  #2200 – Unincorporated Lincoln County.  Use this code when completing the Washington Combined Excise Tax Return, “Local city and /or County Sales and Use Tax” Section.  Correct coding is vital to our community and required by law.  The cities or county receives a portion of the sales tax, determined by the code reported.  If a previous return has been miscoded or you have questions, please contact the Lincoln County Treasures Office at 509-725-5061, Monday-Friday, 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.
  6. Always Call Before You Dig, 8-1-1 or 509-456-8000 or 800-424-5555 (Free utility location service)
  7. Access permits are required for approaches to all county roads.
  8. Click here to look up a Contractor, Electrician or Plumber’s License Information
  9. RCW 18.08 Architects (licensing).  See also WAC 308-12
  10. RCW 18.27 regulates the registration of contractors
  11. RCW 18.43 Engineers and land surveyors (licensing)
  12. For questions regarding the subdivision of property or County zoning, go to the Planning page.
  13. Code of the West
  14. Fireworks:  Refer to Chapter 212-17 WAC and Chapter 70-77 RCW.  Also reference 8.12 of the Lincoln County Code.  Fireworks are permitted in Lincoln County however if you are planning on setting off very many, please be sure to contact your local fire department and the Sheriff’s Office (725-3501).  Fireworks are NOT permitted on the National Park Service ground or other Public ground (WA DNR, WA DFW, US BLM)