Building Permits in Pasco
Building Permits in Pasco
Building permits in Pasco are administered by the City of Pasco Building Division. The division processes building applications and performs building and fire inspections.
Current codes
Washington's current State Building Code uses the 2021 IBC, IRC, IMC, IFC, UPC and 2021 Washington State Energy Code with state amendments, effective March 15, 2024. Pasco's June 2, 2025 Ordinance 4770 updated local rules and expanded exemptions for specified minor work. The State Building Code Council currently lists May 3, 2027 as the effective date for the 2024 code cycle.
Professional-design requirements depend on the project and applicable state/local rules; no universal architect/engineer-seal claim is made here.
Applications and permits
Pasco accepts building-permit applications and required documents by email, with larger files handled through its file-transfer system. The city specifically states that, after Ordinance 4770, one-story detached sheds/playhouses up to 200 square feet in residential settings and up to 120 square feet in commercial settings can be permit-exempt when the published conditions are met. Other exemptions are scope-specific, so applicants should check the city's current reduced-permit guidance rather than assume small work is exempt.
Fees
Pasco publishes a Building Permit Fee Schedule and Building Valuation Data Sheet. Fees vary by project and permit type, so this guide does not estimate a general permit price or plan-review percentage.
Inspections and occupancy
Inspections are required on permitted construction and can be scheduled online or through the Building Division. Inspection and occupancy requirements depend on the project and permit record; applicants should follow the issued permit and city inspection guidance.
Official sources
- City of Pasco Building Division: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/1410/Building-Division
- City of Pasco, Apply for a Permit: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/1434/APPLY-for-a-Permit
- City of Pasco, Reduced Permit Requirements: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/1683/Reduced-Permit-Requirements
- City of Pasco Inspection Services: https://www.pasco-wa.gov/1264/Inspection-Services
- Washington State Building Code Council: https://sbcc.wa.gov/state-codes-regulations-guidelines/state-building-code
Disclaimer: Verify current local amendments, exemptions, fees, professional-design requirements, inspections, and occupancy requirements with the Pasco Building Division before filing or beginning work.