Building Introduction

UPDATE REGARDING THE ADOPTION OF BUILDING CODES IN 2023:
The State Building Code Council voted on May 24, 2023, to delay the effective date of the 2021 codes for 120 days. The new effective date for all building codes is October 29, 2023. Previously, the effective date was July 1, 2023.
https://www.sbcc.wa.gov/news/council-votes-delay-effective-date-2021-code-editions-october-29-2023
Introduction
Building staff members offer assistance regarding new construction, alterations, additions, relocating structures, change of use, as well as, grading permits and placement of modular buildings or manufactured homes.

Different building projects have different requirements. The County has informational pamphlets detailing the requirements for virtually every kind of building project. Please review the "a few pointers for successfully submitting a building permit" for the particular project you have in mind or review our FAQ's.  If you need additional assistance contact a member of our Building staff.

Submitting a Building Permit Application
Upon submittal of a permit application, the application will undergo a preliminary review for completeness. During this stage you may be referred to other staff members to determine if your project will require any Planning approvals. If so, you may be required to file a separate planning application and pay associated planning application fees.
Depending upon the specific permit, applications require several components; a complete application with signatures of all property owners or project representatives, one full set of construction plans including a site plan, and $200 application fee. If these are not in accordance with WSEC, 2018 IBC, 
WWCC 14.07.050 or WWCC Title 15 you will be required to correct your application materials and resubmit. 

When your permit application submittal material is deemed complete and your application fee paid, the permit application will be "routed" to other county departments; Public Works, Addressing, Health Department, etc. and any appropriate outside agencies.  The time your permit application will spend in staff review depends on the type of permit you are applying for and your property's location/unique environmentally protected features.  Once all departments review and approve the permit application, a building permit will be issued, and inspections will need to be completed.  Please see the below hyperlinks and
FAQ's page for more details.
  • Currently, we accept submittal of the following applications via the County's eTRAKiT  portal:
    • siding/windows
    • reroof,
    • plumbing/mechanical
    • residential burn permit renewal
  • All other applications may be submitted via email to permits@co.walla-walla.wa.us, postal mail, or office drop-box.

Building Permit Applications and Handouts
2018 Washington State Energy Code (WSEC) Submittal Requirements

Inspections

Inspectors ensure that structures are built according to approved plans and properly located on a parcel. Approved plans & inspection checklist MUST be on the job site prior to & during any work being done.

  • Inspection requests:
    • via eTRAKiT until 5:45 am the day of the requested inspection
    • by phone, (509) 524-2611, by 3:30 pm M-F for a next business day inspection.
  • To Cancel an Inspection Request: 509-524-2610

Other
Building Permit Activity
Home Builder's Association (HBA) Monthly Report

Contact Us
In person:
Public Hours: Mon - Friday, from 10:00 a.m. to 3 p.m., or by appointment.
The mail entrance doors to 310 W Poplar are currently locked, but we're here to help you, please call ahead of time or use the keypad to the left of the entrance when you arrive.

Electronically: Submit documents/application by email to permits@co.walla-walla.wa.us or upload into the eTRAKiT portal.
Office & Mailing Address:
310 W. Poplar Street
Second Floor, Suite 200
Walla Walla, WA 99362
General Phone:
509-524-2610 Main
509-524-2611 Inspection Requests
509-524-2612 Daily Burn Decision