Benton County, WA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- BCC 3.04.018
- Statutory basis
- RCW 19.27.095
- Permit validity
- 2 years from issuance
- Extension fee
- 25% of original permit fee
- First violation penalty
- Up to $500 civil penalty
- Administering agency
- Benton County Building Department
Summary
Benton County requires a fully complete building permit application under BCC 3.04.018, tracking RCW 19.27.095, before the Building Department will process a project in unincorporated territory. The application must bundle SEPA review, land-use approvals, septic/sewer proof, water availability and stamped construction drawings together.
3.04.018 COMPLETED BUILDING PERMIT APPLICATION. Pursuant to RCW 19.27.095, a fully complete building permit application shall consist of the following: Table 3.04-1. Elements for a Complete Building Permit Application... Conditional Use and Shoreline Substantial Development Permit Applications. These and all other land use permits required by the Benton County Code for the project shall be applied for prior to or with the building permit application... Building Permit Application Form. All required information in the application form must be completed in full.
Full Breakdown
018, adopted under Ord. 602 (2018) and amended by Ord. 04 and the adopted International Building Codes; and, where a road approach onto a public road is needed, conditional approval to construct it. 034. 039; a written extension request filed before expiration and paid at 25 percent of the original fee buys one additional year, with only one extension allowed per permit and no work permitted after expiration without an entirely new permit and full fee. 070.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit or violating any provision of BCC Chapter 3.04 draws a civil penalty of up to $500 for a first offense plus court costs and restitution under BCC 3.04.065(a); a second or later violation of the same provision is a misdemeanor under BCC 3.04.065(b). The county may also seek injunctive relief under BCC 3.04.080 to stop unpermitted work.
Frequently Asked Questions
What must a Benton County building permit application include?
How long does a Benton County building permit last?
Who reviews and issues building permits in unincorporated Benton County?
What happens if I build without a permit in Benton County?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Benton County
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