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Pasco, WA Building Safety: Building Inspections (2026)

Some Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified September 2026

Key Facts

Inspection fee authority
PMC 16.05.090, set via fee schedule PMC 3.35.030
Plan review fee
65% of building permit fee (PMC 16.05.070)
R-3 plan review flat fee
$50 for new single-family homes
Certificate of Occupancy
required before occupancy, PMC 16.05.100
Appeals body
Mid-Columbia Building Appeals Commission, 7 members

Summary

Pasco charges a minimum inspection fee under PMC 16.05.090 whenever the Building Official conducts an incidental building or fire code inspection that isn't tied to an active, issued permit. The fee amount is set in the City's master fee schedule, PMC 3.35.030, and covers walkthroughs, complaint checks, and re-inspections outside the normal permitted-construction sequence.

A minimum fee as enumerated in PMC 3.35.030 shall be paid to the Building Official for incidental building and fire code inspections not related to issued, active building permits.

View official code

Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 4837, passed May 4, 2026).

Full Breakdown

020 as the City Manager or a delegated chief administrative officer; anyone given delegated enforcement authority is also known as a Building Inspector. 070 (65 percent of the construction permit fee, or a flat $50 for new single-family R-3 construction). 030, for incidental building and fire code inspections, covering code-enforcement follow-up visits, complaint-driven inspections, or a walkthrough requested outside a live permit's inspection sequence. 110. 140. 040, jointly appointed with Franklin and Benton Counties.

Violations & Fines

Occupying a dwelling before the Building Official issues the required Certificate of Occupancy is itself a code violation under PMC 16.05.140, and the applicant who obtained the building permit is presumed responsible for any unlawful occupancy that follows. Skipping payment of the incidental inspection fee under PMC 16.05.090 or the plan-review surcharge under PMC 16.05.070 blocks permit issuance and can trigger separate enforcement action by the Building Official.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Pasco charge extra for inspections outside a normal building permit?
Yes. PMC 16.05.090 requires a minimum fee, set in the City's master fee schedule at PMC 3.35.030, for incidental building and fire code inspections that aren't linked to an active, issued permit, such as a code-enforcement follow-up or a re-inspection outside the normal permitted sequence.
Who is the Building Official in Pasco?
PMC 16.05.020 designates the City Manager, or whoever acts as chief administrative officer, as the Building Official. That person can delegate enforcement powers in writing to other staff, who are then also known as Building Inspectors, and can even be given arrest authority if that power is specifically stated in writing.
Can I occupy a new house before final inspection?
No. PMC 16.05.100 bars occupancy of any building, including new single-family homes, until the Building Official issues a Certificate of Occupancy following final inspection. For Group R-3 homes the certificate doesn't have to be posted, but it must be produced for the Building Official on request under PMC 16.05.110.
Where do I appeal a Building Official decision in Pasco?
Appeals go to the Mid-Columbia Building Appeals Commission, a seven-member board created under PMC 16.05.040 and jointly appointed with Franklin and Benton Counties, made up of a civil engineer, architect, general contractor, specialty contractor, fire specialist, and a representative from each county.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Pasco

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All Pasco rules

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