Washington, Walla Walla County Plumbing Permit Regulations and County Ordinances for Unincorporated Areas

Walla Walla County Building Permit Requirements

Walla Walla County requires building permits for various construction activities, including new construction, additions, alterations, remodels, structural relocations, and changes in use. This also extends to mechanical, plumbing, and signage work, as well as grading. For properties located in unincorporated areas of the county, the Community Development Department, specifically the Building and Safety Division, is responsible for issuing these permits.

The process typically involves submitting a complete application package, which includes construction plans drawn to scale, a site plan, and any required supplemental documentation. An initial application fee and a plan review fee are generally required to initiate the review process. The county utilizes an eTRAKiT portal for submitting certain types of applications, while others can be submitted via email, mail, or in person.

The review process can take up to 45 days, though many projects are completed sooner. The time frame can be extended due to the complexity of the project or if the property is subject to specific planning permits, such as Critical Area Review.

Rules for Properties in Unincorporated Areas

For properties situated in unincorporated areas of Walla Walla County, the Building and Safety Division of the Community Development Department oversees all building permit requirements. This includes ensuring that all construction adheres to local, state, and federal regulations to protect public health and safety.

Anyone looking to open a business in these unincorporated areas must also consult with the Planning & Building Department to determine if a business license or Home Occupation permit is necessary, as some business uses are restricted by zoning designations.

The county has specific procedures for various types of projects, including manufactured homes. For instance, to process a Title Elimination for a manufactured home, a finaled permit for its placement on the property is required.

Resources to Learn More

Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Washington, including Walla Walla County.

Washington Plumbing Legislation, Codes, and Guidelines

Plumbing Codes and Legislation in Washington State

The state of Washington regulates plumbing systems through the adoption of the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code (UPC), which is published by the International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (IAPMO). This model code is adopted by reference and modified by state-specific amendments to create the Washington State Plumbing Code, codified under Chapter 51-56 of the Washington Administrative Code (WAC). These regulations are established under the authority of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) Chapter 19.27, which governs the State Building Code.

Primary State Agencies

Two primary state entities oversee the plumbing regulatory framework in Washington:

Washington State Building Code Council (SBCC): This council is responsible for the adoption, maintenance, and amendment of the state building codes, including the Washington State Plumbing Code. They regularly review and update these codes to ensure they remain consistent with state safety and health standards.
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I): This department is the primary authority for the administration of plumber certification, plumbing contractor licensing, and enforcement of professional standards. While the SBCC sets the technical code, L&I manages the workforce and business regulations associated with the plumbing trade, as outlined in RCW Chapter 18.106 and WAC Chapter 296-400A.

It is important to note that while the state sets the minimum standards, local jurisdictions (cities and counties) are responsible for issuing permits and conducting inspections. Local authorities may also adopt additional, stricter amendments to the state code.

Resources to Learn More

Select a City in Walla Walla County

If your project is located within incorporated city limits, you will likely need to follow municipal ordinances rather than county rules. Select your city below to view local regulations.

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