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

Chelan County Plumbing Permit Requirements

Chelan County's Department of Community Development, specifically the Building Division, is responsible for overseeing and enforcing plumbing permit requirements. This jurisdiction applies to properties within unincorporated areas of the county.

For properties located within incorporated cities in Chelan County, the respective city's building department handles permit applications, not the county.

The county enforces the International Plumbing Code, along with Washington State Amendments and Chelan County Codes.

Application Process and Fees:

A completed Plumbing Permit Application form is required.
Applications are accepted Monday through Friday, from 8 am to 4 pm.
A copy of the recorded deed is required as an attachment to the application.
For residential plumbing permits, the fee is $117.
The application requires owner/applicant signature and may include project description details.
Applicants must certify that they are the property owner or have authorization from the owner, and agree to comply with all applicable codes.
Permit applications and supporting documents can be submitted online, in person, or via email to [email protected].

Specific Requirements for Unincorporated Areas:

Chelan County issues building permits exclusively for properties situated in unincorporated areas.

Resources to Learn More:

Chelan County Plumbing Permit Application:
Chelan County Community Development - Forms and Applications:
Chelan County Community Development - Building Division:
Chelan County Public Portal (for permit status checks):
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Note: The following state-wide building codes and regulations apply universally to all jurisdictions within Washington, including Chelan 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 Chelan 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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