Building Permits in Yakima County, WA

Check permit requirements for home improvement projects in Yakima County. Select a project type below to see local requirements, estimated fees, and how to apply.

70 Permit Rules
28 Project Types
IRC 2021 Building Code

Key Exemptions in Yakima County

These projects typically don't require a building permit in Yakima County:

WA, interior basement waterproofing (sealants, interior drain tile, sump pump replacement) typically does not require a permit. Exterior excavation and foundation repair do require a building permit.

WA, cosmetic bathroom updates (new tile, paint, vanity replacement in the same location) do not require a permit as long as no plumbing or electrical changes are made.

WA, a small concrete slab (under 200 sq ft, no structure on top) such as a small pad for trash bins or an AC condenser does not require a permit per 2021 WSRC R105.2.

WA, freestanding decks not more than 30 inches above grade are exempt from a building permit under the 2021 Washington State Residential Code (WSRC) Section R105.2. County zoning setbacks still apply, so confirm placement with Yakima County Building and Fire Safety Division before building.

WA, interior demolition of non-structural elements (cabinets, finishes, non-load-bearing walls under 100 sq ft) typically does not require a permit. If walls being removed may be load-bearing, a building permit is required and the inspector should review first.

See all rules by selecting a project type below, or use our free lookup tool for a personalized answer.

Deck
3 rules
Fence
3 rules
Shed
3 rules
Roof Replacement
3 rules
Windows and Doors
2 rules
Bathroom Remodel
3 rules
Kitchen Remodel
3 rules
Swimming Pool, Hot Tub, or Spa
2 rules
Electrical Work
3 rules
Plumbing Work
3 rules
HVAC
3 rules
Garage
3 rules
Room Addition
2 rules
Basement Finishing
3 rules
Retaining Wall
2 rules
Solar Panels
2 rules
Patio
3 rules
ADU
2 rules
Driveway
2 rules
Demolition
3 rules
EV Charger
2 rules
Generator
2 rules
Gas Line
2 rules
Water Heater
2 rules
Tree Removal
2 rules
Siding
2 rules
Fireplace
3 rules
Concrete Slab
2 rules

Get a personalized answer

Our lookup tool asks a few questions about your specific project to give you the most accurate answer.

Check Your Project → See Yakima County permit costs

Yakima County Building Department

NameYakima County Building and Fire Safety Division
Phone(509) 574-2300
Emailbuildinginfo@co.yakima.wa.us
WebsiteVisit website
Address128 N 2nd Street, 4th Floor, Courthouse, Yakima, WA 98901
HoursMon-Fri 8 AM to 4 PM

Nearby Cities in Washington

Seattle Spokane Tacoma Vancouver Bellevue Kent Kent Everett

Permit Guides

Read our in-depth guides for common home improvement projects:

Deck Guide Fence Guide Shed Guide Roof Guide Window & Door Guide Bathroom Guide Kitchen Guide Pool Guide Electrical Guide Plumbing Guide HVAC Guide Garage Guide Addition Guide Basement Guide Retaining Wall Guide Solar Guide Patio Guide ADU Guide Driveway Guide Demolition Guide EV Charger Guide Generator Guide Gas Line Guide Water Heater Guide Tree Removal Guide Siding Guide Fireplace Guide Concrete Slab Guide
Disclaimer: Always confirm with your local building department before starting your project. PermitMint provides general guidance, not legal advice.