The Building Division of the Community Development and Planning Department administers the State adopted codes, including the International Building, Residential, Mechanical, Fuel Gas, and Existing Building Codes; the Uniform Plumbing Code and the State Energy and Indoor Air Quality and Ventilation Codes.

The Building Division is comprised of the Building Official, Plans Examiners, and Building Inspectors. They are responsible for ensuring that building construction meets the minimum standards of the building codes in effect in San Juan County.

Inspection Schedule

INSPECTIONS ARE MONDAY THROUGH FRIDAY ON SAN JUAN, ORCAS, & LOPEZ. Inspectors availability and work schedules are as follows:

Office hours 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Inspections are from 10:00 a.m. to completion; Office hours as time permits after inspections. Inspections on outer islands by appointment only.

 Building Inspection Schedules Hotline: (360) 378-6270

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Building Permit Validity and Renewal - Conventional Permits

Please be reminded that a building permit will remain active only if work starts within 6 months of permit issuance and continues with no interruption longer than 6 months until final inspection. Occupancy of any structure is not permitted until after final inspection and approval is granted by SJC CD&P. A building permit must be renewed on an annual basis. An annual renewal fee is due until the project has been completed and approved by the county.

If work is not started within 6 months of issuance, or if after having started construction, work is suspended or abandoned for more than 6 months, the permit becomes null and void. The permit may, however, be extended for an additional 6 month period upon written request of the applicant showing mitigating circumstances.

Subject to Building Official approval, and provided no changes have been made, expired permits may be reactivated upon written request and payment of required fees. If changes have been made, or if new codes have been adopted since the expiration of the permit, new plan check and permit fees may also be assessed.

All fees referenced in this chapter are subject to change at any time and may be adjusted through separate resolution or ordinance, by authority of RCW 19.27.100 (Reference SJCC 15.04.331)

Permit Validity and Renewal - Owner/Builder Permits

San Juan County Code 15.04.580 states: “Permits issued for construction of structures shall be for a period of one year, renewable for four additional years providing that the owner/builder complies with the provisions of this Article. An annual renewal fee is due until the project has been completed and approved by the county.

Construction, including all required life safety inspections under new permits, shall be completed within 5 years from the date of issuance. If construction is not completed within 5 years the owner/builder shall be required to obtain a new permit and also pay full permit fees.”Online Publications and Forms

Washington State Energy Code Website (Note: this link is not part of the official San Juan County website)