As of July 2018, the City of Newport contracts with J.A. Sewell & Associates, LLC for building permit applications & services.
Building Inspector: Pat Park, CBO ICC certified Building Official, ICC Certified Fire Marshal
For inspections please call 208-263-4160 to schedule; call at least 24 hours before you would like your inspection.
The City of Newport adopted and uses the 2021 International Building Code per Ordinance #2119.
For current Building codes including zoning and setbacks please click on NMC Title 15 below. For more information on Development Regulations please click on NMC Title 17 below.
Please submit completed building permit applications to accounting@newport-wa.org.
Questions about permitting can be directed to accounting@newport-wa.org or call 509-447-6495.
Business Licenses:
Please note all entities doing business within the City of Newport must have an active Washington State Department of Revenue issued business license with a City of Newport endorsement prior to permit approval. More information can be found on our Business Licensing page: https://newport-wa.org/business-licenses/
Building Permit Applications:
Clearing and grading permits regulate clearing and removal of vegetation, grading and earthwork construction. These regulations protect public health, safety and welfare by minimizing stormwater impacts. Other protections include water quality from adverse impacts associated with erosion and sedimentation, and critical areas from adverse clearing and grading activities.
The following clearing and grading activities are exempt:
a. Any landfill or excavation of 100 cubic yards or less throughout the total lifetime of the fill or excavation.
b. Routine yard maintenance activities.
A commercial and industrial building permit is required when a structure zoned commercial (C1, C2) or industrial (LI) is constructed, enlarged, or remodeled (including re-roofing). A copy of the deed or lease agreement showing the owners’ name and legal description of the property, a completed plot plan, and construction plans are required. Detailed instructions are included in the permit application.
Deeds are available from the Pend Oreille County Auditor.
Demolition permits are required for moving, relocating or demolishing a structure or building over 200sqft. Attach a copy of the deed showing the current owner of the residence and the legal description of the property. A site plan showing the existing structures including water and sewer lines is required. Asbestos mitigation is required per Washington State Building Code.
Please see NMC 15.08 for Mobile Home Installation requirements
The permit form is currently being revised. Please contact City Hall at 509-447-5611.
A mechanical permit is required when installing, altering, relocating or replacing a mechanical systems such as heating, duct work or cooling or fuel gas piping in existing buildings. Click on the permit below and send it to accounting@newport-wa.org. A separate permit is not necessary for new construction.
Installing, replacing or repairing anything pertaining to the water system by a homeowner or contractor requires a plumbing permit. This is not necessary for NEW commercial or residential building construction as it is included in that application.
You do not need a permit to replace a sink, toilet, or showerhead.
A residential building permit is required any time a structure over 200 square feet and zoned residential (LDR, MDR, MFR) is constructed, enlarged, or remodeled (including re-roofing). A copy of the deed or lease agreement showing the owners’ name and legal description of the property, a completed plot plan, and construction plans are required. Detailed instructions are included in the permit application.
Deeds are available from the Pend Oreille County Auditor.
A right-of-way permit is required to install utilities in city right-of-way. All requirements may be found in Newport Municipal Code 12.05 at the link below. A link to road construction standards is below this table.
Include a copy of the deed or a lease agreement showing owner name and the legal description of the property with your application. All signs must be in compliance with the zoning and subdivision zoning in Chapter 17.03. Plans are required. The plans must include elevations of all sides of the structure, footing and foundation details, framing details, dimensions, image of the sign. Free-standing and pole signs must be stamped by a Washington Licensed Architecture Engineer.
Permit Fee Schedule
Residential and Commercial Building permit fees are determined by the project value and type including labor, material costs, plan review, and other associated fees. The Building Inspector calculates variable permit fees.
Other permit fees are located in the current fee schedule.
Fee Schedule – Resolution 20250506
Water and Sewer Connections
The City of Newport provides water and sewer services to residents within City limits. Connections fees are payable during permitting (see the most recent fee schedule). All inspections are handled by City Hall. A new water and sewer connection permit must be completed in addition to the building permit and returned to City Hall. Applicants shall provide an “as built” diagram, indicating the location and depth of the service line.
Twenty four hours notice must be given to City Hall prior to connection to the water or sewer main and no connections shall be covered until inspected. Water and sewer connections must be inspected by the Director of Public Works and Wastewater Superintendent. Contact City Hall to schedule inspection.
New water connections require the purchase of a water meter from the City in addition to connection fees. Contact City Hall to request the meter and an application for service. A utility service application must be submitted prior to turning on water to the property at any time. Water shall only be turned on for service into any premises by City employees. It is unlawful for any person not authorized by the City to tamper with, alter, or injure any part of the city water or supply system. Violation may incur a penalty as set forth in the City’s current fee schedule. Using water by bypassing a meter is considered theft of service per NMC 13.08.28.
More information regarding utility service is available on the Water and Sewer Utility page.
Not sure if your project needs a permit?
Things that need a permit:
- Installing a new HVAC system (See Mechanical)
- Installing a sprinkler system (See Plumbing)
- Installing a water heater (see Plumbing)
- A remodel that changes plumbing, electrical, or any load bearing walls
- Changes in the roof plan; including any types of add on’s
- Installing a deck over 32″ in height
- Building a new building of any sort over 200 sqft
- Demolition of a building
- Installing a solar system
- Fences – installing, replacing or altering
Things that do not need a permit:
- Changing out windows or doors of the same size
- Changes in the interior that do not affect load-bearing walls
- Groundwork like small landscaping projects or a driveway
- A small building under 200 square feet.
Planning & Zoning
The City of Newport Planning Commission meets on the 4th Monday of the month at 5:30pm at City Hall. Visit our City Boards page for more information.
Pend Oreille County Property Records Search
Master Land Use Development Application
Temporary Business Use Permit
This is now on the Master Land Use Application. Used for a limited duration as determined by the City, including, but not limited to, mobile food carts, fireworks stands, Christmas tree lots, sidewalk sales, traveling carnivals or circuses, and seasonal or temporary outdoor retail sales.
Addressing
Applying for a new address? You can call City Hall at 509-447-5611 or submit your request through the County follow the link below and select “Need an Address” on right side of the page.