Do I need a deck permit in Spokane?

Yes. Spokane requires a deck permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.

How long does deck permit approval take in Spokane?

Processing times in Spokane vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 6 steps. Contact Spokane Development Services for current timelines.

What documents are required for a deck permit in Spokane?

Spokane requires 6 documents including Construction Plans per WA State Building Code, Property Survey and Site Plan, Proof of Property Ownership, Foundation and Footing Specifications, and others. See the full list above for details.

What happens if I build without a deck permit in Spokane?

Building without a permit in Spokane can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.

Can PermitMagic help prepare my deck permit submission in Spokane?

Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Spokane's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.

How much does a deck permit cost in Spokane?

Deck permit fees in Spokane typically range from $225 to $578, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Spokane.

Deck Permit Submission Checklist in Spokane, Washington

Everything you need to apply for a deck permit in Spokane, Washington — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.

Build My Permit Packet View Requirements

Key Facts

Permit required: Yes
Submission method: Online
Typical fee range: $225 – $578
Review time: Varies by jurisdiction
Inspections: 8 inspections required

VerifiedLast verified: Feb 15, 20261 verified source

Limited Data Available

Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with Spokane directly.

Deck Permit Checklist

Spokane — 6 required, 0 optional

Forms & Applications(1)

Contractor Information and InsuranceREQUIRED✓[11][12]
Licensed contractor information and proof of liability insurance (if work will be performed by licensed contractor)

Plans & Diagrams(3)

Construction Plans per WA State Building CodeREQUIRED✓[1][2]
Detailed construction plans showing deck dimensions, materials, post locations, and footing depth of 24 inches minimum per WA State Building Code frost line requirement for Spokane area
Property Survey and Site PlanREQUIRED✓[3][4]
Survey showing property lines, deck location, setbacks from property boundaries, utility line locations, and easements
Guard Rail Specifications per WA CodeREQUIRED✓[9][10]
Plans showing guard rails with 36-inch minimum height per WA State Building Code, balusters spaced no more than 4 inches, and secure connection details

Supporting Documents(2)

Proof of Property OwnershipREQUIRED✓[5][6]
Current deed or title document confirming property ownership
Foundation and Footing SpecificationsREQUIRED✓[7][8]
Specifications showing post footings extend 24 inches minimum below finished grade per WA State frost line, footing diameter, material, bearing capacity, and frost protection details

This checklist is for reference only. Requirements may change — always verify with Spokane before submission.

Generate your permit packet

Get a personalized Deck permit packet for Spokane, Washington — tailored to your project details.

Required forms: Contractor Information and Insurance, and more
Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
Fee breakdown: $75–$350 estimated total
Step-by-step City of Spokane Building Department portal submission guide
Inspection prep checklist (8 items)
Personalized for your specific project details

Build My Permit Packet

Free to preview · Pro to download

Required Documents

Spokane requires the following documents for this permit application.

Construction Plans per WA State Building Code

Detailed construction plans showing deck dimensions, materials, post locations, and footing depth of 24 inches minimum per WA State Building Code frost line requirement for Spokane area

Property Survey and Site Plan

Survey showing property lines, deck location, setbacks from property boundaries, utility line locations, and easements

Proof of Property Ownership

Current deed or title document confirming property ownership

Foundation and Footing Specifications

Specifications showing post footings extend 24 inches minimum below finished grade per WA State frost line, footing diameter, material, bearing capacity, and frost protection details

Guard Rail Specifications per WA Code

Plans showing guard rails with 36-inch minimum height per WA State Building Code, balusters spaced no more than 4 inches, and secure connection details

Contractor Information and Insurance

Licensed contractor information and proof of liability insurance (if work will be performed by licensed contractor)

Permit Process

Follow these steps to submit your permit application through City of Spokane Building Department.

1
Submit Permit Application
Submit completed permit application with construction plans and site survey to City of Spokane Building Department
You'll need: Construction Plans per WA State Building Code, Property Survey and Site Plan
2
Ownership and Contractor Verification
Verify property ownership and confirm contractor licenses and insurance if applicable
You'll need: Proof of Property Ownership, Contractor Information and Insurance
3
Code Compliance Plan Review
Review of plans for WA State Building Code compliance including 24-inch frost line requirement, structural adequacy, 36-inch guard rail height, and material standards
You'll need: Construction Plans per WA State Building Code, Foundation and Footing Specifications, Guard Rail Specifications per WA Code
4
Permit Issuance
Approved permit is issued and construction may begin per approved plans
5
Foundation and Framing Inspection
Inspector verifies footings reach 24-inch minimum depth, posts are properly set, and framing meets WA State Building Code specifications
6
Final Inspection and Approval
Final inspection confirms 36-inch guard rail height, 4-inch baluster spacing, all connections secure, and deck is safe for use

Fees and Timeline

Fee Breakdown

Fee	Range	Confidence
Residential Deck Permit Fee	$150 – $350	Verified
Plan Review Fee	$75 – $228	Verified

Inspections Required

Verify footing depth is 24 inches minimum below finished gra

Verify footing depth is 24 inches minimum below finished grade per WA State frost line

Check posts are properly anchored and secured in deep footin

Check posts are properly anchored and secured in deep footings

Inspect footing material and bearing capacity for local soil

Inspect footing material and bearing capacity for local soil conditions

Verify guard rail height meets 36-inch Washington State Buil

Verify guard rail height meets 36-inch Washington State Building Code minimum

Check balusters spacing does not exceed 4 inches

Verify proper frost protection and drainage in footing desig

Verify proper frost protection and drainage in footing design

Inspect framing connections per WA State Building Code

Check fasteners appropriate for freeze-thaw cycles and moist

Check fasteners appropriate for freeze-thaw cycles and moisture exposure

Authority Sources

Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.

City of Spokane Building Department

Last verified: February 15, 2026

1 source referenced

Official page

City of Spokane Building Department

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page

Washington State Building Code

Verified February 15, 2026

Official page

International Residential Code Standards

Verified February 15, 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a deck permit in Spokane?: Yes. Spokane requires a deck permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
How long does deck permit approval take in Spokane?: Processing times in Spokane vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 6 steps. Contact Spokane Development Services for current timelines.
What documents are required for a deck permit in Spokane?: Spokane requires 6 documents including Construction Plans per WA State Building Code, Property Survey and Site Plan, Proof of Property Ownership, Foundation and Footing Specifications, and others. See the full list above for details.
What happens if I build without a deck permit in Spokane?: Building without a permit in Spokane can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
Can PermitMagic help prepare my deck permit submission in Spokane?: Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Spokane's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
How much does a deck permit cost in Spokane?: Deck permit fees in Spokane typically range from $225 to $578, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Spokane.