Port Orchard, WA Building Permits: Review Times, Process and Costs
Port Orchard, WA building permit timeline: Plan review takes 10 to 14 days depending on project type. Contact the building department for current processing times.
Building permit review in Port Orchard, WA typically takes between 10 and 14 days depending on project type and complexity. This page covers review timelines, required permits, costs, and how to speed up the process.
Port Orchard Plan Review Timeline
Here is the research from official sources for Port Orchard, WA, regarding the time to review submittals:
- City of Port Orchard Permit Center:
- The city states: "We do not have a definite time frame of when permits will be ready for issuance. Plans are reviewed in the order they are received, and the plans examiners are reviewing as quickly as they can." There is no specific time given for first or subsequent submittal reviews.
- For online permitting, no time estimates are provided.
- Kitsap County Department of Community Development (DCD):
- While not specific to Port Orchard city limits (which has its own permitting office), Kitsap County is making efforts to streamline permitting. Their new initiatives include:
- Two six-week review periods for certain permits.
- Clearer timelines and expectations for some permit types.
- Under-review notifications: Applications are reviewed in the order received. Once all components are received, applicants get an "under review" status email. When technical review is complete, a second email is sent.
- Project Navigator tool and Permit Explorer map are available to track projects, but these do not specify exact review times for the city of Port Orchard.
- While not specific to Port Orchard city limits (which has its own permitting office), Kitsap County is making efforts to streamline permitting. Their new initiatives include:
- Port Orchard Municipal Code (POMC):
- For certain land use and project permits, once an application is technically complete and any additional requested information is submitted, the city has 14 calendar days to determine technical completeness.
- Public notice: Within 10 business days of determining an application as technically complete, a notice of application must be issued, unless unusual circumstances exist.
- Plan Review Timeline Waiver:
- A "Plan Review Timeline Waiver" form is available from the Port Orchard Permit Center, but it does not specify review times—it is a waiver for applicants who do not want the city to be held to a specific review schedule.
Summary of Time to Review Information Specific to Port Orchard:
- First and subsequent submittal review times: Not specified by the city.
- Other time-related details:
- City has 14 calendar days from additional information submittal to determine technical completeness for certain projects.
- Within 10 business days of technical completeness, a notice of application must be issued.
- Kitsap County (not city) has set two six-week review periods for some permit types, but this does not directly apply to Port Orchard city limits.
- Plan review timeline waivers are available if applicants choose not to hold the city to a specific schedule.
- No defined time to review first or subsequent submittals for city permits is stated on official city or building department pages.
Final Answer:
- Time to review first submittal: Not specified for Port Orchard city permit applications.
- Time to review subsequent submittals: Not specified.
- Other time-related details:
- City has 14 calendar days from submittal of additional information to determine technical completeness for certain permits.
- Within 10 business days of technical completeness, a notice of application must be issued.
- Plan review timeline waivers are available, but do not specify review times.
- Kitsap County (not city) offers two six-week review periods for some permits, but this is not applicable to Port Orchard city limits.
- No defined review timelines for city permits are provided on the city or building department pages.
Last verified: June 2025 | Source: Port Orchard Building Department
Need it faster? Permit Place can expedite your Port Orchard permits
What Building Permits Do You Need in Port Orchard?
Port Orchard requires permits for most construction activity. The type of permit depends on your project scope.
Commercial Permits
- New commercial construction: full plan review with the longest timeline
- Tenant improvements and interior buildouts: plan review for structural, electrical, plumbing, and mechanical changes
- Change of use: required when converting building use (for example, retail to restaurant)
- Shell and core: separate from tenant improvement permits
Residential Permits
- New home construction: full plan review including structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
- Additions and remodels: required when modifying structure or adding square footage
- Decks, pools, fences: separate permits with typically faster review
Trade Permits
Individual trade permits are typically required for electrical, plumbing, mechanical (HVAC), and fire sprinkler work.
How the Port Orchard Permit Review Process Works
Step 1: Application Submission
Submit your permit application through the Port Orchard building department. Applications are reviewed for completeness before being assigned to a plan reviewer.
Step 2: Plan Review
The city reviews your submitted plans for building code compliance, structural integrity, fire safety, energy code, and ADA accessibility. Commercial projects are reviewed by multiple departments at the same time.
Step 3: Corrections and Resubmittal
If the city issues correction comments, you will need to revise your plans and resubmit. Each correction cycle adds another review period. Most commercial projects go through 2 to 3 correction cycles.
Step 4: Permit Issuance
Once all review departments approve your plans, the building permit is issued. Schedule inspections as work progresses.
Note: These timelines reflect general review periods. Large or complex projects may take longer. Request a quote from Permit Place for a project-specific estimate, or get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Port Orchard Building Permit Costs
Permit fees in Port Orchard vary based on project type and valuation.
Commercial
- Tenant improvements: $500 to $5,000+
- New commercial construction: $2,000 to $25,000+ (based on valuation)
- Plan review fee: typically 50-65% of the building permit fee
Residential
- Small projects (decks, pools, fences): $50 to $300
- Home additions and remodels: $200 to $2,000+
- New home construction: $1,000 to $10,000+ (based on valuation)
For a detailed permit cost breakdown specific to your project, get a free due diligence report from PermitNow.io.
Trade Permits
- Electrical: $50 to $500
- Plumbing: $50 to $500
- Mechanical: $50 to $500
Fee ranges are estimates. Actual fees depend on project valuation and scope. Contact the Port Orchard building department or Permit Place for exact costs.
Port Orchard Building Department
Port Orchard Building Department
- Website: www.kitsap.gov/dcd
- City Website: www.kitsap.gov
Frequently Asked Questions About Port Orchard Building Permits
How long does it take to get a building permit in Port Orchard?
Plan review in Port Orchard, WA takes 10 to 14 days for the initial review cycle. Projects that receive correction comments will need additional review cycles, each adding time to the total. Most commercial projects go through at least two review cycles before approval.
What is the difference between residential and commercial permit review in Port Orchard?
Commercial projects in Port Orchard require review by multiple departments (building, fire, public works, and sometimes health), which adds time. Residential projects typically involve fewer review disciplines and can be processed faster. Tenant improvements fall between the two depending on scope.
Can I speed up the permit process in Port Orchard?
The most effective way to speed up the permit process in Port Orchard is to submit complete, code-compliant plans on the first attempt. This reduces correction cycles, which are the primary cause of delays. Permit Place helps ensure your application is complete before submission.
Do I need a permit for a tenant improvement in Port Orchard?
Yes. Most interior buildouts in Port Orchard that involve structural changes, electrical work, plumbing, or HVAC modifications require a building permit. Simple cosmetic changes (paint, flooring, non-structural work) typically do not require a permit.
How much does a building permit cost in Port Orchard?
Permit fees in Port Orchard are calculated based on project valuation and type. Commercial projects typically pay $500 to $25,000+ in total permit and plan review fees. The exact cost depends on project scope, square footage, and any additional trade permits required.
Can a permit expediter help with my Port Orchard project?
Yes. Permit Place expedites building permits in Port Orchard and 600+ other jurisdictions. We handle everything from application preparation through plan review, corrections, and permit issuance. Our clients typically get permits faster because we submit complete applications that reduce correction cycles.
What building permits do I need in Port Orchard, WA?
Most construction in Port Orchard requires a building permit. This includes new construction, tenant improvements, change of use, additions, and major renovations. Separate trade permits for electrical, plumbing, mechanical, and fire protection are also typically required. For a project-specific permit requirements report, use PermitNow.io.
Need Help With Port Orchard Building Permits?
Permit Place has helped hundreds of businesses get permits in Port Orchard and across Washington. We handle everything from application to approval so you can focus on building.
Request a Free Quote
Free DD Report
Want to know exactly what permits your project needs? Get an instant due diligence report from PermitNow.io. View a free demo DD report