Des Moines Building Division
The Building Division is responsible for overseeing the building construction within the City of Des Moines. They review building plans for compliance with applicable local and national codes, issues building permits and inspects buildings during construction for compliance with the approved plans. They are also the final accepting authority for occupancy permits.
To find a registered contractor, please go to Washington State Department Labor & Industry's website.
Notice of Fee Schedule Changes – Building Department
Effective January 2, 2025, the City of Des Moines Building Department will implement changes to the fee schedules for all Building Department permits. These adjustments include a general 10% increase in fees, designed to address rising operational costs, inflation, and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality services to the community.
These changes apply exclusively to Building Department permit fees.
Important Note:
Permits applied for prior to January 2, 2025, where fees have not yet been paid, will not be subject to the new fee schedule.
Key Reasons for the Change:
- Addressing Increased Costs:
Operational costs within the Building Department have risen due to inflation, growing demand for services, and necessary investments in staff and technology to support improved efficiency.
- Ensuring Fiscal Sustainability:
The current fee structure has not kept pace with rising costs, creating a gap between revenue and expenditures. The 10% increase is designed to close this gap and ensure we can continue meeting the community’s needs effectively.
- Adjustments are Overdue:
The City of Des Moines last general fee increase was in 2020.
Even with this adjustment, our fees remain competitive with surrounding cities. For more information, please contact the Building Department at (206) 870-7576 or email us at [email protected].
Thank you for your understanding and support as we continue to serve the community.