Published March 3, 2026
San Juan County Building Permits: What You Need
Permit requirements are not optional details on island projects. They are part of project planning from day one.
How permit applications work in San Juan County
San Juan County accepts building permit applications online through the Permit Center. Paper applications are not accepted. The first practical step is getting project scope and permit responsibility clear before final contractor scheduling.
County guidance says a building permit is required for any new residential structure, remodel work beyond painting and finish work, sheds over 120 square feet, and placement of manufactured or modular homes.
Source links: SJC Permit Center, Applying for a Permit.
Critical permit details homeowners miss
- Electrical permits are issued by Washington L&I, not by San Juan County.
- Demolition permit approval requires asbestos testing. Coordinate this early with Northwest Clean Air Agency.
- Permits expire if work is not started within one year, or if work is abandoned for one year.
- The Building Official can grant one 12-month extension with a written request.
- All permitted construction must be completed within 5 years of issuance.
Sources: SJC Building Department, Northwest Clean Air Agency, Washington L&I.
County contact details
Building Inspection Hotline: 360-378-6270
Department of Community Development and Planning: 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250
Hours: Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
If your project is near shoreline areas, verify Shoreline Master Program requirements with county planning staff before final scope decisions.