SAN JUAN COUNTY, WA. April 8, 2026 – San Juan County’s Department of Community Development (DCD) processes permits for building and land use projects, residential and commercial burning, addressing changes, and more. Using the online SmartGov portal, you can apply for, renew, and view the status of permits, as well as schedule inspections and make secure payments. Here’s what to expect when working through the County’s permitting system:  

• To apply for permits, applicants must register for an account using the SmartGov online permitting center. Find registration instructions here. Use the Online Permit Center only on desktop computers or laptops. The Permit Center will not function correctly on phones or tablets, and must be used in Chrome, Edge or Internet Explorer version 11 or later. 
• All payments are managed via credit card through the portal or check/cash at the DCD Office. Although the County (via SmartGov) will send notices to the applicant to pay fees, you will always be prompted to login to the portal to make payments. Any requests for wire transfers are fraudulent and should be reported immediately.
• Request a building inspection by logging into My Portal, or by calling the Building Inspection Hotline at 360-378-6270. Check the inspection schedule after 9 a.m. on the morning of your inspection to see where you fall in that day's sequence. Inspections are not available on holidays.

Other permitting requests are managed through various County departments: 

• Health & Community Services applications and fees must be submitted in-person or via mail directly to the Health Department. 
  • Find out if you need a Certificate of Water Availability here; find the water availability application here.
  • Find out what documentation you need for sewage systems here; find information on how to obtain an on-site sewage system design here.
• Find stormwater information and forms here.
• Find your parcel number here.

Questions? Contact: (360) 378-2354 or dcdpermits@sanjuancountywa.gov  

About San Juan County’s Department of Community Development  

San Juan County’s Department of Community Development is responsible for administering building permits and inspections, code enforcement, land use permits, long-range planning, and more. The department’s main office is located at 135 Rhone Street, Friday Harbor, WA 98250. For more information about San Juan County’s Department of Community Development, visit www.sanjuancountywa.gov/1778/Community-Development.  

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