Bolthole Index

Stevens County, Washington

Building permits, zoning and septic rules in Stevens County, Washington

70Index Score / 100
#1 of 39 in Washington

Stevens County, Washington requires building permits for most construction in unincorporated areas and applies county zoning under Title 312. On-site sewage permits and inspections go through the Northeast Tri County Health District3. A local Owner/Builder Exemption is available, but it waives county review, inspections and the certificate of occupancy rather than waiving the underlying codes and other approvals4.

At a glance

Building permit
Required for structures with plumbing, habitable space or commercial/public use; a narrow utility-structure exemption may apply1
Zoning
Title 3 applies throughout unincorporated Stevens County; standards depend on the parcel's district2
Septic permit
Required except for a minor repair; issued by the Northeast Tri County Health District5
Owner-builder exemption
Available, but it waives county review, inspections and the certificate of occupancy—not other approvals or code compliance4
Tiny home occupancy
Allowed statewide up to 400 sq ft under the WA Building Code; local approval still applies6
Dwelling utilities
A permanent potable-water source and health-district-approved wastewater system are required7
Septic permit validity
3 years from issuance8
Nearest city of 100,000+
About 54 miles from the county center9

Who to call

Building permits

Stevens County Building Division

Building permits and inspections in unincorporated Stevens County, part of the Land Services Department

509-684-8325

building@stevenscountywa.gov

260 S. Oak St., Colville, WA 99114

Planning & zoning

Stevens County Planning Division

Zoning, subdivision and land-use questions for unincorporated Stevens County under county code Title 3

509-684-2401

planning@stevenscountywa.gov

260 S. Oak St., Colville, WA 99114

Septic permits

Northeast Tri County Health District, Environmental Health Division

On-site sewage (septic) system design review, permitting and inspection for Stevens County

509-684-2262

240 E Dominion Ave, Colville, WA 99114

Contact details are copied from each office’s official page and were checked against it on October 3, 2026.

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Do you need a building permit in Stevens County, Washington?

Stevens County requires a building permit in unincorporated areas for structures with plumbing, habitable space, or commercial or public use1. A residential utility structure of 200 square feet or less may be exempt only if it has no plumbing, habitable space or permanent foundation; a site analysis or plat restriction can still require a permit1. The county applies the Washington State Building Code and identifies July 1, 2024 as the effective date for the 2021 code and March 15, 2024 for the related energy code10. Submit a complete application to the Building Division in person, by mail or by email; the county returns incomplete applications11. An issued permit authorizes construction to begin, after which required inspections apply12.

Who is the Stevens County Building Division, and how do you reach them?

The Stevens County Building Division is at 260 S. Oak St. in Colville, Washington, open Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.13. Reach the division at 509-684-8325 or building@stevenscountywa.gov13. The Planning Division shares that office and handles zoning, subdivision and land-use questions; reach it at 509-684-2401 or planning@stevenscountywa.gov14. For construction under an active permit, request inspections at least two working days ahead; all required inspections, including the final inspection, must pass before the project is complete or occupiable15. After final inspection, the county issues either a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance, except that qualifying Owner/Builder Exemption projects receive no Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Division16.

Does Stevens County have zoning?

Stevens County Title 3 applies to all land in unincorporated Stevens County, including fee-owned land within the Spokane Indian Reservation boundaries, but not to incorporated municipalities2. Zoning classifications are district-based, and the Planning Division provides an Interactive Land Use & Zoning Map plus printed maps for parcel-specific research1714. We could not confirm the district-specific minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage or height limits, so ask Planning for the standards attached to the parcel before designing a house or dividing land14. Subdivision and platting are regulated, with county application paths for short plats, long plats, alterations, vacations and binding site plans18. Washington's accessory-dwelling-unit rule applies to qualifying lots inside designated urban growth areas, so confirm both the parcel's zoning and urban-growth-area status before relying on it19.

How do septic permits work in Stevens County?

The Northeast Tri County Health District permits and inspects on-site sewage systems in Stevens County, including systems with design flows below 3,500 gallons per day3. Reach Environmental Health at 240 E Dominion Ave in Colville or 509-684-226220. Except for a minor repair, installation, repair, modification, connection or expansion requires an application and permit before construction5. An approved design comes first; an installation permit then remains valid for 3 years, and work cannot begin until the installer has it8. Before covering the system, notify the district, submit the as-built form and allow at least 48 hours for the final-inspection request; deficiencies require correction and reinspection21. Only about 4.5% of county soils have no severe limitation for a conventional drain field, so obtain the site evaluation before committing to a building layout22.

Can you live in an RV, manufactured home or tiny home on your land in Stevens County?

Whether you can live in an RV on your own land long-term in Stevens County is unconfirmed; no official county rule addressing RV occupancy on private property was found, so call the Building Division or Planning Division before you buy with that plan1314. A tiny house can be occupied statewide in Washington as a dwelling up to 400 square feet, including its kitchen, bathroom and sleeping or living area, provided it's built to the Washington State Building Code, but the approval process depends on where it's built and still runs through the local building department for its foundation, installation and location6; Stevens County's own specific process for a tiny house was not confirmed on the pages reviewed, so bring your plans to the Building Division early13. Whether and where a manufactured home can be sited on your land in Stevens County is likewise unconfirmed; ask the Building Division or Planning Division before you buy with that plan1314.

Building a home in Stevens County: the steps, in order

  1. Use the county zoning map, then ask Planning to confirm the parcel's district standards and whether subdivision or site analysis is involved1718.
  2. Establish a permanent on-site potable-water source and obtain health-district approval for wastewater disposal7.
  3. Obtain septic design approval and the installation permit from the Northeast Tri County Health District8.
  4. Send a complete building application to the Building Division in person, by mail or by email; incomplete applications are returned11.
  5. If considering the local Owner/Builder Exemption, understand that it waives county plan review, inspections and the certificate of occupancy, but not land-use approval, trade permits, water, septic or code compliance4.
  6. For a normal building permit, request inspections at least two working days ahead and pass the final inspection before occupancy15.
  7. Give the health district at least 48 hours' notice before the septic system is covered21.

What to check before you buy land in Stevens County

A driveway connecting to a Stevens County road requires an approach-permit application and fee, location flags for inspection, review of visibility and drainage, and a final inspection after installation23. Processing may take 1 to 3 weeks, and the fee ranges from $50 to $200 by approach type23. A state-highway connection instead requires written permission from the Washington State Department of Transportation24. Confirm floodplain status before buying; Washington requires contact with local government for a floodplain-development permit before work in a regulated floodplain25. Only 29.1% of Stevens County land has a slope of 15% or less, while 73.3% is wooded, so evaluate buildable area, access and clearing rather than relying on acreage alone2627. A dwelling, including a hunting or seasonal cabin, needs a permanent on-site potable-water source and health-district-approved wastewater disposal, but public utility connections are not universally required by that rule7.

Watch-outs

  • We could not confirm Stevens County's numeric zoning standards, including minimum lot size, setbacks, lot coverage and building height, so verify them for your specific parcel with the Planning Division before you plan a build14.
  • Whether Stevens County allows long-term RV occupancy, and where a manufactured home or tiny house can be sited, is unconfirmed at the county level; call the Building Division or Planning Division before you buy land with either plan1314.
  • Only about 4.5% of Stevens County's soils carry no severe limitation for a conventional septic drain field, so budget for the possibility of an engineered or alternative system and get a site evaluation from NETCHD before you commit to a lot22.

Sources

  1. Building FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  2. Stevens County Code Title 3 — Unified Development Regulations, quoted and re-checked
  3. Septic Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  4. Building Applications & Forms, quoted and re-checked
  5. Northeast Tri County Health District Regulations 03-2025, On-Site Sewage Systems, quoted and re-checked
  6. Tiny Houses (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  7. Building FAQs, quoted and re-checked
  8. Septic Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  9. Straight-line distance from the county center to the nearest city of 100,000+ people: Bolthole Index county data
  10. Building Codes / Ordinance, quoted and re-checked
  11. Building Applications & Forms, quoted and re-checked
  12. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  13. Stevens County Building Division (stevenscountywa.gov)
  14. Stevens County Planning Division (stevenscountywa.gov)
  15. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  16. Building Division, quoted and re-checked
  17. Development, Zoning and Subdivision Regulations - Title 3, quoted and re-checked
  18. Planning Division, quoted and re-checked
  19. RCW 36.70A.680 — Accessory dwelling units—Local regulation (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  20. Northeast Tri County Health District, Environmental Health Division (netchd.org)
  21. Septic Permit Applications, quoted and re-checked
  22. Share of soils USDA rates "not limited" for a conventional septic drain field (SSURGO). A strict rating: the median county is about 6% and a tenth of counties are 0%, so a low figure means most lots need a site evaluation or an engineered system, not that septic is impossible. Cite it only with that caveat: Bolthole Index county data
  23. Approach Permit, quoted and re-checked
  24. RCW 47.32.150 — Approach roads, other appurtenances—Permit (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  25. Planning & regulation — Washington State Department of Ecology (Washington statewide rule), quoted and re-checked
  26. Share of land at 15% slope or less: Bolthole Index county data
  27. Wooded share of land: Bolthole Index county data

Written October 3, 2026 from the rules quoted below, each taken from an official source and re-checked by an independent reviewer. This is research, not legal advice: rules change, so confirm with the office before you buy or build.

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Compared with neighboring counties

Like all 6 of its neighbors, Stevens County requires a building permit for a home.

RuleStevens CountyPend Oreille CountyFerry CountySpokane CountyLincoln CountyOkanogan CountyAdams County
Building permitRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequiredRequired
County zoningYesYesYesYesYesYesYes
Septic permitsNortheast Tri County Health DistrictNETCHDNortheast Tri County Health DistrictSpokane Regional Health DistrictCounty Public HealthOCPHDCounty Health Dept.

County locator

Stevens County in Washington

70
County map
Stevens County highlighted among the Washington counties · colored by Index score

How Stevens County scores

Seclusion81100% ev.
Self-Sufficiency56100% ev.
Admin Boringness41100% ev.
Durability62100% ev.
Property Autonomy50100% ev.
Carry Cost79100% ev.

Evidence strength: 100%. This reports direct-source completeness and fallback use; it is separate from the score and is not a confidence interval. How it works →

$380kTypical home
0.7%Property tax
$2,014Land / acre
23.7"Annual rain
8% of yrsSevere drought
4.2 / yr (+3.7)Mid-century 100°F days
24.2 daysMid-century dry spell
0.92" (+7.5%)Mid-century 1-day rain
1.37×Wildfire change factor
100%Forward climate coverage
$1,383Home insurance / yr
1% / yrInsurance growth
1.36%Nonrenewal rate
county median (2+ published ZIPs)Insurance basis
934People within 30 min
258,524People within 2 hr
14,895Radius comparison (15 mi)
19.7People / sq mi
21.9%Federal land
29.1%Land at 15% slope or less
4.5%Soils rated "not limited" for septic (strict USDA rating)
70,025 acWorkable land screen
73.3%Wooded land
40.2 tonsBiomass / forest ac
45.3°FAvg temp

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Cities and towns in Stevens County

Inside a city or town, that city usually issues building permits and sets zoning; the county’s rules above cover unincorporated land. Septic, wells and floodplain rules usually stay with the county or state everywhere.

Not yet researched: Chewelah · Kettle Falls · Town of Marcus · Town of Northport · Town of Springdale

Answers from the rulebook for Stevens County

What the ordinances and state agencies actually say — one answer per question, each quoted from the official source and independently re-checked.

Stevens County rules

  • Building permitRequired

    Structures with plumbing, habitable space, or commercial/public use in unincorporated Stevens County.

    • Residential utility structures 200 square feet or less may be exempt only when they have no plumbing, no habitable space, and no permanent foundation.
    • Other exemptions may exist under the IBC and IRC.
    • A site analysis may be required, and plat restrictions can require permits for all structures.

    residential utility structure threshold: <= 200 square feet (Must also lack plumbing, habitable space, and permanent foundation.)

    “requires a building permit and associated land use approvals”
  • Owner-builder exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Qualifying owner-builder projects processed under the 1984 Stevens County Building Ordinance.

    • The exemption is not a building permit.
    • The owner waives county plan review, code-compliance checks, inspections, and certificate of occupancy.
    • Land-use approvals, electrical and mechanical permits, potable-water requirements, septic approval, and state and local building-code compliance remain necessary.
    • A signed Record of Notice is recorded with the Stevens County Auditor.
    “The Owner/Builder Exemption is NOT A BUILDING PERMIT”
  • InspectionsRequired

    Projects with active Stevens County building permits.

    • All required inspections, including a final inspection, must be approved before the project is deemed complete or occupiable.
    • Inspection requests should be made at least two working days in advance.

    advance inspection notice: >= 2 working days (The page states the daily inspection schedule fills quickly.)

    “Your project will not be deemed complete and/or occupiable until all required inspections, including a final inspection, have been approved by a Stevens County Building Inspector, as documented on the Inspection Record.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Required — Active county building permits and permitted construction in unincorporated Stevens County.
      “performing construction inspections associated with active building permits.”
    • Required — Construction under active Stevens County building permits.
      “Your project will not be deemed complete and/or occupiable until all required inspections, including a final inspection, have been approved by a Stevens County Building Inspector, as documented on the Inspection Record.”
  • Certificate of occupancyLimited

    County building projects requiring final inspection and occupancy documentation in unincorporated Stevens County.

    • All required construction inspections, including the final inspection, must be approved before the project is deemed complete or occupiable.
    • The county states that either a Certificate of Occupancy or a Certificate of Compliance will be issued after final inspection.
    • Qualifying Owner/Builder Exemption projects do not receive a Certificate of Occupancy from the Building Division.
    “Once the final inspection is approved, a Certificate of Occupancy or Certificate of Compliance will be issued.”
  • County-wide zoningPresent (with conditions)

    County zoning and development regulations in unincorporated Stevens County, including fee-owned land within the boundaries of the Spokane Indian Reservation.

    • Title 3 applies to all land within unincorporated Stevens County, not incorporated municipalities.
    • All land uses and development authorized by Title 3 must also comply with other county regulations and applicable local, state, or federal law.
    • Zoning classifications are applied by district and shown on the official zoning map.
    “The provisions of Title 3 shall apply to all land within unincorporated Stevens County, including fee-owned land within the boundaries of the Spokane Indian Reservation.”
    2 more reviewed findings on this topic
  • Zoning districtsPublished (with conditions)

    Zoning districts and parcel zoning information in Stevens County.

    • The county provides an interactive zoning map and printed zoning maps.
    • Specific zoning classifications and dimensional standards were not extracted from the Title 3 landing page.
    “Printed zoning maps are available through the GIS and Mapping Services Department.”
  • Who permits septicLocal

    On-site sewage systems in Stevens County administered by Northeast Tri County Health District.

    • NETCHD identifies Stevens County as one of its served county offices.
    • The cited page states that NETCHD permits systems with design flows below 3,500 gallons per day.

    maximum design flow: < 3500 gallons per day

    “Stevens County [...] Services Include: [...] Environmental Health [...] Septic Systems”
  • Septic permitRequired

    Installation, repair, modification, connection to, or expansion of an on-site sewage system in Stevens County under Northeast Tri County Health District jurisdiction.

    • A permit is not required for a minor repair.
    • Except for a minor repair, an application and permit from the local health officer are required before construction.
    • The permit may be identified as a new installation, repair, expansion, modification, or operational permit.
    • Installation permits become void three years after issuance if the system has not been installed and approved.
    “obtain a permit from the local health officer prior to beginning construction”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Required — On-site sewage system installation in Stevens County within NETCHD jurisdiction.
      “If the design is approved, an installation permit will be issued. Permits are valid three years from the date of issuance.”
  • Septic inspectionRequired

    Final inspection of on-site sewage systems in Stevens County under NETCHD.

    • The Health District must be notified before the system is covered.
    • A completed as-built form must be submitted.
    • At least 48 hours' notice is required.
    • If deficiencies are found, corrections and a reinspection are required before final approval.

    final inspection notice: >= 48 hours

    “Upon completion of the on-site sewage system installation and before the system is covered, the Health District must be notified that the system is ready for inspection and a completed As-Built form must be submitted. A minimum 48-hour notice is required to schedule a final inspection.”
  • Mandatory utility hookupWater and sewer (with conditions)

    Dwelling units, including hunting and seasonal cabins, in unincorporated Stevens County.

    • A permanent on-site potable water source and an NETCHD Environmental Health-approved wastewater disposal system are required.
    • The source does not establish that public water or public sewer connections are universally required.
    “Connection to a permanent on-site potable water source and NETCHD Environmental Health approved wastewater disposal system is required for all dwelling units ("hunting cabins", "seasonal cabins" ,etc.), regardless of the building's size or how often the building is occupied.”
  • Subdividing landRegulated (with conditions)

    Development and subdivision regulation under Stevens County Title 3.

    • Specific subdivision standards, exemptions, and numeric thresholds were not extracted from the linked code during this run.
    • Parcel-specific and municipal rules may differ.
    “Development, Zoning and Subdivision Regulations - Title 3”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Regulated (with conditions) — Subdivision and platting in unincorporated Stevens County.
      “development regulations (i.e. zoning, subdivisions, critical areas, shorelines, frequently flooded areas).”
  • Driveway accessRequired

    Access from a property to a Stevens County road.

    • An approach permit is initiated by application and payment of the appropriate fee.
    • The owner must flag the approach location for inspection.
    • The inspector evaluates visibility and whether a culvert is needed for drainage.
    • After installation, a final inspection is required.
    • Processing may take one to three weeks.
    • Fees range from $50 to $200 depending on approach type.

    approach permit fee: 50-200 USD (depending on approach type) · processing time: 1-3 weeks

    “An approach permit is a permit that allows a property owner to access the County road.”
  • Permit feesPublished (with conditions)

    Selected Stevens County permit fees, including county road-approach permits.

    • Approach permits cost between $50 and $200 depending on approach type.
    • Other county permit fees may vary by permit type.

    approach permit fee: 50-200 USD (Depending on approach type.)

    “Approach Permits cost between $50.00 and $200.00 depending on approach type.”
  • Permit processPartial

    Stevens County building-permit inspection scheduling and completion process.

    • A permit authorizes construction to begin.
    • Inspections are requested after permit issuance.
    • Inspection requests should be made at least two working days in advance.
    • Final approval is required for completion or occupancy.

    inspection scheduling notice: >= 2 working days

    “A Building Permit is your authorization to begin construction. Please do not forget to CALL FOR INSPECTIONS after the building permit is issued. Your project will not be deemed complete and/or occupiable until all required inspections, including a final inspection, have been approved by a Stevens County Building Inspector, as documented on the Inspection Record.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Published (with conditions) — County land-use and building permit processes in unincorporated Stevens County.
      “Incomplete applications will be returned.”

Washington rules that apply here

  • Building code adoptedAdopted (with conditions)

    The Washington State Building Code applies in all Washington counties and cities and includes the model codes adopted by reference in RCW 19.27.031, as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council.

    • The adoption is subject to exceptions stated in chapter 19.27 RCW and amendments adopted by the Washington State Building Code Council.
    • The 2021 International Building Code, including Appendix E, is adopted by reference with the exceptions noted in Title 51 WAC.
    • The Uniform Plumbing Code provisions affecting sewers or fuel gas piping are not adopted.
    • Only the portions of the International Wildland Urban Interface Code specifically referenced in RCW 19.27.560 are adopted.
    • The state building code is enforced by counties and cities; a county or city without a building department must contract with another county, city, or approved inspection agency.
    • The model codes are adopted or amended through a three-year state building code adoption cycle, subject to statutory interim, emergency, and legislative off-cycle amendments.

    International Building Code edition: 2021 (Including Appendix E; subject to exceptions in Title 51 WAC) · effective date of current WAC 51-50-003 adoption: 2024-03-15

    “there shall be in effect in all counties and cities the state building code [...] which are hereby adopted by reference:”
    4 more reviewed findings on this topic
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Washington construction-related codes enforced by cities and counties, including Stevens County.
      “The State of Washington requires all cities and counties enforce an assortment of construction-related codes and requirements, all of which are intended to establish a minimum standard of safety, health, efficiency and accessibility throughout the state.”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Construction in Stevens County under the Washington State Building Code.
      “The State Building Code is comprised of model code editions with Washington State Amendments”
    • Adopted (with conditions) — Washington State Building Code requirements applicable in Stevens County.
      “The State Building Code is comprised of model code editions with Washington State Amendments, and is the minimum construction requirement for the State of Washington.”
    • Adopted — The Washington State Building Code applies in all Washington counties and cities, including residential construction in unincorporated county areas.
      “there shall be in effect in all counties and cities the state building code [...] The International Residential Code”
  • Minimum dwelling sizeSpecified

    Dwelling units regulated by Washington's state building code.

    • The rule specifies habitable-space and room-area minimums, not a zoning minimum lot or gross floor-area standard.
    • Kitchens are expressly excepted from the minimum floor-area requirement.
    • Efficiency dwelling units must comply with Sections 1208.1 through 1208.4 and must have a separate closet, required kitchen facilities, light and ventilation, and a separate bathroom as stated in the source.
    • The current rule text states WSR 23-23-102 was filed 11/15/23 and effective 3/16/24.

    minimum habitable space: >= 190 square feet · minimum area of at least one room: >= 120 square feet · minimum net floor area of sleeping units and other habitable rooms: >= 70 square feet (Kitchens are not required to be of a minimum floor area.)

    “1208.3 Dwelling unit size. Dwelling units shall have a minimum of 190 square feet (17.7 m 2) of habitable space. 1208.4 Room area. Every dwelling unit shall have not less than one room that shall have not less than 120 square feet (11.2 m 2) of net floor area. Sleeping units and other habitable rooms of a dwelling unit shall have a net floor area of not less than 70 square feet (6.5 m 2). EXCEPTION: Kitchens are not required to be of a minimum floor area.”
  • Building heightSpecified

    Buildings subject to Washington's state building code, with allowable height determined by occupancy classification and type of construction.

    • Table 504.3 is occupancy- and construction-type-specific.
    • The source states that Chapters 4 and 5 contain specific exceptions to the allowable height.
    • The table includes NS and UL entries; the source footnotes state that NS is only for evaluation of existing building height under the International Existing Building Code and that other entries have sprinkler-related conditions.

    allowable building height: occupancy-classification and construction-type specific values in Table 504.3 feet above grade plane (See Chapters 4 and 5 for specific exceptions.)

    “Allowable Building Height in Feet Above Grade Plane”
  • Tiny homesAllowed (with conditions)

    Occupancy and placement of tiny houses in Washington

    • A tiny house may be built on wheels and may not exceed 400 square feet including kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping/living area.
    • It must be built to the Washington State Building Code.
    • Approval depends on where it is built; local building-department requirements and permits apply to foundation, installation, and location.
    • A wheeled structure that is not a tiny house as described may instead be a recreational vehicle or park model.
    • A manufactured home, including a tiny manufactured home, requires consultation with the local building department regarding where it may be located.

    maximum area: <= 400 square feet

    “A tiny house is a dwelling that may be built on wheels and is no larger than 400 square feet, including a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping/living area, and must be built to the Washington State Building Code. The approval process for a tiny house depends on where it's built.”
  • Manufactured homesLimited

    State statutory limits on county regulation of the placement or use of HUD-standard manufactured homes in Washington; site-specific occupancy remains subject to applicable local and state requirements.

    • The nondiscrimination and equal-siting rule applies to homes built to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5401-5403 standards, as amended in 2000.
    • Except as provided in RCW 36.01.225(2), a county may require that a manufactured home be new.
    • Except as provided in RCW 36.01.225(2), a county may require a permanent foundation specified by the manufacturer and enclosure of the space from the bottom of the home to the ground with concrete or an approved concrete product, load bearing or decorative.
    • Except as provided in RCW 36.01.225(2), a county may require compliance with local design standards applicable to all other homes in the neighborhood.
    • Except as provided in RCW 36.01.225(2), a county may require thermal equivalence to the state energy code and all other requirements for a designated manufactured home under RCW 35.63.160.
    • A county may not restrict location in a manufactured/mobile home community legally in existence before June 12, 2008, based exclusively on the manufactured/mobile home's age or dimensions.
    • A county may not prohibit siting on an existing lot solely because existing separation and setback requirements regulating distance between homes are unmet.
    • A county may restrict location in a manufactured/mobile home community for other reasons, including failure to comply with fire, safety, other local ordinances, or state laws related to manufactured/mobile homes.
    • The statute does not override legally recorded covenants or deed restrictions of record and does not affect authority granted under chapter 43.22 RCW.

    community legal-existence date for age-or-dimensions protection: 2008-06-12 (Applies to manufactured/mobile home communities legally in existence before this date.)

    “A county may not adopt an ordinance that has the effect, directly or indirectly, of discriminating against consumers' choices in the placement or use of a home in such a manner that is not equally applicable to all homes. Homes built to 42 U.S.C. Sec. 5401-5403 standards (as amended in 2000) must be regulated for the purposes of siting in the same manner as site built homes, factory built homes, or homes built to any other state construction or local design standard.”
  • Accessory dwellingsAllowed (with conditions)

    Accessory dwelling units in portions of Washington cities, towns, and counties located within designated urban growth areas and subject to the Growth Management Act requirements

    • Cities and counties planning under the chapter must adopt or amend ordinances and development, zoning, and other official controls to implement the statutory requirements.
    • The requirements apply only in portions of towns, cities, and counties within designated urban growth areas.
    • Local governments may still apply public-health, safety, building-code, environmental-permitting, on-site-wastewater, and generally applicable development regulations.
    • Local governments may restrict or prohibit ADUs where development is restricted because of on-site sewage infrastructure, critical areas, or other unsuitable physical characteristics.
    • Under RCW 36.70A.681, at least two ADUs must be allowed on qualifying lots in configurations specified by statute, subject to listed exceptions and limitations.
    • The statutory requirements do not apply to lots designated with critical areas or buffers, or to specified impaired or threatened potable-water-reservoir watersheds.

    minimum ADUs in qualifying configurations: >= 2 accessory dwelling units per qualifying lot (Applies to lots in all zoning districts within an urban growth area that allow single-family homes, subject to statutory exceptions.)

    “The city or county must allow at least two accessory dwelling units on all lots that are located in all zoning districts within an urban growth area that allow for single-family homes in the following configurations:”
  • Well permitLimited

    Groundwater wells and groundwater uses statewide under Washington's water-right permit exemption.

    • Domestic use is exempt up to 5,000 gallons per day.
    • Industrial use is exempt up to 5,000 gallons per day.
    • Lawn or garden irrigation is exempt only for a half-acre or less.
    • Stockwater is exempt.
    • Only one permit-exempt use of each type is allowed for any one project, regardless of project size.
    • Withdrawals from multiple wells for one project are aggregated toward the exemption limits.
    • Local governments and other laws and rules may impose additional requirements and limits.
    • Use in excess of the listed amounts, use for other purposes, or use from a surface-water source requires applying for and receiving a water-right permit.
    • Before drilling, a notice of intent must be submitted to Ecology 72 hours before drilling starts; the NOI is not itself a permit or approval to use water.
    • Permit-exempt uses remain subject to state water law, including possible restrictions relating to senior water rights and Streamflow Restoration Act requirements.

    domestic groundwater use exemption: <= 5000 gallons per day (Per project, with withdrawals from multiple wells aggregated.) · industrial groundwater use exemption: <= 5000 gallons per day (Per project, with withdrawals from multiple wells aggregated.) · lawn or garden irrigation exemption: <= 0.5 acre (For lawn or garden irrigation.) · well construction notice: 72 hours before drilling (Notice of intent is not a permit, certificate, or water-right application.)

    “The groundwater permit exemption allows for four small uses of groundwater without a water right permit: Domestic uses of up to 5,000 gallons per day Industrial uses of up to 5,000 gallons per day Irrigation of a lawn or garden, a half-acre or less in size Stockwater”
  • Agricultural exemptionAvailable (with conditions)

    Temporary growing structures used solely for production of horticultural plants in Washington.

    • The exemption is limited to temporary growing structures.
    • The structures must be used solely for production of horticultural plants, including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits.
    • The statute states that a temporary growing structure is not considered a building or structure for purposes of chapter 19.27 RCW.
    • This is not a general exemption for residences or all agricultural buildings.
    “The provisions of this chapter do not apply to temporary growing structures used solely for the production of horticultural plants including ornamental plants, flowers, vegetables, and fruits. A temporary growing structure is not considered a building or structure for purposes of this chapter.”
  • Building in a floodplainRequired

    Development work on property located in a Washington floodplain.

    • The applicant must contact the local government to obtain the floodplain development permit.
    • Local governments manage floodplain development under the National Flood Insurance Program.
    • Some local governments impose standards higher than NFIP minimums, including regulation of areas larger than FEMA Flood Insurance Rate Maps show.
    • Washington counties and cities planning under the Growth Management Act must periodically review and update Critical Areas Ordinances addressing frequently flooded areas.
    “If you're planning to do any development work on a property located in a floodplain, contact your local government to obtain a floodplain development permit. Local governments are responsible for managing development in floodplains under the NFIP; however, some local governments have higher regulatory standards than the minimums of the NFIP, such as regulating a larger area than what is shown on Flood Insurance Rate Maps.”
  • Campground & park staysLimited

    Recreational vehicles in the context of Washington's manufactured/mobile-home community statutes

    • The rule defines an RV as temporary and transient living quarters.
    • The RV is not occupied as a primary residence.
    • The RV is not immobilized or permanently affixed to a manufactured/mobile home lot.
    • This claim does not establish general statewide siting permission on private land; local land-use and building rules may apply.
    “(12) "Recreational vehicle" means a travel trailer, motor home, truck camper, or camping trailer that is primarily designed and used as temporary living quarters, is either self-propelled or mounted on or drawn by another vehicle, is transient, is not occupied as a primary residence, and is not immobilized or permanently affixed to a manufactured/mobile home lot.”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • Limited — Camping and temporary occupancy in Washington State Parks facilities
      “The maximum length of stay shall be no more than 10 nights in one park within a 30-day period. Total nights stayed by the same camping party must not exceed 90 nights per calendar year in all state parks. These limitations shall not apply to those individuals who meet the qualifications of WAC 352-32-280 and 352-32-285.”
  • county zoning authorityGeneral

    Washington counties adopting zoning and related official controls for county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • A county must create a planning agency as authorized in RCW 36.70.030 and RCW 36.70.040 before engaging in the chapter's planning program.
    • Zoning maps may be adopted only for areas covered by a comprehensive plan containing at least a land use element and a circulation element.
    • Zoning regulations may address land uses, building location and dimensions, yards and open spaces, population density, lot coverage, parking, and minimum gross floor area requirements for single-family detached dwellings.
    • The cited enabling provisions do not state a population threshold, named-county limitation, or special geographic limitation.
    “Any board, by ordinance, may establish classifications, within each of which, specific controls are identified, and which will regulate:”
    One more reviewed finding on this topic
    • General — Washington counties may plan and adopt zoning and other official controls for county land, including unincorporated areas, through their boards and planning agencies.
      “Such official controls may include, but are not limited to, ordinances establishing zoning, subdivision control, platting, and adoption of detailed maps.”
  • county building authorityGeneral

    Washington counties requiring and enforcing building permits and adopting amendments to the state building code for residential construction within county jurisdiction, including unincorporated areas.

    • The state building code must be enforced by counties and cities within their jurisdictional boundaries.
    • A county without a building department must contract with another county, city, or approved inspection agency for enforcement.
    • County amendments may not diminish the minimum performance standards and objectives of the state building code.
    • Residential-building amendments are subject to approval by the state building code council under RCW 19.27.074(1)(b), except as provided by statute.
    • The building-permit definition incorporates exemptions in International Building Code section 105.2 and International Residential Code section R105.2.
    • Counties may adopt permit exemptions for certain specified R-3 or M-1 construction or alteration with total fair market value not exceeding $1,500, but the exemption does not remove substantive code standards.

    permit-exemption fair-market-value ceiling: <= 1500 USD (Applies only to certain construction or alteration of group R, division 3, or group M, division 1 occupancies under RCW 19.27.060(7); substantive code standards still apply.)

    “The state building code required by this chapter shall be enforced by the counties and cities. Any county or city not having a building department shall contract with another county, city, or inspection agency approved by the county or city for enforcement of the state building code within its jurisdictional boundaries.”

Still unanswered

We looked and could not find an official answer yet. Silence is not permission — ask the county directly.

  • Local zoning — Local zoning across Stevens County, including any incorporated municipalities or other subordinate jurisdictions.
  • Minimum lot size — Minimum lot-size requirements in Stevens County.
  • Setbacks — Building and land-use setbacks in Stevens County.
  • Lot coverage — Lot-coverage requirements in Stevens County.
  • Living in an RV — Residential or long-term recreational-vehicle occupancy on private property in Stevens County.
3 more unanswered
  • Camping on your land
  • Off-grid sanitation
  • Short-term rentals

Each answer was extracted from an official source and independently re-checked against that source by a second reviewer. That is an evidence check, not legal advice. Rules change; confirm with the authority before you buy or build.

Water rights & wells in Stevens County

Whether a new home can legally get its own water here — the sub-state groundwater regime, from Washington’s water agency.

Actively managed

This basin is under active state management — new water use is scrutinized, though a domestic well is usually still allowed.

Household wellExempt up to a limit

RCW 90.44.050 exempts up to 5,000 gpd for domestic use, but the 2018 Streamflow Restoration Act caps NEW permit-exempt domestic wells at 3,000 gpd/connection in some basins and 950 gpd (350 gpd indoor in drought) in others, and new post-2020 wells in the adjudicating Nooksack basin are limited to ~500 gpd indoor.

Limit: 5,000 gpd base (RCW 90.44.050); capped to 3,000 or 950 gpd/connection in streamflow-restoration basins; ~500 gpd indoor for new Nooksack wells

Washington Dept of Ecology — Groundwater permit exemption ↗
  • Streamflow Restoration 3,000-gpd basins (RCW 90.94.020)partial of county

    New permit-exempt domestic wells capped at a maximum annual-average 3,000 gpd per connection; larger/new water-right permits generally unavailable due to instream-flow rules.

    Washington Legislature — RCW 90.94.020 ↗

Hybrid state (appropriation + riparian). Groundwater rules change and basin boundaries follow the aquifer, not the county line — confirm current well and appropriation rules with the Washington state water agency before you buy or drill.Groundwater governance as of Jul 2026, cited to each administering agency.

Living off-grid in Stevens County, Washington

Is Stevens County a good place to live off-grid or homestead?

Stevens County scores 70/100 on the Bolthole Index, a strong county profile. Its strengths: deep seclusion — about 934 people within a 30-minute drive and manageable long-term carry cost. Watch-outs: more administrative friction around building and land use.

Do you need a building permit in Stevens County, Washington?

Stevens County generally requires a residential building permit, and it enforces county zoning. Onsite septic is permitted by Northeast Tri County Health District (Environmental Health Department). Owner-builders may act as their own contractor to build their home. These answers are quoted from official sources and independently re-checked. Rules change and cities within the county differ — always confirm with the county before you buy or build.

How much does land cost in Stevens County, Washington?

Land in Stevens County runs about $2,014 per acre, based on the latest county data.

What is the water situation in Stevens County?

Stevens County gets about 23.7" of rain a year, with severe drought in roughly 8% of years. On water rights, Stevens County lies in the Streamflow Restoration 3,000-gpd basins (RCW 90.94.020) — New permit-exempt domestic wells capped at a maximum annual-average 3,000 gpd per connection; larger/new water-right permits generally unavailable due to instream-flow rules..

How remote is Stevens County?

A representative private-land location has about 934 people within a 30-minute drive and 258,524 within two hours. The road-network catchments count population across county lines and clusters of smaller cities; straight-line radius values remain available as a comparison.

How Stevens compares in Washington

Compare side-by-side →See all 39 Washington counties ranked →