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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Fircrest
A building permit is required for construction within the City of Fircrest.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (sheds, playhouses)
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks under 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and playground equipment
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (sheds, playhouses)
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep
- Exempt Swings and playground equipment
- Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
- Exempt Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached
Note: Even exempt work must comply with construction and zoning codes.
Required documents
- Completed permit application (PDF format required)
- Complete set of plans
- Site Sketch/Site Plan (two sets)
- Window schedule with U-Factors (for window projects)
- Glazing schedule with diagram (for window projects)
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
- Owner-builder
- Owner or chosen representative may draw plans if clear and detailed.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Complex projects may require professional engineer. Windows: Building permit + Glazing Schedule with U-Factors + diagram of window locations. Decks: Permit required if exceeds 200 sq ft, 30+ inches above grade, or attached to dwelling.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity.
- 01 Email required documents in PDF format to permits@cityoffircrest.net
- 02 Staff will notify when permit is ready to be picked up and fee is due.
- 03 Pay fees through specified payment methods.
- 04 Pick up permit.
- 05 Schedule inspections online or by phone.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Verify current effective date with Planning and Building Department
Fee type
Amount
01
Permit fee formula
Standard building permit fees based on valuation. ADU-specific fees: Attached ADU Application $150, Detached ADU Application $1,400. Re-roof permits: One-family dwelling $56.50, Duplex $58.50.
Contact city for payment methods.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Code Pros (Sierra Barth) (phone)
- Online scheduling through city website (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule by 2:30 p.m. the previous day.
- Inspection hours
- Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
- Time windows
- Standard inspections during scheduled windows.
Typical sequence: Inspections required at various construction phases.
Contact city for remote inspection options.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Fircrest permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Fircrest, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction within the City of Fircrest.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Fircrest, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Fircrest, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Standard building permit fees based on valuation. ADU-specific fees: Attached ADU Application $150, Detached ADU Application $1,400. Re-roof permits: One-family dwelling $56.50, Duplex $58.50..
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Fircrest, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Fircrest, WA, follow these steps: 1. Email required documents in PDF format to permits@cityoffircrest.net 2. Staff will notify when permit is ready to be picked up and fee is due. 3. Pay fees through specified payment methods. 4. Pick up permit. 5. Schedule inspections online or by phone.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Fircrest, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Fircrest, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Fircrest, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Fircrest, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (sheds, playhouses); Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks under 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep; Swings and playground equipment; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches; Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached. Note: Even exempt work must comply with construction and zoning codes. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Fircrest, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Fircrest, WA via: Code Pros (Sierra Barth), Online scheduling through city website. Schedule by 2:30 p.m. the previous day..
last verified April 2026
source Planning and Building Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/fircrest
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Building Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.