Gig Harbor, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Planning Division

Phone

(253) 851-6170

planningintake@gigharborwa.gov

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Gig Harbor.

Website

Department website

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Gig Harbor

A building permit is required for construction within the City of Gig Harbor.

Scope of work

Permit?

Standard IRC/IBC exemptions apply

Exempt

Exempt Standard IRC/IBC exemptions apply

Note: Contact Planning Division for specific exemption determinations.

Required documents

Completed application
Site plan
Erosion control measures diagram
Construction plans and drawings

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
Permit validity: Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
Owner-builder: Confirm owner-builder requirements with Planning Division.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Commercial development, subdivisions, and short plats require frontage improvements if none exist. Impact fees and GFCs paid during building permit process. Performance bond required (125% of approved Engineer's Estimate).

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Processing time varies by project type and complexity.

01

Review applicable regulations and zoning requirements.
02

Prepare application and required submittal documents.
03

Submit to planningintake@gigharborwa.gov
04

Invoice sent for permit fees once all documents received.
05

Review begins once all fees are paid.
06

Schedule inspections after permit is issued.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project type and complexity.

Source: Planning Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective See Resolution 1331 (specific effective date not confirmed)

Fee type

Amount

Permit fee formula

Fee schedule established by Resolution 1331 for police services, land use applications, building permits, and engineering fees. Specific dollar amounts not available in research.

Invoice sent when application is complete; payment required before review begins.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

Planning Division (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 72-hour minimum for scheduling pre-construction meetings after civil mylars sent.
Inspection hours: Contact Planning Division for hours.
Time windows: Contact Planning Division for inspection windows.

Typical sequence: Inspections required for civil infrastructure and building construction. All erosion control measures must be in place before inspections.

Contact Planning Division for remote inspection options.

Source: Planning Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Gig Harbor permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Gig Harbor, WA? ▸

A building permit is required for construction within the City of Gig Harbor.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Gig Harbor, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in Gig Harbor, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Fee schedule established by Resolution 1331 for police services, land use applications, building permits, and engineering fees. Specific dollar amounts not available in research..

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Gig Harbor, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Gig Harbor, WA, follow these steps: 1. Review applicable regulations and zoning requirements. 2. Prepare application and required submittal documents. 3. Submit to planningintake@gigharborwa.gov 4. Invoice sent for permit fees once all documents received. 5. Review begins once all fees are paid. 6. Schedule inspections after permit is issued.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Gig Harbor, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Gig Harbor, WA typically run Processing time varies by project type and complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Gig Harbor, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Gig Harbor, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Standard IRC/IBC exemptions apply. Note: Contact Planning Division for specific exemption determinations. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Gig Harbor, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Gig Harbor, WA via: Planning Division. 72-hour minimum for scheduling pre-construction meetings after civil mylars sent..

last verified April 2026 source Planning Division ↗ entry id permits/washington/pierce/gig-harbor

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Gig Harbor

Other jurisdictions in Pierce County.