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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Lakewood
A building permit is required for construction and alterations within the City of Lakewood.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (unheated tool/storage sheds, playhouses)
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
Water tanks under 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (unheated tool/storage sheds, playhouses)
- Exempt Fences not over 6 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
- Exempt Water tanks under 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and construction codes. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Public Works Department before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan showing correlation to land features and lot lines
- Construction plans and drawings
- Project specifications
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments. Technology fee of 2% applies to planning and development permits.
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may act as owner-builders; confirm requirements with Planning and Public Works Department.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Site plan required showing correlation to land features and lot lines. Pre-application meetings available for complex projects.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity; monitor status through portal.
- 01 Research parcel and verify zoning and property information.
- 02 Prepare completed application forms and gather required documentation.
- 03 Create scaled site plan showing project and land features.
- 04 Upload application and site plan via Online Permit Center.
- 05 Monitor progress through portal.
- 06 Pay fees online (2.9% convenience fee), by mail, or in person.
- 07 Request inspection through Online Permit Center.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity; monitor status through portal.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2025
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit fee (minimum 1 hour)
03
Permit fee formula
Based on valuation: $30-$500 = $30; $501-$2,000 = $30 + $4 per $100 over $500; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $23,155 + $3 per $1,000 over $5,000,000
04
Trade permit fee
See fee schedule for trade-specific rates
05
Reinspection fee
$120 per occurrence
06
Penalty (no permit)
$120/hour for investigation of unpermitted work (2-hour minimum)
Convenience fee of 2.9% applied to online payments.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective January 1, 2025) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Online Permit Center (PALS) (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule inspections well in advance based on staff availability.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday during business hours (confirm with city)
- Time windows
- Inspections scheduled in order received based on staff availability.
Typical sequence: Both site development and structural inspections may be required.
Contact city for remote inspection options.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Lakewood permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Lakewood, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction and alterations within the City of Lakewood.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Lakewood, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Lakewood, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $30. Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation: $30-$500 = $30; $501-$2,000 = $30 + $4 per $100 over $500; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $23,155 + $3 per $1,000 over $5,000,000. Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee (minimum 1 hour).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lakewood, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Lakewood, WA, follow these steps: 1. Research parcel and verify zoning and property information. 2. Prepare completed application forms and gather required documentation. 3. Create scaled site plan showing project and land features. 4. Upload application and site plan via Online Permit Center. 5. Monitor progress through portal. 6. Pay fees online (2.9% convenience fee), by mail, or in person. 7. Request inspection through Online Permit Center.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lakewood, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Lakewood, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity; monitor status through portal.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lakewood, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Lakewood, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (unheated tool/storage sheds, playhouses); Fences not over 6 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high; Water tanks under 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches. Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and construction codes. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Public Works Department before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lakewood, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lakewood, WA via: Online Permit Center (PALS). Schedule inspections well in advance based on staff availability..
last verified April 2026
source Planning and Public Works Department ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/lakewood
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Public Works Department before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.