City Building Permits
Puyallup, WA - 2026 Building Permit Guide
How to apply for a building permit in Puyallup, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.
Permit Authority
All properties within the incorporated City of Puyallup.
- Department
- Development and Permitting Services (DPS)
- Website
- https://www.cityofpuyallup.org/
Application Process
- Determine permit requirements based on project scope.
- Prepare plans, documentation, and site plan review materials.
- Submit application and complete package online through CityView portal.
- Pay plan review fees (due at time of submittal for complete packages).
- Plan review process by DPS staff.
- Pay building permit fees (due prior to issuance).
- Schedule inspections as required.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity and plan review requirements.
General Requirements
A building permit is required for construction and major alterations within the City of Puyallup.
Required Documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan review materials
- Construction plans and drawings
- SEPA checklist (if required)
- Critical area review documentation (if required)
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments (IBC/IRC).
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may act as owner-builders; confirm requirements with DPS.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Plan review fees due at time of submittal. Site plan review required for most projects. SEPA checklist may be required. Critical area review may be required for environmentally sensitive areas.
Fees
- Minimum permit fee
- $25
- Plan check fee
- 65% of building permit fee
- Permit fee formula
- Based on valuation: $1-$500 = $25; $501-$2,000 = $25 + $3.05 per $100 over $500; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $5,608.75 + $3.65 per $1,000 over $1,000,000
- Trade permit fee
- See trade-specific fee schedule (mechanical, plumbing)
- Reinspection fee
- $63/hour
- Payment note
- Fees paid through CityView portal or in person.
Work That Does NOT Require a Permit
Contact the Development and Permitting Services (DPS) to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.
Inspections
How to Schedule
- CityView portal (online)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact DPS for current scheduling deadlines.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday during business hours (confirm with city)
- Time windows
- Inspection windows vary by project phase.
Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required at various construction phases.
Contact city for remote inspection options.
Additional Resources
- Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments (IBC/IRC).
- Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
- License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
- Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
- Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub
Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Development and Permitting Services (DPS) before applying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Puyallup Building Permit FAQ
- Do I need a building permit in Puyallup, WA?
- A building permit is required for construction and major alterations within the City of Puyallup.
- How much does a building permit cost in Puyallup, WA?
- The minimum permit fee is $25. Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation: $1-$500 = $25; $501-$2,000 = $25 + $3.05 per $100 over $500; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $5,608.75 + $3.65 per $1,000 over $1,000,000. Plan check fee: 65% of building permit fee.
- How do I apply for a building permit in Puyallup, WA?
- 1. Determine permit requirements based on project scope. 2. Prepare plans, documentation, and site plan review materials. 3. Submit application and complete package online through CityView portal. 4. Pay plan review fees (due at time of submittal for complete packages). 5. Plan review process by DPS staff. 6. Pay building permit fees (due prior to issuance). 7. Schedule inspections as required.
- How long does it take to get a building permit in Puyallup, WA?
- Typical processing time is Processing time varies by project complexity and plan review requirements..
- What work is exempt from building permits in Puyallup, WA?
- The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft; Minor repairs and maintenance; Fences under height thresholds; Retaining walls under 4 feet. Note: Permit exemptions generally follow standard IRC/IBC exemptions. Confirm edge cases with DPS before proceeding.
- How do I schedule a building inspection in Puyallup, WA?
- Inspections can be scheduled via: CityView portal. Contact DPS for current scheduling deadlines..
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