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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Puyallup
A building permit is required for construction and major alterations within the City of Puyallup.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
Minor repairs and maintenance
Fences under height thresholds
Retaining walls under 4 feet
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Minor repairs and maintenance
- Exempt Fences under height thresholds
- Exempt Retaining walls under 4 feet
Note: Permit exemptions generally follow standard IRC/IBC exemptions. Confirm edge cases with DPS before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan review materials
- Construction plans and drawings
- SEPA checklist (if required)
- Critical area review documentation (if required)
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments (IBC/IRC).
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
- 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.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity and plan review requirements.
- 01 Determine permit requirements based on project scope.
- 02 Prepare plans, documentation, and site plan review materials.
- 03 Submit application and complete package online through CityView portal.
- 04 Pay plan review fees (due at time of submittal for complete packages).
- 05 Plan review process by DPS staff.
- 06 Pay building permit fees (due prior to issuance).
- 07 Schedule inspections as required.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity and plan review requirements.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective January 1, 2026 (Resolution 2535)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$25
02
Plan check fee
65% of building permit fee
03
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
04
Trade permit fee
See trade-specific fee schedule (mechanical, plumbing)
05
Reinspection fee
$63/hour
Fees paid through CityView portal or in person.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
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 sequence: Inspections required at various construction phases.
Contact city for remote inspection options.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Puyallup permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Puyallup, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction and major alterations within the City of Puyallup.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Puyallup, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Puyallup, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. 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.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Puyallup, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Puyallup, WA, follow these steps: 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.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Puyallup, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Puyallup, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity and plan review requirements.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Puyallup, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit 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. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Puyallup, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Puyallup, WA via: CityView portal. Contact DPS for current scheduling deadlines..
last verified April 2026
source Development and Permitting Services (DPS) ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/puyallup
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Development and Permitting Services (DPS) before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.