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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Tacoma
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Tacoma.
Sidewalks and driveways (site development permits may still be required)
Reroofing of single-family/duplex residential buildings (if existing coverings removed, new material under 2.5 lbs/sq ft, no framing changes, not unreinforced masonry)
Portable heating and ventilation appliances
Minor repairs (patching drywall, replacing windows/doors in same rough opening)
Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets, trim)
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
Agricultural fences up to 8 feet tall
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways (site development permits may still be required)
- Exempt Reroofing of single-family/duplex residential buildings (if existing coverings removed, new material under 2.5 lbs/sq ft, no framing changes, not unreinforced masonry)
- Exempt Portable heating and ventilation appliances
- Exempt Minor repairs (patching drywall, replacing windows/doors in same rough opening)
- Exempt Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets, trim)
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Agricultural fences up to 8 feet tall
Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other code requirements. Confirm edge cases with Planning & Development Services before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed building permit application (residential or commercial)
- Site, floor, and elevation plans
- Structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings (if applicable)
- Contractor license or homeowner identifier
- Utility plans as needed
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments, effective March 15, 2024. Building Official determines valuation using ICC Building Valuation Data Table.
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless otherwise specified.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may act as owner-builders; submit homeowner identifier per city requirements.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I before commencing work. Tacoma Power electrical permits handled separately for electrical work.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Plan review times vary by project complexity; see portal for current timelines.
- 01 Research project and site to understand zoning and code requirements.
- 02 Prepare complete documentation including building permit application, site/floor/elevation plans, structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings, contractor license or homeowner identifier, and utility plans as needed.
- 03 Submit all required documents via Accela online portal.
- 04 City intake staff verify completeness; specialists examine submissions and issue checksheets for corrections.
- 05 Pay final fees after approval; permit invoice generated within portal.
- 06 Post permit visibly at project site and schedule required inspections.
Typical processing time: Plan review times vary by project complexity; see portal for current timelines.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Verify current effective date with Planning & Development Services
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$53
02
Plan check fee
45% of building permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction: 1.31% of ICC valuation. Additions and remodels: 2.81% of ICC valuation (minimum $170). Commercial uses graduated scale based on valuation.
04
Trade permit fee
See trade-specific fee schedule
05
Reinspection fee
Per fee schedule
06
Penalty (no permit)
Per fee schedule for work without permit
Pay fees through Accela portal.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective Verify current effective date with Planning & Development Services) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Accela portal (online)
- IVR/Text line (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact city for current scheduling requirements.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, standard business hours (confirm with city)
- Time windows
- Inspection windows vary by inspection type.
Typical sequence: Standard sequence: foundation/footings, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, framing, insulation, final inspection.
Certain inspection types may be conducted remotely at the city's discretion.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about Tacoma permits
01 Do I need a building permit in Tacoma, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for all construction within the City of Tacoma.
02 How much does a building permit cost in Tacoma, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in Tacoma, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $53. Fees are calculated as: Residential new construction: 1.31% of ICC valuation. Additions and remodels: 2.81% of ICC valuation (minimum $170). Commercial uses graduated scale based on valuation.. Plan check fee: 45% of building permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in Tacoma, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in Tacoma, WA, follow these steps: 1. Research project and site to understand zoning and code requirements. 2. Prepare complete documentation including building permit application, site/floor/elevation plans, structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings, contractor license or homeowner identifier, and utility plans as needed. 3. Submit all required documents via Accela online portal. 4. City intake staff verify completeness; specialists examine submissions and issue checksheets for corrections. 5. Pay final fees after approval; permit invoice generated within portal. 6. Post permit visibly at project site and schedule required inspections.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Tacoma, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in Tacoma, WA typically run Plan review times vary by project complexity; see portal for current timelines.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in Tacoma, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in Tacoma, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Sidewalks and driveways (site development permits may still be required); Reroofing of single-family/duplex residential buildings (if existing coverings removed, new material under 2.5 lbs/sq ft, no framing changes, not unreinforced masonry); Portable heating and ventilation appliances; Minor repairs (patching drywall, replacing windows/doors in same rough opening); Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets, trim); One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft; Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge); Agricultural fences up to 8 feet tall. Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other code requirements. Confirm edge cases with Planning & Development Services before proceeding. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Tacoma, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Tacoma, WA via: Accela portal, IVR/Text line. Contact city for current scheduling requirements..
last verified April 2026
source Planning & Development Services ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/tacoma
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.