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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for Pierce County
A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Pierce County.
One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses under 200 sq ft
Agricultural structures up to 600 sq ft (since 2015)
Fences not over 7 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks supported directly on grade under 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Portable heating and ventilation appliances
Agricultural/deer fences up to 8 feet tall
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Agricultural structures up to 600 sq ft (since 2015)
- Exempt Fences not over 7 feet high
- Exempt Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
- Exempt Water tanks supported directly on grade under 5,000 gallons
- Exempt Sidewalks and driveways
- Exempt Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
- Exempt Portable heating and ventilation appliances
- Exempt Agricultural/deer fences up to 8 feet tall
Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other codes.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Site plan
- Construction plans and drawings
- Pre-application screening documentation (if critical areas present)
- Building code
- 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
- Permit validity
- Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
- Owner-builder
- Homeowners may act as owner-builders; confirm requirements with Development Center.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Pre-application screening required for parcels with critical areas. Check parcel for critical areas at PierceCountyWa.gov/AboutMyProperty. Predesigned Projects available: save money and time on decks, detached carports, similar structures. No engineer or architect required. Use fillable forms to design to specification. Site plan still required.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity and critical area review requirements.
- 01 Research the parcel using online tools: general information (zoning, jurisdictions, prior permits), natural environment (open space, shoreline, moratoriums), site constraints (wetlands, hazard areas, flood zones).
- 02 Pre-application screening required for parcels with critical areas.
- 03 Create site plan - vital for permitting; incorrect plans cause delays.
- 04 Submit application - upload PDF submittal materials through permits dashboard.
- 05 Track status online.
- 06 Pay fees - fee invoice sent when application deemed complete.
- 07 Schedule inspections online or by phone.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity and critical area review requirements.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective February 1, 2026 (impact fees increased; verify current effective date)
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$30
02
Plan check fee
65% of permit fee
03
Permit fee formula
Based on valuation: $0-$500 = $30; $501-$2,000 = $30 + $4 per $100 over $500; $2,001-$25,000 = $90 + $17.50 per $1,000 over $2,000; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $7,155 + $4 per $1,000 over $1,000,000
Fee invoice sent when application deemed complete. Pay through permits dashboard or in person.
Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective February 1, 2026 (impact fees increased; verify current effective date)) before budgeting.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Permits dashboard (online)
- (253) 798-2769 (phone)
- Scheduling deadline
- Contact Development Center for current scheduling deadlines.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday, 9 a.m. - 2 p.m. (Technical support unavailable 12-12:30 p.m.)
- Time windows
- Standard inspections: Foundation/footings, Framing/structural, Rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, Insulation, Final inspection.
Typical sequence: Virtual inspections available for: Water/furnace replacements, footings/foundation additions, insulation, re-inspections, final inspections. Requirements: Internet access and portable video streaming device.
Virtual inspections available for eligible project types. Schedule by calling (253) 798-2769.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about unincorporated Pierce County permits
01 Do I need a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction in unincorporated Pierce County.
02 How much does a building permit cost in unincorporated Pierce County, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in unincorporated Pierce County, 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: $0-$500 = $30; $501-$2,000 = $30 + $4 per $100 over $500; $2,001-$25,000 = $90 + $17.50 per $1,000 over $2,000; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $7,155 + $4 per $1,000 over $1,000,000. Plan check fee: 65% of permit fee.
03 How do I apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, WA, follow these steps: 1. Research the parcel using online tools: general information (zoning, jurisdictions, prior permits), natural environment (open space, shoreline, moratoriums), site constraints (wetlands, hazard areas, flood zones). 2. Pre-application screening required for parcels with critical areas. 3. Create site plan - vital for permitting; incorrect plans cause delays. 4. Submit application - upload PDF submittal materials through permits dashboard. 5. Track status online. 6. Pay fees - fee invoice sent when application deemed complete. 7. Schedule inspections online or by phone.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in unincorporated Pierce County, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in unincorporated Pierce County, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity and critical area review requirements.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in unincorporated Pierce County, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in unincorporated Pierce County, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures used as tool/storage sheds, playhouses, similar uses under 200 sq ft; Agricultural structures up to 600 sq ft (since 2015); Fences not over 7 feet high; Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge); Water tanks supported directly on grade under 5,000 gallons; Sidewalks and driveways; Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops; Portable heating and ventilation appliances; Agricultural/deer fences up to 8 feet tall. Note: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other codes. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.
06 How do I schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pierce County, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in unincorporated Pierce County, WA via: Permits dashboard, (253) 798-2769. Contact Development Center for current scheduling deadlines..
last verified April 2026
source Planning & Public Works - Development Center ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/unincorporated
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning & Public Works - Development Center before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.