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§ 02
When a permit is required
Permit triggers and exempt work for University Place
A building permit is required for construction within the City of University Place.
One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
Minor interior alterations not affecting structural components
Fences under height limits
Retaining walls under specified heights
- Exempt One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
- Exempt Minor interior alterations not affecting structural components
- Exempt Fences under height limits
- Exempt Retaining walls under specified heights
Note: Standard IRC/IBC exemptions apply. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Development Services before proceeding.
Required documents
- Completed permit application
- Scaled site plan showing property dimensions, easements, and structures
- Plumbing plans
- Mechanical plans
- Energy code details
- Window schedule with U-Factors
- 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 Planning and Development Services.
- Contractor requirements
- All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Complete, legible plans required meeting current codes. Seismic Design Category: D1 (IRC) or D (IBC). Snow Load: 25 pounds per square foot. Basic Wind Speed: 80 mph. Exposure: Mostly B, some areas C and D facing Puget Sound.
§ 03
Application process
Typical processing: Processing time varies by project complexity.
- 01 Check Development Specifications & Design Standards for infrastructure requirements.
- 02 Review Zoning Code for allowable uses and standards.
- 03 Submit preliminary plans to identify potential code conflicts (encouraged).
- 04 Complete permit application with all required details including plumbing, mechanical, energy, and window details.
- 05 Submit complete, legible plans meeting current codes.
- 06 Provide scaled site plan showing property dimensions, easements, and structures.
Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity.
§ 04
Fee schedule
Effective Verify current effective date with Planning and Development Services
Fee type
Amount
01
Minimum permit fee
$26.45
02
Plan check fee
65% of Building Permit Fee (minimum $62.50)
03
Permit fee formula
Based on valuation: $1-$500 = $26.45; $501-$2,000 = $26.45 + $4 per $100 over $500; $2,001-$25,000 = $86.45 + $16 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $454.45 + $11.90 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $751.95 + $7.65 per $1,000 over $50,000. NOTE: Fee table incomplete for valuations above $100,000.
04
Trade permit fee
See flat fee permits and fee schedule
05
Reinspection fee
$100/hour
06
Penalty (no permit)
Double the permit fee for work without permit
Fees paid through online system or at city offices.
§ 05
Required inspections
Scheduling and sequence
How to schedule
- Scheduling deadline
- Schedule inspections as required throughout project.
- Inspection hours
- Monday-Friday during business hours (confirm with city)
- Time windows
- Inspection windows vary by project phase.
Typical sequence: Final inspection required for Certificate of Occupancy.
Contact Planning and Development Services for remote inspection options.
§ 06
Frequently asked
Common questions about University Place permits
01 Do I need a building permit in University Place, WA? ▸
A building permit is required for construction within the City of University Place.
02 How much does a building permit cost in University Place, WA? ▸
Building permit fees in University Place, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. The minimum permit fee is $26.45. Fees are calculated as: Based on valuation: $1-$500 = $26.45; $501-$2,000 = $26.45 + $4 per $100 over $500; $2,001-$25,000 = $86.45 + $16 per $1,000 over $2,000; $25,001-$50,000 = $454.45 + $11.90 per $1,000 over $25,000; $50,001-$100,000 = $751.95 + $7.65 per $1,000 over $50,000. NOTE: Fee table incomplete for valuations above $100,000.. Plan check fee: 65% of Building Permit Fee (minimum $62.50).
03 How do I apply for a building permit in University Place, WA? ▸
To apply for a building permit in University Place, WA, follow these steps: 1. Check Development Specifications & Design Standards for infrastructure requirements. 2. Review Zoning Code for allowable uses and standards. 3. Submit preliminary plans to identify potential code conflicts (encouraged). 4. Complete permit application with all required details including plumbing, mechanical, energy, and window details. 5. Submit complete, legible plans meeting current codes. 6. Provide scaled site plan showing property dimensions, easements, and structures.
04 How long does it take to get a building permit in University Place, WA? ▸
Building permit processing times in University Place, WA typically run Processing time varies by project complexity.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.
05 What work is exempt from building permits in University Place, WA? ▸
Not all construction work requires a permit in University Place, WA. The following work is generally exempt: One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft; Minor interior alterations not affecting structural components; Fences under height limits; Retaining walls under specified heights. Note: Standard IRC/IBC exemptions apply. Confirm edge cases with Planning and 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 University Place, WA? ▸
Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in University Place, WA via: City of University Place Online System. Schedule inspections as required throughout project..
last verified April 2026
source Planning and Development Services ↗
entry id permits/washington/pierce/university-place
Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Planning and Development Services before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.