Lacey, WA — 2026 Building Permit Guide

On this page 6

§ 01

Permit authority

Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division

Street address

420 College St SE, Lacey, WA 98503

Phone

(360) 491-5642

Build@cityoflacey.org

Coverage

All properties within the incorporated City of Lacey.

Online portal

City of Lacey Building Permit Information

Manual (Mail, In-Person, or Email)

§ 02

When a permit is required

Permit triggers and exempt work for Lacey

Permit required to construct, enlarge, repair, alter, move, demolish, or change occupancy of any building, or modify electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas systems.

Scope of work

Permit?

Over-the-counter permits available for simple projects: hot water heater replacement, electrical circuit addition, re-roofing, re-siding

Exempt

Specific exemptions listed in applicable building codes

Exempt

Exempt Over-the-counter permits available for simple projects: hot water heater replacement, electrical circuit addition, re-roofing, re-siding
Exempt Specific exemptions listed in applicable building codes

Note: Even if exempt from permits, setbacks and code requirements still apply. Contact Building Department for exemption determination.

Required documents

Building permit application
Site plan meeting submittal requirements
Construction plan sets (number as specified on application)
Engineering calculations (if applicable)
Energy code compliance forms

Building code: 2021 IBC, 2021 IECC, 2021 IFC
Contractor requirements: Contractor registration may be required. Pre-submittal meetings encouraged to discuss code issues.

Source: Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division ↗

§ 03

Application process

Typical processing: Residential addition/alteration/remodel review: 2 weeks. New single-family residence: 2 weeks until first plan review letter. Commercial: 3-4 weeks until first plan review letter.

01

Contact staff to confirm project requirements via planning@cityoflacey.org.
02

Schedule pre-submittal meeting (encouraged to discuss code issues).
03

Complete appropriate application form.
04

Submit construction plan sets with required number of copies.
05

Include: site plan, engineering calculations, complete construction documents, and energy code compliance forms.
06

Pay plan check fees (commercial applications require fees at submittal).
07

Respond to plan review comments.
08

Pay remaining fees and receive permit.

Typical processing time: Residential addition/alteration/remodel review: 2 weeks. New single-family residence: 2 weeks until first plan review letter. Commercial: 3-4 weeks until first plan review letter.

Source: Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division ↗

§ 04

Fee schedule

Effective 2026

Fee type

Amount

Plan check fee

Commercial applications require plan check fees paid at submittal

Permit fee formula

Contact department for current fee schedule

Payment methods: Cash, check, or credit card. Over-the-counter permits available for simple projects (hot water heater replacement, electrical circuit addition, re-roofing, re-siding).

Fees change periodically. Confirm at the official fee schedule ↗ (effective 2026) before budgeting.

§ 05

Required inspections

Scheduling and sequence

How to schedule

(360) 491-5642 (phone)

Scheduling deadline: 24-hour notice required for scheduling inspections.

Typical sequence: Preconstruction meeting may be required for larger projects. Fire code official conducts fire-related inspections.

Source: Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division ↗

§ 06

Frequently asked

Common questions about Lacey permits

01 Do I need a building permit in Lacey, WA? ▸

Permit required to construct, enlarge, repair, alter, move, demolish, or change occupancy of any building, or modify electrical, plumbing, mechanical, or gas systems.

02 How much does a building permit cost in Lacey, WA? ▸

Building permit fees in Lacey, WA are set by the local building department and vary by project type and valuation. Fees are calculated as: Contact department for current fee schedule. Plan check fee: Commercial applications require plan check fees paid at submittal.

03 How do I apply for a building permit in Lacey, WA? ▸

To apply for a building permit in Lacey, WA, follow these steps: 1. Contact staff to confirm project requirements via planning@cityoflacey.org. 2. Schedule pre-submittal meeting (encouraged to discuss code issues). 3. Complete appropriate application form. 4. Submit construction plan sets with required number of copies. 5. Include: site plan, engineering calculations, complete construction documents, and energy code compliance forms. 6. Pay plan check fees (commercial applications require fees at submittal). 7. Respond to plan review comments. 8. Pay remaining fees and receive permit.

04 How long does it take to get a building permit in Lacey, WA? ▸

Building permit processing times in Lacey, WA typically run Residential addition/alteration/remodel review: 2 weeks. New single-family residence: 2 weeks until first plan review letter. Commercial: 3-4 weeks until first plan review letter.. Timelines can vary based on project complexity and current department workload.

05 What work is exempt from building permits in Lacey, WA? ▸

Not all construction work requires a permit in Lacey, WA. The following work is generally exempt: Over-the-counter permits available for simple projects: hot water heater replacement, electrical circuit addition, re-roofing, re-siding; Specific exemptions listed in applicable building codes. Note: Even if exempt from permits, setbacks and code requirements still apply. Contact Building Department for exemption determination. When in doubt, confirm with the local building department before starting work.

06 How do I schedule a building inspection in Lacey, WA? ▸

Once your permit is issued and work reaches an inspection milestone, you can schedule a building inspection in Lacey, WA via: (360) 491-5642. 24-hour notice required for scheduling inspections..

last verified April 2026 source Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division ↗ entry id permits/washington/thurston/lacey

Report a correction

Educational reference. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with Community and Economic Development Department - Building Division before applying. Jaspector is not legal advice.

City of Lacey

Other jurisdictions in Thurston County.