City Building Permits

Fircrest, WA Building Permit Guide

How to apply for a building permit in Fircrest, Washington. Permit authority, application steps, fees, and inspection requirements.

Washington Pierce County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Fircrest.

Department: Planning and Building Department
Address: 115 Ramsdell Street, Fircrest, WA 98466
Phone: (253) 564-8901
Email: permits@cityoffircrest.net
Website: https://www.cityoffircrest.net/

Online Permit Portal

Open Paperless Permit Department (Email)

Platform: • Account required: No • Submission: In-person only

Application Process

Email required documents in PDF format to permits@cityoffircrest.net
Staff will notify when permit is ready to be picked up and fee is due.
Pay fees through specified payment methods.
Pick up permit.
Schedule inspections online or by phone.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity.

Source: Planning and Building Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction within the City of Fircrest.

Required Documents

Completed permit application (PDF format required)
Complete set of plans
Site Sketch/Site Plan (two sets)
Window schedule with U-Factors (for window projects)
Glazing schedule with diagram (for window projects)

Permit validity: Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
Owner-builder: Owner or chosen representative may draw plans if clear and detailed.
Contractor requirements: All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Complex projects may require professional engineer. Windows: Building permit + Glazing Schedule with U-Factors + diagram of window locations. Decks: Permit required if exceeds 200 sq ft, 30+ inches above grade, or attached to dwelling.

Fees

Permit fee formula: Standard building permit fees based on valuation. ADU-specific fees: Attached ADU Application $150, Detached ADU Application $1,400. Re-roof permits: One-family dwelling $56.50, Duplex $58.50.
Payment note: Contact city for payment methods.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (sheds, playhouses)
Fences not over 6 feet high
Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
Water tanks under 5,000 gallons
Sidewalks and driveways
Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
Prefabricated pools less than 24 inches deep
Swings and playground equipment
Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches
Decks not exceeding 200 sq ft, not over 30 inches above grade, not attached

Important: Even exempt work must comply with construction and zoning codes.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Code Pros (Sierra Barth) (phone)
Online scheduling through city website (online)

Scheduling deadline: Schedule by 2:30 p.m. the previous day.
Inspection hours: Tuesday and Thursday, 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.
Time windows: Standard inspections during scheduled windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required at various construction phases.

Contact city for remote inspection options.

Additional Resources

Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
Fence Review Application (for front yard/street-facing fences, free)
Fire Protection System Permits
Mechanical and Plumbing Permits
License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

Information on this page was last verified: March 2026. Permit rules and fees change — confirm current requirements directly with the Planning and Building Department before applying.

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Fircrest can be complicated.

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Important: This page is an educational resource provided by jaspector.com. It is not legal advice, and it does not substitute for official guidance from the permit authority listed above. Permit requirements, fees, and processes change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with the issuing department before beginning any construction project. Use of this page does not create an attorney-client relationship. Jaspector assumes no liability for any outcomes arising from reliance on this information.

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