City Building Permits

Gig Harbor, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Pierce County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Gig Harbor.

Department
Planning Division
Phone
(253) 851-6170
Website
https://www.gigharborwa.gov/

Online Permit Portal

Open Email Submission

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

Application Process

  1. Review applicable regulations and zoning requirements.
  2. Prepare application and required submittal documents.
  3. Submit to planningintake@gigharborwa.gov
  4. Invoice sent for permit fees once all documents received.
  5. Review begins once all fees are paid.
  6. Schedule inspections after permit is issued.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project type and complexity.

Source: Planning Division

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Completed application
  • Site plan
  • Erosion control measures diagram
  • Construction plans and drawings
Permit validity
Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.
Building code
2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments.
Owner-builder
Confirm owner-builder requirements with Planning Division.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Commercial development, subdivisions, and short plats require frontage improvements if none exist. Impact fees and GFCs paid during building permit process. Performance bond required (125% of approved Engineer's Estimate).

Fees

Permit fee formula
Fee schedule established by Resolution 1331 for police services, land use applications, building permits, and engineering fees. Specific dollar amounts not available in research.
Payment note
Invoice sent when application is complete; payment required before review begins.

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

Contact the Planning Division to confirm whether your project requires a permit before starting work.

Inspections

How to Schedule

  • Planning Division (phone)
Scheduling deadline
72-hour minimum for scheduling pre-construction meetings after civil mylars sent.
Inspection hours
Contact Planning Division for hours.
Time windows
Contact Planning Division for inspection windows.

Typical inspection sequence: Inspections required for civil infrastructure and building construction. All erosion control measures must be in place before inspections.

Contact Planning Division for remote inspection options.

Additional Resources

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

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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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