Lakewood, WA Building Permit Guide

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Lakewood.

Department

Planning and Public Works Department

Address

6000 Main St. SW, Lakewood, WA 98499

Phone

(253) 512-2261

Email

permits@cityoflakewood.us

Website

https://cityoflakewood.us/

Online Permit Portal

Application Process

1. Research parcel and verify zoning and property information.
2. Prepare completed application forms and gather required documentation.
3. Create scaled site plan showing project and land features.
4. Upload application and site plan via Online Permit Center.
5. Monitor progress through portal.
6. Pay fees online (2.9% convenience fee), by mail, or in person.
7. Request inspection through Online Permit Center.

Typical processing time: Processing time varies by project complexity; monitor status through portal.

Source: Planning and Public Works Department

General Requirements

A building permit is required for construction and alterations within the City of Lakewood.

Required Documents

• Completed permit application
• Site plan showing correlation to land features and lot lines
• Construction plans and drawings
• Project specifications

Permit validity

Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless extended.

Building code

2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments. Technology fee of 2% applies to planning and development permits.

Owner-builder

Homeowners may act as owner-builders; confirm requirements with Planning and Public Works Department.

Contractor requirements

All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I. Site plan required showing correlation to land features and lot lines. Pre-application meetings available for complex projects.

Fees

Minimum permit fee

$30

Plan check fee

65% of permit fee (minimum 1 hour)

Permit fee formula

Based on valuation: $30-$500 = $30; $501-$2,000 = $30 + $4 per $100 over $500; continues in graduated brackets to $1,000,001+ = $23,155 + $3 per $1,000 over $5,000,000

Trade permit fee

See fee schedule for trade-specific rates

Reinspection fee

$120 per occurrence

Penalty (no permit)

$120/hour for investigation of unpermitted work (2-hour minimum)

Payment note

Convenience fee of 2.9% applied to online payments.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective January 1, 2025).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

• One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft (unheated tool/storage sheds, playhouses)
• Fences not over 6 feet high
• Retaining walls not over 4 feet high
• Water tanks under 5,000 gallons supported directly on grade
• Sidewalks and driveways
• Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, countertops
• Window awnings projecting less than 54 inches

Important: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and construction codes. Confirm edge cases with Planning and Public Works Department before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

• Online Permit Center (PALS) (online)

Scheduling deadline

Schedule inspections well in advance based on staff availability.

Inspection hours

Monday-Friday during business hours (confirm with city)

Time windows

Inspections scheduled in order received based on staff availability.

Typical inspection sequence: Both site development and structural inspections may be required.

Contact city for remote inspection options.

Additional Resources

• Building code: 2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments. Technology fee of 2% applies to planning and development permits.
• Verify contractor license: WA L&I Contractor Lookup
• Customer Meetings (Tuesday-Thursday, 9 a.m. - 12 p.m.)
• Pre-application Conferences for Large Developments
• License lookup guide: Washington Contractor License Requirements
• Contract template: Washington Homeowner-Contractor Agreement
• Washington hub: Washington Contractor License & Permit Hub

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