City Building Permits

Tacoma, WA Building Permit Guide

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

Washington Pierce County Updated March 2026

Permit Authority

All properties within the incorporated City of Tacoma.

Department
Planning & Development Services
Address
747 Market Street, Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402
Phone
(253) 591-5030
Website
https://www.cityoftacoma.org/permits

Online Permit Portal

Open Tacoma Permits (Accela)

Platform: Accela • Account required: Yes • Submission: Online only

Additional resources:

Application Process

  1. Research project and site to understand zoning and code requirements.
  2. Prepare complete documentation including building permit application, site/floor/elevation plans, structural/mechanical/electrical/plumbing drawings, contractor license or homeowner identifier, and utility plans as needed.
  3. Submit all required documents via Accela online portal.
  4. City intake staff verify completeness; specialists examine submissions and issue checksheets for corrections.
  5. Pay final fees after approval; permit invoice generated within portal.
  6. Post permit visibly at project site and schedule required inspections.

Typical processing time: Plan review times vary by project complexity; see portal for current timelines.

Source: Planning & Development Services

General Requirements

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

Required Documents

  • Completed building permit application (residential or commercial)
  • Site, floor, and elevation plans
  • Structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing drawings (if applicable)
  • Contractor license or homeowner identifier
  • Utility plans as needed
Permit validity
Building permits are valid for 180 days from issuance unless otherwise specified.
Building code
2021 Washington State Building Code with amendments, effective March 15, 2024. Building Official determines valuation using ICC Building Valuation Data Table.
Owner-builder
Homeowners may act as owner-builders; submit homeowner identifier per city requirements.
Contractor requirements
All contractors must be registered with Washington State L&I before commencing work. Tacoma Power electrical permits handled separately for electrical work.

Fees

Minimum permit fee
$53
Plan check fee
45% of building permit fee
Permit fee formula
Residential new construction: 1.31% of ICC valuation. Additions and remodels: 2.81% of ICC valuation (minimum $170). Commercial uses graduated scale based on valuation.
Trade permit fee
See trade-specific fee schedule
Reinspection fee
Per fee schedule
Penalty (no permit)
Per fee schedule for work without permit
Payment note
Pay fees through Accela portal.

Fees change. Verify current amounts at the official fee schedule (effective Verify current effective date with Planning & Development Services).

Work That Does NOT Require a Permit

  • Sidewalks and driveways (site development permits may still be required)
  • Reroofing of single-family/duplex residential buildings (if existing coverings removed, new material under 2.5 lbs/sq ft, no framing changes, not unreinforced masonry)
  • Portable heating and ventilation appliances
  • Minor repairs (patching drywall, replacing windows/doors in same rough opening)
  • Interior cosmetic work (painting, flooring, cabinets, trim)
  • One-story detached accessory structures under 200 sq ft
  • Fences not over 7 feet high
  • Retaining walls not over 4 feet high (unless supporting surcharge)
  • Agricultural fences up to 8 feet tall

Important: Even exempt work must comply with zoning and other code requirements. Confirm edge cases with Planning & Development Services before proceeding.

Inspections

How to Schedule

Scheduling deadline
Contact city for current scheduling requirements.
Inspection hours
Monday-Friday, standard business hours (confirm with city)
Time windows
Inspection windows vary by inspection type.

Typical inspection sequence: Standard sequence: foundation/footings, rough electrical/plumbing/mechanical, framing, insulation, final inspection.

Certain inspection types may be conducted remotely at the city's discretion.

Additional Resources

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

Need help with your project?

Navigating permits in Tacoma can be complicated.

Jaspector connects you with local experts who can review your scope, verify your contractor, and help you understand what permits your project actually needs.

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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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