Whether you're breaking ground on a commercial build in the Brewery District or planning a residential remodel in North End, one thing’s certain: you’ll need to navigate Tacoma’s permitting process to get started. From new construction to system upgrades, Tacoma, Washington has clear (but sometimes complex) requirements for permits — and missing a step can delay your timeline or trigger costly corrections.
This guide walks you through the essentials of Tacoma permitting: what requires a permit, what doesn’t, how much it’ll cost, and how to apply — so your next project moves forward without surprises.
The City of Tacoma building permit requirements include most construction, structural, and system-based work.
Here are some examples of work that typically requires a permit:
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings
Structural alterations: moving or removing load-bearing walls
Demolition of buildings or structural elements
New or altered stairways, ramps, elevators, and escalators
Reroofing on commercial buildings or complex multi-unit structures
Retaining walls over 4 ft high or supporting loads (driveways, slopes)
Decks or fences (size thresholds vary, typically over 200 sq. ft. or 7 ft high)
Installation or alteration of fire suppression systems, sprinklers, and fire alarms
Changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems beyond basic repairs
System upgrades like new utility connections, canopies, and site work
Projects that don’t require a permit in Tacoma
Building permits are not required for minor changes, replacements, or specific cosmetic work.
Here’s a more detailed list:
Minor repairs: patching drywall, replacing windows/doors in the same rough opening
Interior cosmetic work: painting, flooring, cabinets, trim
Temporary structures and play equipment (small tool sheds, <200 sq. ft., <7 ft fences)
Portable appliance replacement (e.g., dishwashers, garbage disposals, laundry hookups if no rough-in)
Minor landscaping, including small patios or walkways not involving structures
Note: Exact thresholds and exemptions vary based on project type and zoning — size, location, and scope matter.
To get more information on your specific construction project, check out the What Requires a Permit page.
Tacoma building permit fees
Tacoma permit fees vary based on project type, valuation, and complexity.
Residential fees
Work type
Permit fee
Plan review fee
New Construction
1.31% of ICC valuation
45% of building permit fee
Additions
2.81% of ICC valuation
45% of building permit fee
Remodels
2.81% of ICC valuation (min $170)
45% of building permit fee
Commercial fees
Project valuation
Permit fee
$1 – $500
$53
$501 – $2,000
$53 + $7 for each $100 over $500
$2,001 – $25,000
$160 + $30 for each $1,000 over $2,000
$25,001 – $50,000
$850 + $23 for each $1,000 over $25,000
$50,001 – $100,000
$1,410 + $15 for each $1,000 over $50,000
$100,001 – $500,000
$2,160 + $13 for each $1,000 over $100,000
$500,001 – $1,000,000
$7,150 + $10 for each $1,000 over $500,000
$1,000,001+
$12,140 + $8.50 for each $1,000 over $1,000,000
To learn more about your specific case, refer to the fee schedule page.
Pro tip: To estimate your total permitting fees, try out the city’s fee calculator.
Tacoma trade permits
Trade permits in Tacoma are issued separately for licensed professionals. Below are the most common categories.
Plumbing permits
Required for all new plumbing work, including:
Water heater installs
Drain or vent changes
Gas piping additions
Plumbing permit costs
Component
Fee
Permit issuance
$60
First unit of any element (fixture, trap, valve, etc.)
$43
Each additional unit of any element
$17
Final test (factory-built structures, per fixture)
$12
Under-slab or ground-work plumbing
$58
Electrical permits
Tacoma electrical permits cover:
Panel upgrades
Circuit additions
EV charger installs
Low-voltage systems (e.g., alarms)
Electrical permit costs
Scope
Service type
Permit fee
1–200A service / <2500 sq ft
Overhead service/PV (2 trips)
$80
1–200A service / <2500 sq ft
Underground service/PV (4 trips)
$160
1–200A service / <2500 sq ft
Feeder only (2 trips)
$60
201–400A service / <4000 sq ft
Overhead service/PV
$120
201–400A service / <4000 sq ft
Underground service/PV
$200
201–400A service / <4000 sq ft
Feeder only
$70
Item
Permit fee
Inspections included
Branch circuit installation/repair (1–4 circuits)
$50
Two inspections
Each additional circuit
$5
–
Pool equipment/wiring
$120
Three inspections
Generator transfer panel/equipment
$60
One inspection
HVAC (mechanical) permits
Mechanical permits are required for:
Furnace installs
Air conditioner and heat pump systems
Ductwork alterations
HVAC permit costs
System / Unit
Fee
Commercial refrigeration (5% of building valuation; Table 8-1)
per Table 8-1
HVAC systems (10% of building valuation; Table 8-1)
per Table 8-1
First unit in R-1/R-2 hotel or apt. buildings
$200
Replacement of individual mechanical unit
$200 per unit
Residential duct work or exhaust fan (≤ 4 units)
$140 per dwelling
Residential gas piping (≤ 4 units)
$140 per dwelling
Commercial duct work & large residential (≥ 5 units)
$200 per space
Commercial gas piping (≥ 5 units)
$200 per space
Need help with trade permit submissions? PermitFlow takes care of the paperwork, so you can focus on the build, not the bureaucracy.
How to apply for a building permit in Tacoma
Step 1: Prepare your materials
Research your project and site: Understand zoning, code requirements, site constraints. Use the city’s handy "Getting Started" tip sheets and checklists. Compile required documentation:
Utility plans (e.g., water, sewer, Tacoma Power) as needed
Step 2: Apply online
Submit your permit request using Tacoma’s Accela online portal. Here, you have to upload all required documents digitally (DAC Drop in DevHub-style submission for architectural, structural, or civil plans).
Step 3: Plan review
Intake staff verify completeness: Incomplete ones are quickly returned
Technical review proceeds: Specialists (planning, structural, mechanical, etc.) examine submissions and issue “checksheets” for necessary corrections
Resubmit corrected plans via the portal until all comments are addressed
Step 4: Pay final fees
After final approval, a permit invoice is generated within the portal.
Fees here might include:
Building permit
Plan review charges
Impact or utility-related fees
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
At this stage, you have to post your permit visibly at the project site. Additionally, don't forget to schedule inspections through the portal or the IVR/text line (844-475-1480).
Tacoma permitting resources
City of Tacoma – Planning & Development Services
Address: 747 Market Street, Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402
Navigating Tacoma’s permitting process can be cumbersome — especially if you're new to the city or juggling multiple projects. Instead of spending time on paperwork, resubmissions, and department visits, let PermitFlow handle it for you.
PermitFlow is permit software built for builders, contractors, and developers who want to stay focused on construction, not city red tape.
Construction and trades pros trust PermitFlow because we provide:
Local expertise: Our team knows Tacoma's permit requirements completely, so your paperwork gets submitted properly
Total visibility: Track all your permits in one streamlined dashboard
Faster approvals: Our team gets it right the first time to avoid delays.
Whether you're breaking ground on a commercial build in the Brewery District or planning a residential remodel in North End, one thing’s certain: you’ll need to navigate Tacoma’s permitting process to get started. From new construction to system upgrades, Tacoma, Washington has clear (but sometimes complex) requirements for permits — and missing a step can delay your timeline or trigger costly corrections.
This guide walks you through the essentials of Tacoma permitting: what requires a permit, what doesn’t, how much it’ll cost, and how to apply — so your next project moves forward without surprises.
The City of Tacoma building permit requirements include most construction, structural, and system-based work.
Here are some examples of work that typically requires a permit:
Construction of new buildings or additions to existing buildings
Structural alterations: moving or removing load-bearing walls
Demolition of buildings or structural elements
New or altered stairways, ramps, elevators, and escalators
Reroofing on commercial buildings or complex multi-unit structures
Retaining walls over 4 ft high or supporting loads (driveways, slopes)
Decks or fences (size thresholds vary, typically over 200 sq. ft. or 7 ft high)
Installation or alteration of fire suppression systems, sprinklers, and fire alarms
Changes to electrical, plumbing, or mechanical systems beyond basic repairs
System upgrades like new utility connections, canopies, and site work
Projects that don’t require a permit in Tacoma
Building permits are not required for minor changes, replacements, or specific cosmetic work.
Here’s a more detailed list:
Minor repairs: patching drywall, replacing windows/doors in the same rough opening
Interior cosmetic work: painting, flooring, cabinets, trim
Temporary structures and play equipment (small tool sheds, <200 sq. ft., <7 ft fences)
Portable appliance replacement (e.g., dishwashers, garbage disposals, laundry hookups if no rough-in)
Minor landscaping, including small patios or walkways not involving structures
Note: Exact thresholds and exemptions vary based on project type and zoning — size, location, and scope matter.
To get more information on your specific construction project, check out the What Requires a Permit page.
Tacoma building permit fees
Tacoma permit fees vary based on project type, valuation, and complexity.
Residential fees
Work type
Permit fee
Plan review fee
New Construction
1.31% of ICC valuation
45% of building permit fee
Additions
2.81% of ICC valuation
45% of building permit fee
Remodels
2.81% of ICC valuation (min $170)
45% of building permit fee
Commercial fees
Project valuation
Permit fee
$1 – $500
$53
$501 – $2,000
$53 + $7 for each $100 over $500
$2,001 – $25,000
$160 + $30 for each $1,000 over $2,000
$25,001 – $50,000
$850 + $23 for each $1,000 over $25,000
$50,001 – $100,000
$1,410 + $15 for each $1,000 over $50,000
$100,001 – $500,000
$2,160 + $13 for each $1,000 over $100,000
$500,001 – $1,000,000
$7,150 + $10 for each $1,000 over $500,000
$1,000,001+
$12,140 + $8.50 for each $1,000 over $1,000,000
To learn more about your specific case, refer to the fee schedule page.
Pro tip: To estimate your total permitting fees, try out the city’s fee calculator.
Tacoma trade permits
Trade permits in Tacoma are issued separately for licensed professionals. Below are the most common categories.
Plumbing permits
Required for all new plumbing work, including:
Water heater installs
Drain or vent changes
Gas piping additions
Plumbing permit costs
Component
Fee
Permit issuance
$60
First unit of any element (fixture, trap, valve, etc.)
$43
Each additional unit of any element
$17
Final test (factory-built structures, per fixture)
$12
Under-slab or ground-work plumbing
$58
Electrical permits
Tacoma electrical permits cover:
Panel upgrades
Circuit additions
EV charger installs
Low-voltage systems (e.g., alarms)
Electrical permit costs
Scope
Service type
Permit fee
1–200A service / <2500 sq ft
Overhead service/PV (2 trips)
$80
1–200A service / <2500 sq ft
Underground service/PV (4 trips)
$160
1–200A service / <2500 sq ft
Feeder only (2 trips)
$60
201–400A service / <4000 sq ft
Overhead service/PV
$120
201–400A service / <4000 sq ft
Underground service/PV
$200
201–400A service / <4000 sq ft
Feeder only
$70
Item
Permit fee
Inspections included
Branch circuit installation/repair (1–4 circuits)
$50
Two inspections
Each additional circuit
$5
–
Pool equipment/wiring
$120
Three inspections
Generator transfer panel/equipment
$60
One inspection
HVAC (mechanical) permits
Mechanical permits are required for:
Furnace installs
Air conditioner and heat pump systems
Ductwork alterations
HVAC permit costs
System / Unit
Fee
Commercial refrigeration (5% of building valuation; Table 8-1)
per Table 8-1
HVAC systems (10% of building valuation; Table 8-1)
per Table 8-1
First unit in R-1/R-2 hotel or apt. buildings
$200
Replacement of individual mechanical unit
$200 per unit
Residential duct work or exhaust fan (≤ 4 units)
$140 per dwelling
Residential gas piping (≤ 4 units)
$140 per dwelling
Commercial duct work & large residential (≥ 5 units)
$200 per space
Commercial gas piping (≥ 5 units)
$200 per space
Need help with trade permit submissions? PermitFlow takes care of the paperwork, so you can focus on the build, not the bureaucracy.
How to apply for a building permit in Tacoma
Step 1: Prepare your materials
Research your project and site: Understand zoning, code requirements, site constraints. Use the city’s handy "Getting Started" tip sheets and checklists. Compile required documentation:
Utility plans (e.g., water, sewer, Tacoma Power) as needed
Step 2: Apply online
Submit your permit request using Tacoma’s Accela online portal. Here, you have to upload all required documents digitally (DAC Drop in DevHub-style submission for architectural, structural, or civil plans).
Step 3: Plan review
Intake staff verify completeness: Incomplete ones are quickly returned
Technical review proceeds: Specialists (planning, structural, mechanical, etc.) examine submissions and issue “checksheets” for necessary corrections
Resubmit corrected plans via the portal until all comments are addressed
Step 4: Pay final fees
After final approval, a permit invoice is generated within the portal.
Fees here might include:
Building permit
Plan review charges
Impact or utility-related fees
Step 5: Start work and schedule inspections
At this stage, you have to post your permit visibly at the project site. Additionally, don't forget to schedule inspections through the portal or the IVR/text line (844-475-1480).
Tacoma permitting resources
City of Tacoma – Planning & Development Services
Address: 747 Market Street, Room 345, Tacoma, WA 98402
Navigating Tacoma’s permitting process can be cumbersome — especially if you're new to the city or juggling multiple projects. Instead of spending time on paperwork, resubmissions, and department visits, let PermitFlow handle it for you.
PermitFlow is permit software built for builders, contractors, and developers who want to stay focused on construction, not city red tape.
Construction and trades pros trust PermitFlow because we provide:
Local expertise: Our team knows Tacoma's permit requirements completely, so your paperwork gets submitted properly
Total visibility: Track all your permits in one streamlined dashboard
Faster approvals: Our team gets it right the first time to avoid delays.
