Apply for Permits

Scheduling a Meeting

Application Services – Schedule a Meeting
For general permitting assistance and larger development projects.

Topics include: 

• Pre-development review options
• Project feasibility
• Online permitting tools

Residential Building and Site Development – Schedule a Meeting
For single-family homes, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units (ADUs). 

Topics include: 

• Building code requirements
• Traffic
• Off-site improvements
• Sanitary/storm sewer regulations

Commercial Building Code – Schedule a Meeting
For commercial, industrial, and multifamily development projects.

Topics include: 

• Building code requirements
• Life safety and accessibility
• Structural requirements
• Plumbing, mechanical, and energy systems

Land Use – Schedule a Meeting
For zoning, land use, and development regulations.

Topics include: 

• Zoning standards and setbacks
• Property research 
• Land use permit requirements
• Subdivisions and lot changes
• SEPA requirements
• Allowed property uses
• Home in Tacoma code changes
  

E-Permits

E-permits allow customers to apply for select permits online through Accela. Eligible permits can be submitted electronically without visiting the permit counter.

Available e-permits include:

Residential

• Irrigation System Backflow Preventer
• Residential Roof Overlay
• Residential Water Connection Repair

Commercial

• Commercial Roof Overlay
• Commercial Strip and Re-roof
• Irrigation System Backflow Preventer

Fire

• Fire Alarm
• Alarm Transmitters
• Fire Sprinkler Systems

Apply online through Accela: Customer Access Portal – Accela

Over the Counter Requests (OTC)

Visit the applicable permit category page to learn more about permit requirements.

• Residential Permits
• Commercial Permits
• Site Development Permits

Set an Appointment
Once you have submitted your application online and received a permit number, you can request an OTC appointment.

To schedule an appointment:

1. Email AppServices@tacoma.gov
2. Include your permit number in the subject line.
3. Indicate that you are requesting an OTC appointment in the body of the email.
4. Include your preferred meeting format (in person or phone) and your availability.

Phone Appointments
If a phone appointment is preferred, indicate this as part of your OTC appointment email to AppServices@tacoma.gov.

Know before your appointment
To help ensure your appointment goes smoothly:

• Review permit-specific requirements before scheduling your appointment.
• Bring all required application materials and supporting documents.
• Electronic files should be provided on a USB drive, if applicable.
• Plans larger than 8.5″x11″ may not be able to be scanned at the permit counter.
• Some permit types require a bond before permit approval.
• Additional review may be required depending on the scope of work and completeness of the application

If Additional Review Is Required
Not all permits can be approved during an over-the-counter appointment. If additional review or plan revisions are needed, City staff will provide information on next steps and any required revisions.

Types of Pre-Application Processes

Option A Pre-Development– Recommended for projects that need written staff feedback before submitting a permit application.
Includes: Electronic staff review, written comment memo, no meeting with city staff.
Fee: $1, 670

Option B Pre-Development- Recommended for larger or more complex projects that would benefit from meeting with city staff.
Includes: Electronic staff review, written comment memo, meeting with city staff, post-meeting summary.
Fee: $3,340

• As part of either option, applicants must submit a conceptual site plan with their request. The conceptual site plan may be schematic and does not need to be professionally surveyed, it should identify property lines, the proposed building footprint, site access, and proposed parking locations.
• Applicants may also choose to participate in the City’s Critical Areas Pilot Program. If selected, a City biologist may conduct a site visit to determine whether additional critical area review is necessary. Additional review time may be required.
• Pre-application fees may be credited toward eligible building plan review fees if a permit application is submitted within one year of the pre-application request. Please note that fees charged for a PRE can only be credited towards a Building Permit (BLD).
• Affordable housing projects with 10 or more units proposed by a nonprofit organization may qualify for an Option A review at no cost.

Residential Coaching
This service is designed for small-scale residential projects and is provided by the Residential Review team at no cost. This service is typically appropriate for:

• Single-family homes
• Duplexes
• Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
• Garages

The Residential Review team does not include written feedback or review by groups outside of their team.

Commercial Coaching
Commercial Coaching is available for commercial, industrial, and multi-family development projects with three or more units.

This service provides project-specifc guidance and is intended to answer questions about permit requirements. It is not intended for general feasibility review. Depending on your project, you may be asked to provide:

• Site plan
• Floor plan
• Drawing details
• Associated calculations

When submitting a Commercial Coaching request, describe the questions or topics you would like to discuss in the project description.

Required Land Use Pre-Application
Certain Land Use Permits require that a pre-application request (PRE) be submitted prior to formal submittal of the Land Use application. The purpose of the required land use pre-application is to determine readiness for land use permit submittal.

Required Land Use PREs are reviewed by the Land Use team to determine whether the application materials have been provided. If your project has already completed a fee-for-service Option A or Option B Pre-Development review, that record may be used for the required PRE. However, additional materials may still be needed before submitting a formal land use permit application.

For larger or more complex land use projects, such as site-specific rezones, conditional use permits, and plats, Option A or Option B is recommended. These reviews provide more comprehensive feedback than the required Land Use PRE, including input from multiple City review teams that may identify project considerations beyond land use requirements.

How to Submit a Prep-Application Request

Pre-application requests can be submitted online through our permitting portal Tacoma Permits (ACA). Select the Permits tab, read/accept the disclaimer, then select Pre-Application Request. Fill out the request form and attach concept drawings. You will receive a response within 2 business days.

To help staff provide meaningful feedback, including the following with your request:

• Site plan showing the proposed building footprint
• Project proposal
• List of questions or topics you would like addressed

Continued Project Coordination

As soon as you have submitted development permits online, email the permit application numbers associated with the project to the assigned project coordinator that worked with you as part of the PRE process. Project coordinators can help to facilitate discussing during the formal permit review process to ensure that requirements have maintained consistent and will work with the reviewers and the applicant if there has been a change in the project scope or standards.

Navigating the Accela Permitting Platform

Getting Started with Accela

Accela is the online permitting platform. You can use Accela to apply for permits, submit documents, track application status, and communicate with City staff throughout the permitting process.

If you’re new to Accela, create an account to get started and review the Getting Started Guide.

Electronic File Standards

To help avoid delays in processing your permit application, all documents uploaded through Accela must meet specific standards. Before submitting your application, review the requirements to ensure your files are formatted correctly and meet all submission standards. Click here to open the Electronic File Standards tipsheet.

Fees and Payments

Permit Fee Estimator

This fee estimator is intended for informational purposes only and will help you estimate what your permit fees will be.

 

How to Make Online Payments

Once permit fees have been invoiced, there are two different ways to pay online.

Without an Account: 

1. Go to the website: https://aca-prod.accela.com/TACOMA/Default.aspx
2. Enter the record number in the search tool at the top right-side corner of the screen
3. Select the Record Number link
4. Select the drop-down box for payments, then choose fees
5. Choose pay fees and follow the rest of the prompts:

With an Account:

1. Login to your Tacoma Permits (ACA)account
2. Select the record number under My Records
3. Select Fees under the Payments drop-down menu
4. Select the Pay Fees link
5. Select Check Out and follow the remaining prompts to enter payment information.

Note: If you would like to have full access to a permit record (for easier payment access, detailed document and status availability, etc.), a permitting account will need to be created online. Once the account is created, email AppServices@tacoma.gov to request that the account be linked to the permit record.

Overdue Fee Collection Policy

Planning and Development Services will regularly review overdue balances and may take one or more of
the following actions to prevent or address delinquent permit or work order balances.

Actions include:

• Collection of fees between review cycles
• Certificate of occupancy issuance
• Permit extensions
• Plan of action payment plan
• Inspection scheduling
• Requirement of a deposit
• Assessment of late fees
• Limitations on the issuance of future permits for work in the right-of-way
• Increased bond obligation
• Collections referral

Click here to learn more details about the Overdue Fee Collection Policy.

FAQs

Why do I need a permit?

Permits help ensure that work is done safely and meets applicable codes and regulations. Building codes exist, in part, to protect the public from unlicensed contractors and substandard building materials. By enforcing construction standards permits give you and future occupants/ owners of a property assurance that the work and materials have been inspected.

How do I check the review status of a permit?

To check the review status of a permit, log into your Accela account at https://aca.accela.com/tacoma and select Search Permit Records (1). Then enter in the permit number (2) and access the details of the permit. Under the menu Record Info select Processing Status (3).

When are mechanical and plumbing permits required?

Mechanical permits are required for the addition, replacement, repair or alteration of mechanical systems in structures. This includes gas lines, propane tanks, and associated piping for flammable liquids. Plumbing permits are required for all plumbing work including water service, drains, water mains, sewage disposal systems and related fixtures and appliances.

Is both a business license and contractor's license required? If so, how can I, or my company, obtain one?

Yes, to do work in the City of Tacoma both a City business license and Washington State contractor’s license are required. For information on obtaining a Washington State Contractor’s License contact the State of Washington Contractor’s License division 1-800-647-0982.
For information on obtaining a City of Tacoma business license please contact the City of Tacoma Business License Department  (253) 591-5252.

Is a license required to operate a business from home?

Yes, for information on Home Occupation Standards see our Home Occupations tip sheet or contact Development Services at (253) 591-5030, press option 3 then option 2. For information on business license requirements, contact the City of Tacoma Tax & License Department at (253) 591-5252

What is my permit fee?

Permit fees are based on the type of permit and project specifics. Items such as the valuation of work, new square footage, number of plumbing fixtures, and floor area determine the permit cost.  For an estimate of your permit fees, use our Fee Estimator.

How much does my land use permit cost?

Use the Fee Estimator to find Land Use permit fees. Choose Other Permits for the permit type.