Permits and Other Development Services

Building and Construction Permits

1. Permit Resource Library
2. Permits Explore TacomaPermits.org for more information on all types of permits, estimate of permit costs, and review timelines. Also, please see our Frequently Asked Questions web page to find out the types of permits that are available and when they may be necessary.
3. Getting Started Sometimes knowing where to start can be the hardest part, but PDS is committed to providing information and tools that can help with any project, regardless of size or scope. Explore our “Getting Started” tip sheet and links on the TacomaPermits.org website to start planning your project.
4. Project Planner Need more information on processes or construction requirements?  We have a project planner tool to help explain things.
5. Get Staff Help with Application Services We have dedicated staff to help you in the preliminary planning stage of any project.  It can range from constructing new commercial buildings to working on a residential home.
6. Apply for Permits 
7. Submittal Checklists 
8. Fee Estimator 
9. Frequently Requested – Electrical Permits Need an electrical permit? Instead of driving across town, come to the new electrical permitting kiosk conveniently located in our department.
10. Frequently Requested – Stormwater and Wastewater Permits If you work on your private plumbing or side sewer projects, or you need side sewer work done in the City right-of-way a stormwater or wastewater permit is required. Learn more and apply for your permit with the City’s Environmental Services Department.
11. Frequently Requested – Demolition Permits A permit is required to demolish any building within the City of Tacoma, except for residential sheds that are 200 square feet or less and located at least 6 feet from other structures.
12. Request Your Inspection Inspection requests must be received by 3 p.m. to be scheduled for the next day.
13. Permit Status and Timeline (https://www.tacomapermits.org/permit-status)

Specialized Permits

Special Event Permits

The City’s Special Events Office is here to assist you with all aspects of the permitting process. A special event is any organized formation or assembly consisting of 50 or more persons and which includes any combination of animals, or vehicles, that wishes to assemble and/or travel on streets or sidewalks, and which does not comply with normal traffic regulations or controls. Examples include parades or marches, fairs, block parties, and running events or bicycle races.

Film Permits

Apply for a Master Film Permit if you are planning to produce a feature film, television and commercial shooting, or still photography on location in Tacoma.

Fire Protection System Permits

Permits to install or modify Fire Protection Systems are reviewed by the Fire Department. Learn more about this permit process and apply for your permit with the Tacoma Fire Department.

Operational Permits

Administered by the Tacoma Fire Department, these permits are for activities or operations where fire or life safety hazards may exist, including permits for fireworks, special assembly hot works, mobile fueling, hazardous materials handling and storage, and much more.

Special Hauling Permit

If you need to transport waste or recyclable materials, you will need a Special Hauling Permit administered by the City’s Solid Waste Division.

Oversized Load Permit

An oversized load permit is required when the size or weight of a vehicle, vehicle combination, and/or equipment or machinery being moved exceeds state limits. Learn more and apply for your permit with the City’s Public Works Department.

Permits for Residential Parking Zones

To legally park in the Residential Parking Zones (RPZs) beyond a two-hour limit, you must register your vehicle online and have an active account. Permits are only issued to residents whose home address resides along an RPZ. Registration is done online only. Learn more and apply for your permit with the City’s Public Works Department.

Sign Permits

The Tacoma Municipal Code regulates signs according to type and location. Learn more about the application process and the types of signs that may be exempt or prohibited at TacomaPermits.org.

Expedited Permitting Programs

Green Building Permit Program

We have a process to prioritize permitting for projects that are enrolled in eligible green building certification programs, per the City’s Priority Review Policy.

Affordable Housing Permit Program

We have a process to make permitting faster and more efficient for projects that create affordable housing units in Tacoma. Projects that provide 10 or more total housing units with 20% of the units reserved as affordable, and projects that incorporate identified sustainable development features may participate in the program if they meet the criteria of the Priority Review Policy.

Affordable Housing Priority Permitting Details

The program can be used for the following permit types:

• Work Orders (WO),
• Site Development Permits (SDEV),
• Building Permits for New Commercial Buildings (BLDCN),
• Building Permits for Commercial Alterations (BLDCA),
• Building Permits for New Residential Permits (BLDRN), and
• Building Permits for Residential Alterations (BLDRA).

This program does NOT apply to land use permits (LU) at this time.

The Affordable Housing Pre-Development Fee Waiver Policy

The Affordable Housing Pre-Development Fee Waiver Policy waives initial pre-development review fees for affordable housing projects proposed and developed by nonprofit organizations and THA (Tacoma Housing Authority).

• Pre-development fees for an initial electronic review are waived for affordable housing projects proposed by nonprofit organizations and THA that meet the criteria outlined in the Priority Review Policy. No fees are charged for letters required for funding provided as part of this process. 

How to Get Started

• Use the priority review checklist, which lists specific qualifiers, to see if your project is eligible.
• Items that qualify the project for priority review will be verified by staff prior to assigning the faster due date. We recommend coordinating with staff prior to permit submittal to make sure they are aware of the project’s priority review status.
• If the project is qualifying through the City’s 12-year MFTE program, applicants are encouraged to submit the MFTE application first, as that makes the verification process easier for staff and faster for you.

The program’s affordable housing project coordinator helps guide affordable housing development projects through the permitting process, by:

• Identifying significant development entitlements at the earliest stage in the development process,
• Providing technical support to review staff,
• Implementing permitting process improvements to create a more efficient permitting system, and
• Facilitating collaboration amongst review staff and applicants.