Apply for a Permit

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Application processing delays
The Development Center is experiencing a backlog of applications and resubmittals. If you have a project that needs immediate attention, please contact Kevin Stender, Development Center Manager.
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Request submittal standards online Use “?Ask the Development Center” to upload a site plan and other
May 7, 2020
Drop off appeals and other documents at the Pierce County Annex
You can drop off appeals, legal documents, financial guarantees or any other printed documents at the Pierce County Annex in our drop box. The box is marked “Planning & Public Works Drop Box” and is located inside the Pierce County Annex at the south entrance.

We can also accept documents for recording if you need signatures from our team for recording a plat, short plat, binding site plan, boundary line adjustment or amendments to these documents.
Learn more

May 1, 2020
Building inspection cut-off time extended to midnight
You now have until midnight to schedule building inspections 
and potentially get a next-day inspection.

This will be dependent on the total volume of inspections requested. To meet increased demand, we have increased the number of inspections we can schedule each day.
Learn more

April 24, 2020
Information about inspections related to Phase 1 Construction Restart Requirements
Governor Inslee announced that low-risk construction projects can restart if specific safety measures are in place. Pierce County is ready to help get our economy moving again and has developed a plan to respond to the anticipated surge of inspection requests
Learn more

April 24, 2020
Development Center lobby remains closed, but permitting services continue.
Despite the lifting of some restrictions related to construction, our lobby services are unavailable until the Stay Home, Stay Healthy order is lifted.

Our staff continues to provide permitting functions, including application intake and review, and some types of inspections. We are available to assist you by email at pcpermits@piercecountywa.gov and phone at (253) 798-3739.
Live Chat
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Contact the Development Center
Submit a question to Development Center staff
Call (253) 798-3739
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
PPW Email Updates
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Application Process
The Development Center is Pierce County's central location for Building Permits, Land Use Actions, Site Development Permits, Environmental Reviews, Sewer Utility Permits and Fire Prevention Permits.

Follow these steps to help ensure that your application process is successful:
1
Research the Parcel
Parcel research tools
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General information
(zoning, jurisdictions, prior permits) 
Natural environment 
(open space, shoreline, moratoriums) 
Possible site constraints
(wetlands, hazard areas, flood zones)
Septic As-Built Lookup
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Links to Tacoma Pierce County Health Department. You'll need this information if your parcel is serviced by a septic system.
2
Gather Submittal Items
Look up forms by the type of project you want to build, or search through the complete list alphabetically.
Find by project type
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All forms (A to Z)
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3
Submit Your Application
Submit online
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Upload PDF versions of your submittal materials. We will contact you within a few days with instructions for completing the process.
At the Development Center
Public Services Building
2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409
Open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.
Mon. to Fri. (excluding holidays).
 
Video Services
Virtual Inspections
A virtual inspection allows the inspector to remotely view the site using a webcam controlled by the inspectee.

To participate, you'll need internet access, a device with a webcam and access to free applications like Skype and FaceTime.

Several inspection types are allowed, including water heater and furnace replacements, footings and foundation additions, insulation, re-inspections and final inspections.

To schedule a virtual inspection call (253) 798-2769
Meetings
If you are scheduled to meet with PPW staff it may be possible to attend via Skype. This option is currently limited to application and permit related meetings.

To attend an already scheduled meeting via Skype please call (253) 798-7282.
Track Your Application
Check on a Permit
Online Permits Dashboard
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Look up the status of an application.
Signup for eNotification
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Sign up to receive an email whenever the status of your application changes or a review or inspection is added.
 
Types of Fees
Construction permit fees which include fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and similar construction related permits issued by the Building Official.

Land use and Planning-related fees
includes fees for variances, use permits, subdivision, site development, and similar application types. 

School impact fees

Traffic impact fees

The Fire Prevention Bureau has fees for permits and annual safety inspections.

Learn about the deferral of some impact fees and sewer connection charges.
Customer meetings designed for you
Our staff at the Development Center is extremely knowledgeable and provides general information on a myriad of topics. But sometimes general information is not enough, especially for more site specific projects or during the initial layout and planning process.

Use the Customer Meeting Menu to:
  • Choose staff from different areas of expertise as you need, and
  • Decide if you would like that staff person to make a site visit, or write you a letter.
Fees will only be charged for the services you request. The meeting fee will be credited toward your development application as long as you submit your permit application within 12 months of the meeting date.

The fewer services you request, the lower the cost and the faster we can schedule a meeting. If you request to meet with staff only our goal is to schedule to meet within five working days of your request.
Customer Meeting Menu (pdf)
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