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January 21, 2020
Application processing delays
The Development Center is experiencing a significant backlog in processing of applications and resubmittals. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and improvement is on the way.
We have recently hired four new permit technicians in the Development Center. Once they are trained, timeframes for initial review and resubmittal review will improve significantly. Until training is complete, other PPW staff are pitching in to help answer phones, process resubmittals and get your applications to approval.
If you have a project or application that is crunched for time, please feel free to reach out to Kevin Stender, Development Center Manager, at kevin.stender@piercecountywa.gov.
We apologize for the delays in processing and ask for your patience as we work through our backlog of applications and resubmittals.
Application processing delays
The Development Center is experiencing a significant backlog in processing of applications and resubmittals. The good news is that there is light at the end of the tunnel and improvement is on the way.
We have recently hired four new permit technicians in the Development Center. Once they are trained, timeframes for initial review and resubmittal review will improve significantly. Until training is complete, other PPW staff are pitching in to help answer phones, process resubmittals and get your applications to approval.
If you have a project or application that is crunched for time, please feel free to reach out to Kevin Stender, Development Center Manager, at kevin.stender@piercecountywa.gov.
We apologize for the delays in processing and ask for your patience as we work through our backlog of applications and resubmittals.
Live Chat
Application Process
The Development Center is Pierce County's centralized 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.
Research the Parcel
Parcel Research Tools
- General information like zoning, address, jurisdictions, prior permits, Etc...
- Natural environment information like open space, shoreline and moratoriums.
- Possible site constraints such as: wetlands, hazard areas and flood zones
Ask Us Your Questions
- Submit a question to the Development Center staff.
- Use our Live Chat service.
- Call the Development Center at (253) 798-3739. Available 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m., excluding Holidays.
- Located in the Pierce County Public Services Building at 2401 S 35th St, Tacoma WA, 98409
- Open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday through Friday excluding holidays.
- You'll need this information if your parcel is serviced by a septic system.
Gather Forms & Submittal Items
Forms, Handouts, Submittal Checklists
Fees
Construction permit fees which include fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and similar construction related permits issued by the Building Official, Impact Fees, Traffic Impact Fees, and land use & planning related fees, which include fees for variances, use permits, subdivision, site development, and similar application types. The Fire Prevention Bureau has fees for permits and annual safety inspections.
In October 2010 the County Council passed legislation allowing deferral of some impact fees and sewer connection charges. Learn more on the deferral webpage.
Customer Meetings
We offer Customer Meetings designed your way. Our staff at the Development Center is extremely knowledgeable and stand ready to provide general information on a myriad of topics. But sometimes general information is not enough and our customers want more detail. Typically that issue arises for more site specific projects or during the initial layout and planning process.
Using the Customer Meeting Menu you can:
- 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 fewer services you request, the lower the cost and the faster we can schedule a meeting. If you request to meet with staff only we will work to schedule to meet within 5 working days of your request. The meeting fee will be credited toward your development application so long as you submit your permit application within 12 months of the meeting date.
Submit Your Application
Submit Online
- Our website allows you to start the application process online.
- PDF versions of your submittal materials is required.
- You will be contacted with instructions on completing the process within a couple of days.
Public Services Building, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409
Open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding holidays.
Track Your Application/Check on a Permit
Online Permits
Online Permits Website
Signup for eNotification to receive an email whenever the status of your application changes and/or whenever a review or inspection is added.
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.
Visit The Development Center Lobby
Public Services Building, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409
Open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding holidays.