Single-Family and Duplexes

This checklist provides the list of individual documents that are required for a complete application for residential projects.

This form is required for all residential building projects along with specific site and project data.

Draw site plan to scale, not less than 1-inch=100-feet, show all property corners, existing and proposed structures, adjacent roads, all storage tank locations, all easements, utility locations, and north arrow. The site plan may incorporate the erosion, pollution, and stormwater control requirements of a site development permit. This combined plan is sometimes referred to as an abbreviated plan or stormwater site plan.

Draw plans to scale, the preferred scale is ¼-inch = 1-foot, and include dimensions. A complete set of drawings includes a foundation plan, framing plans, floor plans, cross sections, and elevations.

Engineering calculations are required whenever a structure doesn’t meet conventional light frame construction standards. Submit structural design drawings separately from architectural drawings. Both calculations and drawings must be stamped by a licensed professional engineer.

Most new single-family and new duplex construction will require a site development permit to ensure that erosion, pollution, and stormwater runoff is controlled during and after construction.

A Driveway Approach Permit is required for: a new driveway approach that connects to a public road, an existing driveway approach that was never permitted or built to County standards, and to modify or rebuild an existing driveway approach. View 17B.10.101 Driveway Approach Required Permit.

Clearly identify emergency vehicle access on the site plan.  Requirements: 15' wide when serving one home; 18' wide when serving more than one home. Pierce County Code Table 17C.60.150-1 calls out EVA width.

Energy efficiency and ventilation calculations may be required, based on the International Energy Conservation Code of Washington State (IECC-WA) and Washington State Energy Code (WSEC).

If lot size is less than an acre in size the water purveyor must sign a certificate of water availability.

If lot size is one acre or more, or there is no fire flow available, submit a Fire Flow Credit Checklist to show how 100% credits will be achieved.

Submit application to Tacoma Pierce County Health Department for on-site sewage system.

Submit application to Tacoma Pierce County Health Department for drinking water source.

Water source approval includes drilling and testing of wells.  Submit application to the Tacoma Pierce County Health Department for well construction.

Sewer work on residential property; single-family, duplexes, and accessory dwelling units, requires review by the County Public Works Department sewer division.