Development Center

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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.

  1. New Building Codes, Energy Code inspection changes go into effect July 1, 2023

    The 2021 Washington State Building Codes and the Washington State Energy Code have been adopted by the State of Washington and will go into effect in Pierce County on July 1, 2023. Read On...
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Online Services
Customers are encouraged to continue to use our online services:
Visiting the Development Center
  • Walk-ins are welcome during business hours
  • Bring required documents and your patience

We also have a drop box for appeals, legal documents, financial guarantees or any other printed documents.

October 1, 2021
Applicant attestation required for all projects

Pierce County Code requires all applicants to confirm they have permission from the property owner to apply for permits.

All applicants must complete and sign the Applicant Attestation.

If the applicant is NOT the property owner, they must have the property owner sign either the Property Owner Consent form or the relevant application (Master, Residential Building, etc.)

Both completed forms should be uploaded with the rest of the required application submittal documents. If there are multiple applications, this information only needs to be submitted once per project.

For large projects with multiple applicants, property owners may authorize a list of agents in a letter. Please contact us to learn more.

Live Chat
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Connect with us
Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
[email protected]
(253) 798-3739
Submit a question
Lobby Hours and Location

Monday to Friday, 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m.

Pierce County Annex East Entrance
2401 S 35th St
Tacoma, WA 98409

Email Updates
Sign up for email updates from Planning & Public Works.                 
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Apply for a Permit

Steps to help ensure a successful application process:

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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.
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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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Create Site Plan
Site plan resources
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A site plan is a vital part of the permitting process. Submitting an incorrect site plan can lead to lengthy delays in your path to permitting success.
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Submit 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.

Applicant Attestation form must be included with your submittal.
At the Development Center
Visiting the Development Center
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Track Application
Track online
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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.
Fast Track Permitting


Save money and time on your deck, detached carport or similar detached structure project with our new Fast Track Permitting. This feature allows you to choose from pre-designed plans with no engineer or architect required. Simply use one of the fillable forms to design to your specification, then submit with your building permit application. A completed form serves as your submitted plan. Please note that a site plan is still needed with your permit application.

Schedule a Virtual Meeting or Inspection

Virtual Meetings

Know who you need to see and how we can support you?

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.

The length of your meeting and associated fees will depend on the complexity of the project and the number of staff you'll need to see.


Fees will only be charged for the services you request. 

Meeting fees will be credited toward your development application as long as you submit your permit application within 12 months of the meeting date.

Virtual Inspections

A virtual inspection allows the inspector to remotely view the site using a webcam controlled by the inspectee. 

To participate, you will need internet access and a portable video streaming device (like a smart phone).

Types of Virtual Inspections Allowed:

  • Water and furnace replacements
  • Footings and foundation additions
  • Insulation
  • Re-inspection and final inspections

To schedule a virtual inspection, call (253) 798-2769.

Learn About Fees

Construction permit fees which include fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and similar construction related permits are issued by the Building Official. This reference sheet lists applicable codes for the different fee types.

Types of Fees

PPW News and Updates

  1. New Building Codes, Energy Code inspection changes go into effect July 1, 2023

    Posted on May 23, 2023

    Read on...

  2. Expedited permit process for sewer cappings now available

    Posted on March 13, 2023

    Read on...

  3. Expedited permit process for emergency sewer repairs now available

    Posted on February 3, 2023

    Read on...

  4. FEMA offering free Base Flood Elevations training in 2023

    Posted on January 3, 2023

    Read on...

  1. Reflecting on 2022 and Looking Ahead to 2023

    Posted on December 29, 2022

    Read on...

  2. Annual fee changes coming in 2023

    Posted on December 28, 2022

    Read on...

  3. Pierce County sewer rates to increase Jan. 1, 2023

    Posted on December 21, 2022

    Read on...

  4. New online permitting system feature makes it easier to identify needed inspections

    Posted on November 29, 2022

    Read on...
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