Permitted projects must be authorized by property owner

Beginning on Oct. 1, 2021, applicants must confirm that they have the legal authority to submit an application for a proposed project. An Applicant Attestation form will be included in the list of required submittals.

This requirement comes from recent changes to Pierce County Code Title 18.40.20.C and ensures any permitted projects are authorized by the property owner.

Includes agents and permitting specialists

Appropriate documentation, which includes written consent from the property owner, must also be provided if the applicant is an agent. This could be a retained contractor, engineering firm, manager of an LLC, retained attorney, or other permitting specialist who is acting on behalf of the property owner or one of the other persons listed below.

Documentation required with application submittal:

• Part owner (e.g., tenant, member of an LLC, holder of a life estate)
  Documentation showing legal authority to develop the property or written consent from the other owners.
• Easement holder
  A copy of the recorded easement or provide the recording number. The easement must show that the easement holder has a right to develop the land under the terms of the easement.
• Tenant
  A copy of the lease and written consent from the property owner.
• Interested buyer
  A copy of the purchase and sale agreement and written consent from the property owner.

The Applicant Attestation form can be filled out online. A PDF of the completed form will be emailed to the applicant. That completed PDF and the supporting documents should then be uploaded to the Online Permit Center during the application process.

If you have questions about this new requirement, please contact Amy Wakefield, Permit and Development Center supervisor, at [email protected].