News Flash

Posted on: November 17, 2023

WIP Pilot 1: Celebrating Lessons & Successes

Dear Valued PPW Customers,

Pierce County Planning & Public Works (PPW) closed the book on the first test in our effort to redesign the permit review process. 

The Permit Workflow Improvement Project’s (WIP) first pilot tested new conc...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: November 3, 2023

8th Ave. S culvert replacement, Nov. 6-8

Crews will replace a culvert along 8th Ave. S Nov. 6-8. 

The culvert is at the Brighton Creek crossing, located about 500 feet south of the intersection of 336th St. S and 8th Ave. S.

About the workCrews will replace a 36-inch culvert with two 42-i...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 25, 2023

New Enhanced Stormwater Agreement and Manual

The Pierce County Planning and Public Works (PPW) Department has been notified that the Auditor will no longer accept stormwater agreements that do not strictly comply with their recording standards.

What is the issue?

In many cases the Maintenance and So...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 21, 2023

Groundwater Monitoring Season Reminder

The rainy season is just around the corner, which means it is time to start thinking about monitoring groundwater elevations on your site. The monitoring window is Dec. 1 through April 30, and missing it could delay your project by as much as a year.

Test ...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 19, 2023

Adoption of 2021 Building Codes postponed to March 15, 2024

Adoption of the 2021 Washington State Building Codes has been postponed, with an anticipated effective date of March 15, 2024.  

 On Sept. 15, 2023, the Washington State Building Code Council revised the effective date to March 15. &n...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: August 22, 2023

Applications being accepted for the 2024 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program

The 2024 Pierce County Historic Preservation Grant Program, which assists in funding multiple preservation efforts in Pierce County, is now accepting applications through noon on Oct. 2, 2023.

Grant requests can be made for historic preservation or history...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 28, 2023

Development community invited to participate in permit review pilot

Pierce County is working to improve the permit application review process. 

Members of the development community are invited to participate in our Single-Family Plat Lot Expedited Review Path Pilot, which runs July 1 through Sept. 30.

The limited-s...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 1, 2023

Adoption of 2021 Building Codes postponed to Nov. 1, 2023

Adoption of the 2021 Washington State Building Codes has been postponed, with an anticipated effective date in Pierce County of Nov. 1, 2023. 

Previously, the effective date was July 1, 2023. However, the Washington State Building Code Council vot...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: March 13, 2023

Expedited permit process for sewer cappings now available

As of March 2023, sewer capping permits no longer require an application review. Sewer contractors can now apply for and instantly receive a permit in one online transaction. This follows an identical adjustment that expedited the process for emergency se...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: February 3, 2023

Expedited permit process for emergency sewer repairs now available

As of Jan. 31, 2023, emergency sewer repair permits no longer require an application review. Sewer contractors can now apply for and instantly receive a permit in one online transaction. 

This change will simplify and expedite the permit process f...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 3, 2023

FEMA offering free Base Flood Elevations training in 2023

Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Region 10 is offering free training for finding base flood elevations at properties.

Who should attend?

This virtual training is designed to help floodplain administrators, surveyors, and other professionals better...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 29, 2022

Reflecting on 2022 and Looking Ahead to 2023

Year in Review

As the year comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on 2022 and look ahead to 2023.We implemented several changes over the last year to ensure compliance and consistency with Pierce County Code and certain state and fe...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 28, 2022

Annual fee changes coming in 2023

2023 will bring rate, fare, and fee changes for customers who:

  • Receive sewer service from Pierce County
  • Ride the Pierce County Ferry 
  • Visit transfer stations in Pierce County
  • Apply for permits

Learn more about the changes.

Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 21, 2022

Pierce County sewer rates to increase Jan. 1, 2023

Customers in Pierce County’s sewer service area will see a 3 percent increase in their sewer rates starting Jan. 1, 2023.

In November 2021 the Pierce County Council passed Ordinance No. 2021-106, which set the sewer rate as part of the 2022-23 bie...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 7, 2022

Permitting services limited, building inspections unavailable Sept. 28

Services related to permitting will be limited and building inspections will be unavailable Sept. 28 due to a staff training. 

  • The Development Center Lobby will be closed.  
  • Technical assistance via phone, email, and Live Chat will be limi...
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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 1, 2022

Automated phone line to check permit status, schedule inspections to be retired Oct. 4

An automated phone line that allows users to check the status of their permit application, schedule an inspection, and check the results of an inspection will no longer be available starting Oct. 4.  

Users of our Permit and Application Status Sys...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: August 19, 2022

Applications now open for C-PACER financing

Pierce County is now accepting applications for the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy + Resiliency Program (C-PACER). The C-PACER program allows owners and developers of eligible properties in Pierce County to obtain long-term financing, at a lowe...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 28, 2022

Pierce County seeking public comments on updated Nisqually Watershed flood maps

In partnership with the Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Pierce County is updating the flood insurance rate maps along the Nisqually River.The updated maps are available at PierceCoun...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 27, 2022

Expect reduced in-person service at Annex on June 27

Expect reduced in-person service following water leak

Customers visiting the Development Center Lobby may experience reduced service June 27 following a water leak at the Pierce County Annex building. Cleanup and repair work is underway. The reduced servic...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 15, 2022

Pierce County offices closed Monday, June 20

Pierce County offices will be closed on Monday, June 20 in observance of Juneteenth.The Development Center lobby will be closed, and building inspections and plan reviews will not take place.Visit our website to apply for a permit and mo...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 8, 2022

Daytime closures of part of Swan Creek Park planned for mid-June

The northeast side of Swan Creek Park will be closed from 6 a.m. to 5 p.m. June 13-16 and June 21-24 while Pierce County crews remove gravel from a sediment pond. 

The park’s parking lot near the Pioneer Way East and Waller Road East intersection ...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: May 31, 2022

Pierce County announces $10 million in ARPA sewer and water utility infrastructure grants

Pierce County has established a grant program to allocate a total of $10 million in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) stimulus funding for sewer and water system infrastructure improvements.

To mitigate long-term effects of the COVID-19 pandemic in o...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: May 25, 2022

Section of Point Fosdick Drive Northwest to be resurfaced

Crews will resurface a section of Point Fosdick Drive Northwest starting May 31. The work is expected to be completed in late July.

The approximately 1-mile stretch runs from just north of Stone Drive Northwest to approximately 325 feet south of 36th Stree...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: May 11, 2022

Updated Website for Pierce County Code

Updated Website for Pierce County Code

The online resource for the Pierce County Code has a new look and a more user-friendly interface. Visit pierce.county.codes to search the County Code and Charter and bookmark or share frequently used...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: May 9, 2022

No building inspections on May 24

No building inspections on May 24

Building inspections will not take place on Tuesday, May 24 so that Pierce County Building Inspectors can attend a required training on post disaster rapid assessment of structures. Plan...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: April 29, 2022

Updates to Pierce County Road Standards Coming May 1

Updates to Pierce County’s road standards will take effect on May 1, 2022. The Pierce County Council adopted these updates to the Manual on Design Guidelines and Specifications for Road and Bridge Construction via ordinance in March.  

These chang...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: April 8, 2022

Proposed Updates to Pierce County’s Residential Use Code

Learn more about the proposed updates

How to provide comment Public comment on the proposed amendments a...

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Learn More Planning & Public Works
Posted on: March 8, 2022

2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Applications Open July 1

2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Cycle

Applications for amendments to Pierce County's Comprehensive Plan will be accepted from July 1 through August 1, 2022. 

Visit us online to view:

  • Information on the process
  • Instructions to request to be...
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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: March 8, 2022

Proposed Updates the the Shoreline Master Program

Pierce County is considering a series of amendments that, if passed, would: 

  1. Restrict new pier and dock construction along portions of residential and conservancy shoreline
  2. Clarify permitting requirements for non-commercial aquaculture intended to ...
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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: March 7, 2022

Community invited to weigh in on Key Peninsula intersection project

The community is invited to provide feedback on an upcoming Key Peninsula intersection project via an online open house through March 31.

Pierce County is analyzing alternatives to reconfigure the Key Peninsula Highway Northwest/Lackey Road North­west/Jack...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: February 7, 2022

Community invited to apply for 2022 Watershed Small Grants

Pierce County is partnering with watershed councils, local nonprofits and agencies to fund a small grants program supporting community projects that improve habitat and water quality across the county.

The 2022 cycle will award up to $70,000 total to proje...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 25, 2022

Improvements coming to 92nd Avenue East and 224th Street East intersection

Work to improve safety and traffic operations at the 92nd Avenue East and 224th Street East intersection will begin Jan. 27 and run through mid-summer 2023.

Visit www.piercecountywa.gov/crp5819 for project updates.

Project featuresA nearly half-mile stretch...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 21, 2022

Please Continue to Use Online Services

Please use our robust online services

We have extended our request that Development Center customers continue using online services until further notice. While our lobby will remain open, customers are encouraged to use one of the followi...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 14, 2022

Third Reminder: Fee Changes Coming February 1, 2022

2022 Fee Changes

This is your third reminder that annual fee adjustments will go into effect on February 1, 2022.  

Apply and pay fees by January 31, 2022 to avoid the increases. You will be vested for the 2021 fees at the time of payment,...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 12, 2022

Emergency permit extensions available until 2023

In response to continued supply chain and labor issues, the County Council recently approved Ordinance 2022-3, which allows flexibility for time extensions on applications and permits.  

Time extension details  

  • Standard ...
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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 7, 2022

Development Center Customers Encouraged to Use Online Services

Please use online services through Jan. 21

In response to the recent surge in COVID-19 cases, we are encouraging our customers to use online services through Jan. 21, 2022. Our lobby will remain open and staff will continue to provide ser...
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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: January 3, 2022

Second Notice: Annual Fee Changes Coming February 1, 2022

February 2022 Fee Changes 

This is your second reminder that annual fee adjustments will go into effect on February 1, 2022. Apply and pay fees by January 31, 2022 to avoid the increases.  
We anticipate...
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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 27, 2021

New electric vehicle charging requirements for single family homes

New electric vehicle charging requirements for single family homes

Effective January 1, 2022, all new single family homes must be electric vehicle ready. This means the appropriate electrical supply and a parking space with EV charging or a nearby outlet f...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 17, 2021

Annual Fee Changes Coming in 2022

2022 Fee Changes

This is your early reminder that annual fee adjustments will go into effect in 2022. The good news is you can avoid the increases if you apply and pay fees before the effective dates.

We anticipate a rush of applications before the fee chan...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: November 10, 2021

New septic-to-sewer conversion process

Septic-to-sewer conversions now require Health Dept. approval

Effective September 15, all sewer projects that involve a septic-to-sewer conversion require approval from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department before a sewer permit may be issued...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 28, 2021

New application requirement coming Oct. 1

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 ...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: September 3, 2021

Zoning changes take effect Oct. 1 in four community plan areas

Zoning changes take effect Oct. 1 in four community plan areas

Pierce County adopted updates to the Frederickson, Mid-County, Parkland-Spanaway-Midland and South Hill community plans and their implementing regulations in late 2020 (Ordinance 2020-102s&...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: August 18, 2021

Tips to Minimize Permit Application Review Delays

Minimize project delays during this busy time

We have implemented several measures including overtime, third-party review and adjusting work priorities to address the record number of applications received in 2021. 

You also play ...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: August 11, 2021

Plan Ahead: Current application review procedure and supply chain issues

We want our customers to be aware of current application review procedures and supply chain issues so that they can plan ahead.

We have received a record number of permit applications in 2021. To be as equitable as possible, we process applications in the ...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: August 3, 2021

Pierce County Auditor introduces online scheduling for recording services

Appointments for in-person recording services

The Auditor’s office has implemented a new appointment scheduling system. If you need to visit them for recording services, please make an appointment prior to your visit using online appointment sche...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: July 16, 2021

Recording fees increase on July 25

Due to RCW revisions, new recording fees take effect on July 25. Fees are increasing for most documents, including plats, short plats, large lots and boundary line adjustments.See more information and view the full fact sheet on the Pier...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: March 23, 2021

Development Center Operations Update

Phase 3 UpdateOn March 22, 2021, the State of Washington advanced to Phase 3 of the state’s “Healthy Washington” reopening plan. We are actively planning for the eventual reopening of our lobby and look forward to welcoming c...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: March 18, 2021

Introducing Fast Track Permitting for Covered Porches & 1 or 2 Car Garages

New Fast Track Permitting OptionsTo save you time and money on common projects, we have added covered porches and patios, as well as 1 and 2 car garages to our Fast Track Permitting options. These are in addition to the Fast Track Permitting for decks, de...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 30, 2020

Wheeled all-terrain vehicles allowed on additional Pierce County roads starting Jan. 1

Wheeled all-terrain vehicles will be allowed on most public County roads with a speed limit of 35 miles per hour or less in the south and east sections of unincorporated Pierce County starting Jan. 1, 2021. 

Their use supports economic development...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 21, 2020

Pierce County sewer rates to increase Jan. 1, 2021

Customers in Pierce County’s sewer service area will see a 3.75 percent increase in their sewer rates starting Jan. 1, 2021.

The Pierce County Council passed Ordinance No. 2019-77 which set the sewer rate as part of the 2020-21 biennial budget. There was a...

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Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 9, 2020

Annual Fee Changes Coming February 1, 2021

February 2021 Fee Changes

This is your early reminder that annual fee adjustments will go into effect on February 1, 2021. The good news is that if you apply and pay fees by January 31, 2021, you can avoid the increases.

 We anticipate a rush of ap...

Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: November 3, 2016

Learn about proposed Spanaway Lake Management Plan at Nov. 9 open house

Spanaway residents, business owners and lake users are invited to a Nov. 9 open house to learn about recommendations being considered to improve water quality in Spanaway Lake. The public will have a chance to review recommendations that are being develo...Read on... Planning & Public Works
Posted on: May 20, 2016

Road project along Crystal Mountain Boulevard East resumes May 23

Work on a road project along Crystal Mountain Boulevard East from State Route 410 to the Crystal Mountain Resort will resume May 23.

Utility crews will be onsite for about two weeks starting May 23 to relocate utility lines located near Mile Marker 6 ...Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: May 16, 2016

Traffic revisions coming to 62nd Ave. E. and 48th St. E. SW of River Road May 18

Pierce County will permanently close 62nd Avenue East at 52nd Street East on May 18, which will create a dead end on 62nd Avenue East.

In addition, the intersection of 62nd Avenue East and 48th Street East will become an all-way stop.

“These change...Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: April 6, 2016

Pierce County ferry peak season fare rates go into effect May 1

Peak season fare rates start May 1 for Pierce County Ferry passengers.

Passengers driving vehicles 21 feet in length or less will see their fares increase from the non-peak season rate of $18.35 to the peak season rate of $23.85, while passengers drivi...Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: February 29, 2016

Pierce County Ferry service expected to resume in early evening

Pierce County Ferry service is expected to resume in the early evening Feb. 29 once the M/V Christine Anderson is cleared to take over the remaining runs of the day.

Ferry service has been down since 5:45 a.m. Feb. 29 after the system’s other ferry, th...Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: February 29, 2016

Pierce County Ferry out of service until further notice

The Pierce County Ferry is expected to be out of service most of Feb. 29 following electrical issues on the M/V Steilacoom II.

The ferry lost steering controls on one engine as it departed Steilacoom at 5:45 a.m. for the first run of the day. The ferry...Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: December 10, 2015

Repair work on the Anderson Island ferry landing starts Dec. 14

Repairs will be made to the Pierce County Ferry landing on Anderson Island outside of sailing hours the week of Dec. 14.

Crews will repair damaged apron hinges and brackets between 9:15 p.m. on Dec. 14 and 5:45 a.m. Dec. 15. The apron hinges and brack...Read on...

Planning & Public Works
Posted on: June 2, 2021

Wetland rehabilitation continues with junk removal along Canyon Road East

Work continues to help rehabilitate approximately 10 acres of wetland as part of Pierce County’s Canyon Road Regional Connection Project.  

In December 2020, Pierce County took ownership of a property along Canyon Road East and Pioneer Way East th...

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Planning & Public Works