Updated as of 04/21/26

Permits and Development Services

Our Permitting Office supports projects of every scale. Expert staff are available at the Permit Center, covering building codes, land use, zoning, traffic, environmental matters, private development, and public right-of-way.

Collaboration extends to Tacoma Public Utilities, Fire Department, and other city divisions, ensuring incentives, business support, and licensing are seamlessly integrated. Our comprehensive services simplify project progression.

A-Z Index
Building and Construction Permits
Expedited Permitting Programs
Specialized Permits
Contact

Tacoma Permits: Your Complete A-Z Resource

Whether you're dealing with accessory dwellings or zoning verifications, our index covers all necessary permits for your project.

Explore the Index

Need Assistance?

If the A-Z Index doesn't locate your requirement, reach out via email at TacomaPermits@[SITEURL].

Contact Information

Planning and Development Services

(253) 591-5030

(253) 591-5433

Permits@[SITEURL]

Tacoma Municipal Building
747 Market Street, Third Floor
Tacoma, WA 98402

Hours: 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday – Friday (excluding holidays)

Lobby/Walk-in Hours: In-person services 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Thursday. Book Now.

Building and Construction Permits

Permit Resource Library
Permits Detailed info, cost estimates, and timelines. See FAQs for permit types and requirements.
Getting Started Tools and guides for project initiation.
Project Planner Resources for construction and process queries.
Staff Assistance Support for preliminary planning stages.
Apply for Permits
Submittal Checklists
Fee Estimator
Electrical Permits – Visit our new kiosk for fast service on electrical permits.
Stormwater & Wastewater Permits – Required for private plumbing, side sewers, or city right-of-way projects. Contact Environmental Services.
Demolition Permits – Needed unless under 200 sq ft sheds at least 6 ft from structures.
Inspection Requests – Submit by 3 p.m. for same-day scheduling.
Permit Status Updates – Track progress online.

Expedited Permitting Programs

Middle Housing Streamlined Permitting

Accelerate approvals for townhomes and small multi-unit buildings amid high housing demand.

Green Building Permit Program

Priority review for projects meeting green certification standards.

Affordable Housing Permit Program

Fast-track for developments creating affordable units with sustainability features.

Eligible Permit Types

Work Orders
Site Development Permits
New Commercial Building Permits
Commercial Alteration Permits
New Residential Permits
Residential Alteration Permits

Excludes land use permits currently.

Affordable Housing Pre-Development Fee Waiver

Nonprofits and THA receive fee reductions for qualifying projects.

Pre-development fees waived for electronic reviews

Getting Started Steps

Verify eligibility via priority review checklist
Coordinate with staff before submission
Submit MFTE application if applicable

Support includes identifying entitlements early, technical guidance, process enhancements, and coordination between teams.

Specialized Permits

Special Event Permits

For events over 50 people involving animals or vehicles on public thoroughfares.

Film Permits

Required for filming or photography production in Tacoma.

Fire Protection System Permits

Managed by Fire Department for installation or modification permits.

Operational Permits

Covers fireworks, special assemblies, hazardous material handling, and more.

Special Hauling Permit

For transporting oversized or heavy loads requiring city approval.

Residential Parking Zone Permits

Allows extended parking in designated zones for residents with registered accounts.

Sign Permits

Regulated by Tacoma Municipal Code; application info available online.

Contact Details