You are viewing the permanent link for the record currently in effect, published 2026-09-16.
Tacoma building permits
Tacoma, Washington — as published 2026-09-16.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Codes adopted
Permit types & fees
Building Permit
Required for construction in Tacoma under TMC Title 2. The city adopts the state building code as amended from time to time, without naming an edition.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Built to the IBC, IRC and IEBC as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council - TMC 2.02.010 and 2.02.100 name no edition year
- IRC Chapters 11 and 25 through 43 are NOT adopted; energy, plumbing, mechanical and electrical come from separate adoptions
- Submitted through TacomaPermits.org
Required documents
- RequiredPermit applicationPermit application, submitted through TacomaPermits.org
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TACOMA HAS A CHAPTER CALLED "FEE CODE" AND IT CONTAINS NO PRICES. Show full citationHideTACOMA HAS A CHAPTER CALLED "FEE CODE" AND IT CONTAINS NO PRICES. TMC Chapter 2.09 sets out the TYPES of fee and the METHOD of calculating them; TMC 2.09.010 provides that "Fee amounts shall be ratified by Resolution, or approved by the City Manager, or designee ... and shall be calculated pursuant to the PDS Fee Schedule (on file in Tacomapermits.org)." All five tables in the chapter were checked for a dollar figure and none carries one, so no amount is printed here. THE CITY PUBLISHES A FEE ESTIMATOR on tacomapermits.org, which is the right tool for an actual number. AND CHECK WHETHER YOU ARE EXEMPT BEFORE YOU PAY: TMC 2.09.030 and its Table I exempt or adjust permit fees for several classes of project, including alterations and repairs to a single-family home owned and occupied by a qualifying low-income senior or permanently disabled owner. |
Permit Fee Exemption or Adjustment
Tacoma publishes a table of projects eligible for permit fee exemptions or adjustments, including repairs to homes owned and occupied by qualifying low-income seniors and permanently disabled owners.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- For a single-family home or duplex: the exemption covers building, plumbing and mechanical permits for ALTERATIONS AND REPAIRS
- The owner must both occupy the home and be eligible for tax exemption due to financial status
- Senior citizen means 62 years or older AND qualifying for property tax reduction under Washington's limited income guidelines
- For disability, the applicant bears the burden of establishing the disability to the Building Official's satisfaction, and must also qualify for the property tax reduction
- Separate routes exist for low-income housing built with volunteer labour by a 501(c)(3), and for projects of a public authority created under RCW 35.82.030
Required documents
- RequiredEvidence of ownership and occupancyEvidence of ownership and occupancy, and of eligibility for the state property tax reduction; for a disability claim, evidence satisfying the Building Official
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TACOMA HAS A CHAPTER CALLED "FEE CODE" AND IT CONTAINS NO PRICES. Show full citationHideTACOMA HAS A CHAPTER CALLED "FEE CODE" AND IT CONTAINS NO PRICES. TMC Chapter 2.09 sets out the TYPES of fee and the METHOD of calculating them; TMC 2.09.010 provides that "Fee amounts shall be ratified by Resolution, or approved by the City Manager, or designee ... and shall be calculated pursuant to the PDS Fee Schedule (on file in Tacomapermits.org)." All five tables in the chapter were checked for a dollar figure and none carries one, so no amount is printed here. THE CITY PUBLISHES A FEE ESTIMATOR on tacomapermits.org, which is the right tool for an actual number. AND CHECK WHETHER YOU ARE EXEMPT BEFORE YOU PAY: TMC 2.09.030 and its Table I exempt or adjust permit fees for several classes of project, including alterations and repairs to a single-family home owned and occupied by a qualifying low-income senior or permanently disabled owner. |
Verify a Contractor Licence
Washington contractors register with the Department of Labor & Industries. Registration is a STATE record; Tacoma does not issue it.
Reviewed 2026-09-16 · Source
Requirements
- Check contractor registration with Washington State Labor & Industries
Required documents
- OptionalNo city document requiredNo city document - check the state register
Fee schedule
| Fee type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Building permit fee | Not stated in this guide - see notes | TACOMA HAS A CHAPTER CALLED "FEE CODE" AND IT CONTAINS NO PRICES. Show full citationHideTACOMA HAS A CHAPTER CALLED "FEE CODE" AND IT CONTAINS NO PRICES. TMC Chapter 2.09 sets out the TYPES of fee and the METHOD of calculating them; TMC 2.09.010 provides that "Fee amounts shall be ratified by Resolution, or approved by the City Manager, or designee ... and shall be calculated pursuant to the PDS Fee Schedule (on file in Tacomapermits.org)." All five tables in the chapter were checked for a dollar figure and none carries one, so no amount is printed here. THE CITY PUBLISHES A FEE ESTIMATOR on tacomapermits.org, which is the right tool for an actual number. AND CHECK WHETHER YOU ARE EXEMPT BEFORE YOU PAY: TMC 2.09.030 and its Table I exempt or adjust permit fees for several classes of project, including alterations and repairs to a single-family home owned and occupied by a qualifying low-income senior or permanently disabled owner. |
Sources & verification
Key facts verified against official sources. Last reviewed 2026-09-16.
Fee schedules
Online permit portal
Codes & ordinances
Department & other records
Fees, timelines, and adopted codes are researched from each jurisdiction's published records — see how we verify. Requirements change and vary by project, so always confirm the current details with the Tacoma building department before you submit. PermitBase is an independent reference and is not affiliated with any government agency.