Apply for a Permit

picture of the development center lobby

Live Chat


Application Process


The Development Center is Pierce County's centralized location for Building Permits, Land Use Actions, Site Development Permits, Environmental Reviews, Sewer Utility Permits and Fire Prevention Permits.

Follow these steps to help ensure that your application process is successful.

Research the Parcel



Parcel Research Tools
  • General information like zoning, address, jurisdictions, prior permits, Etc...
  • Natural environment information like open space, shoreline and moratoriums.
  • Possible site constraints such as: wetlands, hazard areas and flood zones

Ask Us Your Questions
  • Online form to submit a question to the Development Center staff.
  • Use our Live Chat service, use the button in the right-hand side of the screen.
  • Call the Development Center at (253) 798-3739. Available between 8:30 AM and 4:00 PM, excluding Holidays.
Visit The Development Center Lobby
Tacoma Pierce County Health Department Online Septic System As-Built Lookup
  • You'll need this information if your parcel is serviced by a septic system.

Gather Forms & Submittal Items



PALS Forms, Handouts, Submittal Checklists

Fees
Construction permit fees which include fees for building, plumbing, mechanical, and similar construction related permits issued by the Building Official, Impact Fees, Traffic Impact Fees, and land use & planning related fees, which include fees for variances, use permits, subdivision, site development, and similar application types. The Fire Prevention Bureau has fees for permits and annual safety inspections.

In October 2010 the County Council passed legislation allowing deferral of some impact fees and sewer connection charges. Learn more on the deferral webpage.

Customer Meetings


PALS offers Customer Meetings designed your way. Our staff at the Development Center is extremely knowledgeable and stand ready to provide general information on a myriad of topics. But sometimes general information is not enough and our customers want more detail. Typically that issue arises for more site specific projects or during the initial layout and planning process.

Using the Customer Meeting Menu you can:
  • 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.

Fees will only be charged for the services you request. The fewer services requested, the lower the cost and the quicker we can meet. If you request to meet with staff only we will work to schedule to meet within 5 working days of your request. The meeting fee will be credited toward your development application so long as you submit your permit application within 12 months of the meeting date.

Submit Your Application



Submit Online
  • Our website allows you to start the application process online.
  • PDF versions of your submittal materials is required.
  • You will be contacted with instructions on completing the process within a couple of days.
Submit In Person at the Development Center
Public Services Building, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409
Open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding holidays.

Track Your Application/Check on a Permit



Online Permits


Online Permits Website

Signup for eNotification to receive an email whenever the status of your application changes and/or whenever a review or inspection is added.

Contact the Development Center


Submit a question to Development Center staff
Call (253) 798-3739 Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Visit The Development Center Lobby


Public Services Building, 2401 S 35th St., Tacoma, WA 98409
Open 9:00 a.m.–2:00 p.m., Monday to Friday excluding holidays.