Local building department guide · Updated 2026-07-30

Pierce County Building Department | Permits, Inspections & Contact

Use this guide to find the official Pierce County Planning and Public Works Development Center, start a permit application, search permit records, schedule an inspection, and locate the correct zoning or plan review contact.

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Quick actions

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Apply for a building permit

Review the typical application path and prepare your project details.

See permit steps

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Track or search permits

Find Pierce County permit search resources and application status links.

Search permits

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Schedule a building inspection

Learn what to have ready before requesting your next inspection.

Schedule inspection

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Other portal login

Open the department's official online services and permit portal.

Open portal

Pierce County Planning and Public Works’ Development Center provides building, land-use, site-development, environmental, sewer, and fire-prevention permitting for unincorporated Pierce County. Incorporated cities such as Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, and Gig Harbor have their own permitting authorities. Use the county’s property and jurisdiction tools before filing.

Unincorporated Pierce County building permits

The Development Center is the county’s central location for building permits and related development approvals. The PALS online system allows applicants to create an account, apply, pay, check application status, and request inspections. Permit requirements vary by property and project type, so start with the county’s online development guide and address-based research tools.

Inspections, zoning, code compliance, and occupancy

Pierce County requires inspections at the stages listed on the permit and provides inspection scheduling through PALS and county staff. The county’s guidance emphasizes final inspection readiness, completed site work, approved related trade inspections, and accessible approved plans. Virtual inspections are available for certain work, including some furnace, footing, insulation, re-inspection, and final inspections.

The county’s zoning guidance uses Pierce County Code Title 18A and an address or parcel search to identify allowed uses, setbacks, variances, and other development requirements. Commercial and business occupancies must receive a Certificate of Occupancy before the space is occupied; a temporary certificate does not replace final approval.

Official contact information

The Development Center is at the Pierce County Annex, East Entrance, 2401 35th St, Tacoma, Washington 98409. Pierce County lists (253) 798-3739 for general Development Center information. Use PALS for county applications, permit status, payments, and inspection requests, and contact the city directly for a property inside incorporated city limits.

Permit process

How to Apply for a Pierce County Building Permit

Confirm the project scope

Identify the work, property address, project valuation, and whether plans are required.

Prepare your documents

Gather plans, owner and contractor details, site information, and any zoning approvals.

Submit and monitor

Submit through the department’s stated process, pay fees, and watch for review comments.

Field work & closeout

Building Inspections & Code Compliance in Pierce County

Most permitted work must remain accessible for inspection at defined stages. Before scheduling, check your permit record for the required inspection sequence and make sure the site is safe and ready. Final inspections can be especially important for code compliance and a certificate of occupancy.

Helpful preparation

Keep the permit card or approval number available, confirm the property address, and ask the official office about lead times or reinspection fees.

Planning & review

Zoning and Plan Review Requirements

A building permit is not always the only approval your project needs. Zoning guidelines may affect use, setbacks, height, parking, signage, or lot coverage. Residential and commercial building permits can also follow different plan review tracks, so confirm the correct path before investing in a full plan set.

For a project in Pierce County, start with the official department below and ask which zoning, planning, conservation, or fire review approvals apply to your address.

Keep this handy

Official Contact Information

Department	Pierce County Planning and Public Works Development Center
Phone	(253) 798-3739
Address	2401 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
Official website	https://www.piercecountywa.gov/applyforapermit
Last verified	2026-07-30

Official source pages used for this guide

These links were checked on 2026-07-30. Requirements, fees, office hours, and portal addresses can change; use the official source as the final authority.