Pierce County building department

Pierce County Planning and Public Works runs the Development Center, which handles building, land-use, site-development, environmental, sewer, and fire-prevention permits for unincorporated Pierce County. Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Gig Harbor, and the county’s other incorporated cities issue their own permits. A city mailing address does not settle jurisdiction, so check the parcel with the county’s property tools before you apply.

Applying through PALS+

Pierce County takes applications through PALS+, its online permit portal. The residential process starts with a Submittal Standard: you upload a site plan to PALS+, and the county responds with a list of what a complete application must include for that property. Applications are accepted only when complete, under Pierce County Code 18.40.020. The county publishes a Residential Construction Application and Checklist and a Customer Guide for Residential Construction (both revised in 2026) that define the required items. Larger or less certain projects can use the county’s pre-application services first.

Construction plans must be designed to the 2021 International codes, the 2021 Uniform Plumbing Code, and the 2021 Washington State Energy Code, as adopted by the state.

Work exempt from a building permit

The county’s “Work Exempt from Building Permit” guide and its Development Center FAQs list these thresholds:

Item	Exempt when…
Accessory structure (tool or storage shed, playhouse)	Single story, floor area 200 sq ft or less
Deck, sidewalk, driveway	Walking surface 30 inches or less above adjacent grade and not over a basement or story below
Fence	6 feet or less in height

A fence 6 feet or under can sit on the property line without a permit, but it must still meet the intersection sight-distance rules in Pierce County Code Titles 17A and 17B. A taller fence needs a building permit and must meet setbacks. Exempt sheds must still meet the setbacks in PCC 18A.15.040. The exemption does not cover habitable or heated space, tiny homes, or additions and remodels to existing structures. For more on fences, see do I need a permit for a fence.

Zoning and related reviews

Zoning is governed by Pierce County Code Title 18A. The county’s “What Is Allowed in a Zone” guidance uses an address or parcel search to identify allowed uses, setbacks, and variance options. Land use, land division, and civil infrastructure reviews are also handled at the Development Center.

2026 fee changes

New Pierce County development fees took effect February 1, 2026, under Exhibit A to Ordinance O2025-550s, which covers both 2026 and 2027. The county announced that most permitting fees would rise by about 20% on average, and that it was adding a 3% technology fee and a $150 administrative base fee. The county also publishes an estimate of typical building permit costs for a single-family home.

Inspections

Building inspections are scheduled in PALS: search for the permit, then choose “I want to…” and “Schedule Inspection.” For single-family site-development inspections, requests made before 11 a.m. on a working day are normally done the next working day. The county’s FAQ says inspectors are usually reachable by phone between 6:30 and 7 a.m., before they head out for the day.

Virtual inspections use a smartphone video stream controlled by the person on site. They are allowed for water heater and furnace replacements, footings and foundations for additions, insulation, re-inspections, and finals. Call (253) 798-2769 to book one. The county publishes separate “Inspections Required” guides for residential and commercial work.

Commercial and business occupancies must receive a Certificate of Occupancy before the space is used. A temporary certificate does not replace final approval.

Development Center hours and contact

The Development Center is in the Pierce County Annex, 2401 S 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409 (east entrance). The lobby is open 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.:

• Monday, Wednesday, and Friday: full in-person service
• Tuesday and Thursday: basic services only

General office hours are 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and the main line is (253) 798-3739. Live chat is available during lobby hours, and emailed questions are answered within 24 to 48 hours on weekdays.