Bathroom remodel permits in City of Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a bathroom remodel permit in City of Lakewood, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Lakewood Community Development..
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in City of Lakewood?
Like-for-like fixture replacement in same location with no plumbing rerouting and no new circuits: typically exempt under 2021 IRC R105.2(2)(g). Any relocation, new fixture, new circuit, or shower-pan replacement triggers permits.
Required submittals
- floor plan with fixture locations
- plumbing diagram
- electrical layout
- waterproofing detail at tub/shower
Inspection sequence
- rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- shower-pan/waterproofing
- insulation if walls opened
- drywall
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general, plumbing
Notes & caveats
Per Lakewood handout B4 exemption clause: ordinary repairs do not include "addition to, alteration of, replacement or relocation of any water supply, sewer, drainage, drain leader, gas, soil, waste, vent or similar piping." Bathroom plumbing fixture relocation or new lines triggers a plumbing permit. Per Residential Applications Matrix, "Plumbing (including Like for Like permit types)" requires application + additional permits.
Bathroom remodel permit fee estimate in City of Lakewood
Worked example for a $22,000 bathroom remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $349.25 |
| Plan review | $227.01 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $580.76 |
Fees set by jurisdiction. Plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits. Computed from the City of Lakewood fee bracket schedule · source ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Lakewood bathroom remodel — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Lakewood Community Development. ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: —). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Fees set by jurisdiction. Plus separate electrical, plumbing, and mechanical permits.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Bathroom remodel permits in City of Lakewood — FAQ
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in City of Lakewood?
Like-for-like fixture replacement in same location with no plumbing rerouting and no new circuits: typically exempt under 2021 IRC R105.2(2)(g). Any relocation, new fixture, new circuit, or shower-pan replacement triggers permits.
How much does a bathroom remodel permit cost in City of Lakewood?
For a $22,000 bathroom remodel project, the estimated City of Lakewood permit fee is about $580.76 — building fee $349.25 + plan review $227.01 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.