Bathroom remodel permits in Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a bathroom remodel permit in 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 Planning and Public Works Department.
Free lookup, no account needed — the office that issues the permit at your address, and a layout of the room, cited to Lakewood's source.
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in 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 Lakewood adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.56), which Lakewood adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“Pursuant to RCW 19.27.031, the following codes as amended by the Washington State Building Code Council herein adopted and further amended, shall be collectively known as the Lakewood Building Code: A. The 2021 Edition of the International Building Code (IBC), including Appendix Chapters E, G, and J, published by the International Code Council and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council in Chapter 51-50 WAC, is hereby adopted by reference and as subsequently amended by this chapter.”Source ↗verified 2026-04-29
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 contractor · Plumber
Who can do this work in Lakewood?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout Lakewood and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the bathroom remodel permit with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Lakewood bathroom remodel quote.
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 Lakewood
Worked example for a $22,000 bathroom remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $440 |
| Plan review | $286 |
| Administrative base fee | $90 |
| Technology surcharge (4%) | $32.64 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $855.14 |
Lakewood prices a bathroom remodel's building permit on the value of the work, set by the Building Official: $30 up to $500, $90 for the first $2,000 plus $17.50 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $492.50 for the first $25,000 plus $12.50 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000. Plan review is 65% of the building permit fee, one hour at the least, and the $6.50 state building code fee applies. Plumbing and mechanical work is priced on the City's unit tables, a $34 issuance fee plus, for example, $12 a plumbing fixture or $18 a fan, with plan review at 25% where plans are required. The electrical permit comes from Tacoma Power or L&I, at their fees. Every permit application carries the City's $90 administrative base fee, mechanical permits excepted, and a 4% technology fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Apply through Lakewood's Online Permit Center (app.oncamino.com/
How to apply yourself
- 1. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your bathroom remodel in Lakewood — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address, and you can lay out the room.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (about $855 for a $22,000 project) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, handles reviewer comments, and builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Bathroom remodel permits in Lakewood — FAQ
When does a bathroom remodel need a permit in 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 Lakewood?
For a $22,000 bathroom remodel project, the estimated Lakewood permit fee is about $855.14 (building fee $440 + plan review $286 + surcharges) from Lakewood's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.