Demolition permits in Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition 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 — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to Lakewood's source.
When does a demolition need a permit in Lakewood?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How Lakewood adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which Lakewood adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The 2021 Edition of the International Residential Code (IRC) excluding Sections R103, R104, R105, R106, R107, R108, R109, R110, R111, R112, R113, and R114, provided Chapters 11 and 25 through 43 are not adopted.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-02
Required submittals
- Site plan
- Utility disconnect confirmations
- Asbestos survey (pre-1981 structures)
- Erosion / sediment control plan
- Haul route if structure >1500 sqft
Inspection sequence
- Pre-demo (utilities + erosion)
- Mid-demo if multi-day
- Final site stabilization
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor
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 demolition permit with Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the demolition. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Lakewood demolition quote.
Notes & caveats
Disconnect notices required from utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) before issuance. Erosion control plan required where soil is disturbed. Bonded contractor typically required. Site stabilization + capped sewer line at completion.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your demolition in Lakewood — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 5 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 (Lakewood's fee schedule sets them) 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 does the demolition.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Demolition permits in Lakewood — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in Lakewood?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How much does a demolition permit cost in Lakewood?
Lakewood's demolition permit for a single-family house or duplex is a $240 flat fee, plus the City's $90 administrative base fee and 4% technology fee (2026 Fee Schedule). Apply through Lakewood's Online Permit Center (https://app.oncamino.com/lakewood_wa), linked with the account steps from the city's Apply for a Permit page (https://cityoflakewood.us/permit-center/).