Land-use permits in Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a land-use / zoning 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 land-use or zoning work need a permit in Lakewood?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
From Lakewood's own code
“If a planned development district is proposed within two (2) or more zoning districts, the maximum number of dwelling units will be the total allowed in each zone combined. The permitted land uses of the more restrictive zone shall apply to the entire planned development district. [Ord. 820 § 4 (Att. C), 2024; Ord. 726 § 2 (Exh. B), 2019. Formerly 18A.30.620.]”Source ↗verified 2026-05-02
Required submittals
- Narrative of request
- Site plan
- Design / elevation drawings if design review
- SEPA checklist (if required)
- Mailing labels for public notice
Review steps
- Intake completeness
- Staff review
- Public comment period
- Decision (admin or hearing examiner)
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 land-use / zoning 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 land-use / zoning quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city planning, not building. Land-use approvals precede building permits and have their own SEPA threshold review. Process timelines run weeks to months; public notice + hearing examiner involvement is common.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your land-use or zoning work 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 the review fees (Lakewood's fee schedule sets them) and keep the decision with the project.
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
Land-use permits in Lakewood — FAQ
When does land-use or zoning work need a permit in Lakewood?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
How much does a land-use / zoning permit cost in Lakewood?
Lakewood's variance (critical area, engineering, shoreline or zoning) is $520 as a Type I decision, $780 as Type II and $1,565 as Type III; one that goes to the Hearing Examiner adds a $2,500 deposit against the hearing's actual cost. A pre-application conference is $480, $240 of it credited to a permit filed within a year, and a zoning certification $120. 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 (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/).