Window replacement permits in Lakewood: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a window replacement 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, cited to Lakewood's source.
When does a window replacement need a permit in Lakewood?
Permit required for window or door replacement (a "Like for Like" permit type exists per Residential Applications Matrix). Bedrooms have specific egress sizing requirements per IEBC 702.5: where existing window does not meet egress requirements, replacement window must be the manufacturer's largest standard size that fits within existing frame/rough opening.
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.
“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
- If new/enlarged opening: header schedule, structural detail, WSEC NFRC sticker for U-factor
Inspection sequence
- Rough-opening inspection (if structural)
- Final
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 window replacement 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 window replacement quote.
Notes & caveats
From Lakewood handout B9 (Window/Door Replacement): "Whether or not a building permit is required for installing or replacing a window depends on what kind of structure the windows are going into and what kind of alterations are involved... A floor plan is not required for a window replacement permit. The applicant is required to list the following information during submittal: Room where the window is being replaced (bedroom, kitchen, dining room), size of the window, & U-value for the window... Where windows are being replaced in bedrooms, the customer shall identify that it's an existing bedroom not being converted to be used as a bedroom. Rooms being converted to be used as bedroom shall have emergency escape openings per IEBC 702.5. Where the room is being used as bedroom & the window size does not comply with the requirements, the replacement window is the manufacturer's largest standard size window that will fit within the existing frame or existing rough opening in accordance with IEBC 702.5." Code refs: IBC 2402.1, 1010.1; IEBC 505; IRC R4502.5; WSEC; WAC 51-11R.
Window replacement permit fee estimate in Lakewood
Worked example for an $8,000 window replacement project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $195 |
| Plan review | $126.75 |
| Administrative base fee | $90 |
| Technology surcharge (4%) | $16.47 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $434.72 |
Lakewood prices a window replacement'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. 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 window replacement in Lakewood — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address.
- 2. Assemble submittals: what Required submittals above lists.
- 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 $435 for an $8,000 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
Window replacement permits in Lakewood — FAQ
When does a window replacement need a permit in Lakewood?
Permit required for window or door replacement (a "Like for Like" permit type exists per Residential Applications Matrix). Bedrooms have specific egress sizing requirements per IEBC 702.5: where existing window does not meet egress requirements, replacement window must be the manufacturer's largest standard size that fits within existing frame/rough opening.
How much does a window replacement permit cost in Lakewood?
For a $8,000 window replacement project, the estimated Lakewood permit fee is about $434.72 (building fee $195 + plan review $126.75 + surcharges) from Lakewood's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.