Addition permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a home addition permit in City of Tacoma, Washington — when one is required, what it costs, how long review takes, what documents are required, and which inspections you can expect. Cited to Tacoma Planning & Development Services.
When does a home addition need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Permit required for any addition to an existing building, OR any new accessory structure ≥200 sqft. Alteration/addition <80% of building valuation = Residential Alteration (BLDRA) permit. ≥80% = Residential New Construction (BLDRN) permit (which subsumes site-development review).
Required submittals
- site plan to scale 1"=20'
- floor plan 1/4"=1'
- building elevations
- foundation plan
- roof framing plan
- wall sections
- plumbing/mechanical plans
Inspection sequence
- foundation/footing
- plumbing rough-in
- electrical rough-in
- mechanical rough-in
- framing
- insulation
- drywall
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
From Tacoma residential-permit-process tip sheet: "BLDRA (Residential Alteration/Addition) — Remodels, additions, alterations of less than 80% building valuation, miscellaneous structures without living space or storage space (i.e. walls, fences, pools)." From garages-and-sheds tip sheet: "A building permit is required for any addition to an existing building or for any new accessory structure that is 200 square feet or larger." Applies to single-family + duplex + townhomes (≤6 units, ≤3 stories).
Addition permit fee estimate in City of Tacoma
Worked example for a $120,000 home addition project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $1,105.75 |
| Plan review | $718.74 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $1,828.99 |
Plan-review fee scales with valuation per UBC Table 1-A. State surcharge $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits (E/P/M) separate. Computed from the City of Tacoma 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 Tacoma home addition — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (7).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: 30–90 days). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Plan-review fee scales with valuation per UBC Table 1-A. State surcharge $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits (E/P/M) separate.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Addition permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a home addition need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Permit required for any addition to an existing building, OR any new accessory structure ≥200 sqft. Alteration/addition <80% of building valuation = Residential Alteration (BLDRA) permit. ≥80% = Residential New Construction (BLDRN) permit (which subsumes site-development review).
How much does a home addition permit cost in City of Tacoma?
For a $120,000 home addition project, the estimated City of Tacoma permit fee is about $1,828.99 — building fee $1,105.75 + plan review $718.74 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.
How long does City of Tacoma take to review a home addition permit?
Typical review window: 30–90 days.
