Deck permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a deck 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 deck need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Tacoma TMC 13.05: permit if deck >30in above grade or attached. Apply via Accela ACA.
Required submittals
- site plan with setbacks
- sectional drawing
Inspection sequence
- footing
- framing
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Notes & caveats
Per TMC 2.02.540 amendment to IRC R105.2: "Decks not exceeding 200 square feet (18.58 m2) in area, that are not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above grade at any point, are not attached to a dwelling and do not serve the exit door required by Section R311.4" are exempt from permit. Any deck failing any one of these conditions requires a Residential Building Alteration (BLDRA) permit.
Deck permit fee estimate in City of Tacoma
Worked example for a $18,000 deck project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $293.25 |
| Plan review | $190.61 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $488.36 |
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. 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 deck — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (2).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review (typical: 10–21 days). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Deck permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a deck need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Tacoma TMC 13.05: permit if deck >30in above grade or attached. Apply via Accela ACA.
How much does a deck permit cost in City of Tacoma?
For a $18,000 deck project, the estimated City of Tacoma permit fee is about $488.36 — building fee $293.25 + plan review $190.61 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.
How long does City of Tacoma take to review a deck permit?
Typical review window: 10–21 days. Over-the-counter eligible for some scopes.
