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.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Tacoma's source.
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 City of Tacoma adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which City of Tacoma adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The International Building Code, International Residential Code, and International Existing Building Code, as adopted and amended by the Washington State Building Code Council under the State Building Code, as defined in TMC § 2.02.100 , are hereby adopted as the official Building Code of the City of Tacoma. The Tacoma Building Code as defined in TMC § 2.02.100 is also amended to include the adoption of IBC Appendix Chapter G, the adoption of IEBC Appendix A, and a new Appendix J added to the IEBC.”Source ↗verified 2026-04-29
What City of Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Residential Porches and Decks, published by City of Tacoma. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“Guards should be located along open-sided walking surfaces, including stairs, ramps and landings, that are located more than 30 inches measured vertically to the floor or grade below at any point within 36 inches horizontally to the edge of the open side. A guardrail is a rail that prevents people from falling off or being hit by something. Required guardrails must be at least 36 inches high.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- site plan with setbacks
- sectional drawing
Inspection sequence
- footing
- framing
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general
Who can do this work in City of Tacoma?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Tacoma and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the deck permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Tacoma deck quote.
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 — Washington baseline, not City of Tacoma's own schedule
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 | $6.5 |
| Estimated total | $490.36 |
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review. We have not read City of Tacoma's adopted fee schedule, so this is not City of Tacoma's fee: it walks the standard valuation table most Washington cities adopt by reference, as a rough guide. The real numbers are in City of Tacoma's fee schedule ↗. Impact/utility fees may apply separately.
How to apply yourself
- 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.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull deck permits in City of Tacoma every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
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 $490.36 — 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.