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.

Permit required?
Yes — see threshold below
Permit fee
Most jurisdictions handle decks as field-inspection or simplified plan review.
Review timeline
10–21 days · OTC eligible

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

  1. footing
  2. framing
  3. 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. 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. 2. Assemble submittals (2).
  3. 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services
  4. 4. Track review (typical: 10–21 days). Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
  5. 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.

City of Tacoma resourcesPermit portal ↗Fee schedule ↗