Demolition permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition 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 demolition need a permit in City of Tacoma?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
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 2026-05-02
What City of Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Demolition Permits, 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.
“A demolition permit is required to demolish most buildings within the City of Tacoma. Residential sheds that are 200 square feet or smaller and located at least six feet from other structures are exempt.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- site plan
- utility disconnect confirmations
- asbestos survey (pre-1981 structures)
- erosion / sediment control plan
- haul route if structure >1500 sqft
Inspection sequence
- pre-demo (utilities + erosion)
- mid-demo if multi-day
- final site stabilization
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 demolition 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 demolition quote.
Notes & caveats
Disconnect notices required from utilities (gas, electric, water, sewer) before issuance. Erosion control plan required where soil is disturbed. Bonded contractor typically required. Site stabilization + capped sewer line at completion.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Tacoma demolition — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (5).
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Demolition fees commonly charged as flat fee or by structure size. State surcharge $6.50 applies.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull demolition 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
Demolition permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in City of Tacoma?
2021 IBC Section 105.1 + WA-adopted IRC R105.1: demolition of any structure or portion thereof requires a permit. Tear-out of interior finishes only is generally treated as alteration. Asbestos / lead notification often required separately under WAC 173-303 / 296-62.
How much does a demolition permit cost in City of Tacoma?
Current fee per the City of Tacoma fee schedule: Demolition fees commonly charged as flat fee or by structure size. State surcharge $6.50 applies.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.