Demolition permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a demolition permit in 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 Tacoma's source.
When does a demolition need a permit in 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 Tacoma adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.51), which 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.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-02
What Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Demolition Permits, published by 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 contractor
Who can do this work in Tacoma?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout 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 demolition. Call (206) 410-5100 for a 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 demolition in Tacoma — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 5 documents under Required submittals above.
- 3. Submit through the city portal: Tacoma Planning & Development Services ↗
- 4. Track review. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Tacoma's fee schedule sets them) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, handles reviewer comments, and does the demolition.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Demolition permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does a demolition need a permit in 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 Tacoma?
Tacoma's demolition permit for a single-family or two-family dwelling or an accessory building is $190; partial demolition is priced on the value of the work (Table 8-1) with plan review (Table 8-2), and a residential demolition e-permit is $140 with no plan review fee (Tables 8-6 and 3). Table 1 adds the technology (5%), emergency preparedness (5%) and reserve fund (2%) surcharges, and the natural resources program (5%) on building permits.