Kitchen remodel permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a kitchen remodel 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 kitchen remodel need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Cabinets, countertops, painting, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work are exempt. New circuits, fixture relocation, or plumbing modifications require respective trade permits.
Required submittals
- floor plan with fixture locations
- electrical layout
- plumbing diagram
- WSEC compliance form if envelope/lighting affected
Inspection sequence
- rough-in (electrical/plumbing/mechanical)
- insulation if walls opened
- drywall
- final
Contractor specialties needed
general, electrical-01-or-02, plumbing
Notes & caveats
Per TMC 2.02.540 amendment to IRC R105.2: "Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops and similar finish work" are exempt. However: "The clearing of stoppages or the repairing of leaks in pipes, valves or fixtures, and the removal and reinstallation of water closets, provided such repairs do not involve or require the replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes or fixtures" are exempt — implying that pipe rearrangement (typical for kitchen sink relocation) DOES require a plumbing permit. Most kitchen remodels touching electrical or plumbing trigger permits.
Kitchen remodel permit fee estimate in City of Tacoma
Worked example for a $35,000 kitchen remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Building permit fee | $492.25 |
| Plan review | $319.96 |
| WA state surcharge | $4.5 |
| Estimated total | $816.71 |
Fees set by jurisdiction. WA Building Code Council surcharge: $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits separate. 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 kitchen remodel — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline/ECA/historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals (4).
- 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 (Fees set by jurisdiction. WA Building Code Council surcharge: $4.50 per building permit. Trade permits separate.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Kitchen remodel permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Cabinets, countertops, painting, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work are exempt. New circuits, fixture relocation, or plumbing modifications require respective trade permits.
How much does a kitchen remodel permit cost in City of Tacoma?
For a $35,000 kitchen remodel project, the estimated City of Tacoma permit fee is about $816.71 — building fee $492.25 + plan review $319.96 + surcharges. Fees scale with project valuation per the city schedule.
How long does City of Tacoma take to review a kitchen remodel permit?
Typical review window: 10–21 days.
