Kitchen remodel permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a kitchen remodel 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 — the office that issues the permit at your address, and a layout of the room, cited to Tacoma's source.
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in Tacoma?
Cabinets, countertops, painting, tiling, carpeting and similar finish work are exempt. New circuits, fixture relocation, or plumbing modifications require respective trade permits.
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. 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
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 contractor · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02) · Plumber
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 kitchen remodel permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Tacoma kitchen remodel quote.
Notes & caveats
Tacoma's plumbing code is the Uniform Plumbing Code as the State adopts it (TMC 2.06.010). Its exempt list, UPC 104.2, covers only clearing a stoppage or fixing a leak, a toilet taken off and reset included, where no valve, pipe or fixture is replaced or rearranged; replacing a defective trap, drain, waste or vent pipe is new work that needs a permit. Painting, papering, tile, carpet, cabinets, counters and similar finish work need no building permit (IRC R105.2, which TMC 2.02.010 adopts). Electrical permits come from Tacoma Power (TMC 12.06A.210). Gas or venting work needs a mechanical permit; Tacoma's mechanical code is the IMC as the State adopts it (TMC 2.07.010).
Kitchen remodel permit fee estimate in Tacoma
Worked example for a $35,000 kitchen remodel project (building permit). Your actual fee scales with project valuation.
| Combination permit fee, remodel (2.81% of valuation) | $983.50 |
| Plan review | $442.58 |
| Technology Program (5%) | $71.30 |
| Natural Resources Program (5%) | $71.30 |
| Reserve Fund (2%) | $28.52 |
| Emergency Preparedness (5% of permit fees) | $49.18 |
| WA state surcharge | $6.50 |
| Estimated total | $1,652.88 |
Tacoma prices a single-family or duplex remodel as one combination building, mechanical and plumbing permit (PDS Fee Schedule Table 8-4): 2.81% of valuation, minimum $180, plus plan review at 45% of that fee. Table 1 adds the Technology Program (5%), Natural Resources Program (5%) and Reserve Fund (2%) on permit and plan review fees and Emergency Preparedness (5%) on permit fees; the state building code fee is $6.50. Electrical permits are separate, issued by Tacoma Power (TMC 12.06A). Computed from Tacoma's adopted fee schedule · source ↗. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your kitchen remodel in Tacoma — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address, and you can lay out the room.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 documents under Required submittals above.
- 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 (about $1,653 for a $35,000 project) 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 builds the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Kitchen remodel permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does a kitchen remodel need a permit in 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 Tacoma?
For a $35,000 kitchen remodel project, the estimated Tacoma permit fee is about $1,652.88 (building fee $983.50 + plan review $442.58 + surcharges) from Tacoma's adopted fee schedule. Land use, fire and engineering review, intake, impact and utility fees, where they apply, are charged separately.
How long does Tacoma take to review a kitchen remodel permit?
Typical review window: 10–21 days.