Land-use permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a land-use / zoning 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 land-use or zoning work need a permit in Tacoma?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
From Tacoma's own code
“The zoning district use tables identify which uses require a conditional use permit. These uses may be authorized by the Director or Hearing Examiner in accordance with the procedures established in this Chapter and the applicable criteria outlined below. 2. General criteria. Unless otherwise excepted, all conditional use permit applications shall be subject to the following criteria: a. There shall be a demonstrated need for the use within the community at large which shall not be contrary to the public interest. b.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-02
Required submittals
- Narrative of request
- Site plan
- Design / elevation drawings if design review
- SEPA checklist (if required)
- Mailing labels for public notice
Review steps
- Intake completeness
- Staff review
- Public comment period
- Decision (admin or hearing examiner)
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 land-use / zoning permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Tacoma land-use / zoning quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city planning, not building. Land-use approvals precede building permits and have their own SEPA threshold review. Process timelines run weeks to months; public notice + hearing examiner involvement is common.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your land-use or zoning work 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 the review fees (Tacoma's fee schedule sets them) and keep the decision with the project.
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
Land-use permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does land-use or zoning work need a permit in Tacoma?
Triggered when a project does not conform to the strict letter of the zoning code. Variances require a hardship finding under most city codes. Design review thresholds vary (Seattle: most multifamily + non-residential >4,000 sqft; many cities: design review only in designated districts).
How much does a land-use / zoning permit cost in Tacoma?
Tacoma's variance for a single-family residence is $3,990, and a height variance $3,990 for a main building or $2,660 for an accessory building; a conditional use permit is $6,650 and a zoning verification letter $340. A pre-application meeting is $1,670 for an electronic review and memo, or $3,330 with an in-person meeting, creditable toward the plan review fee within a year. An activity begun before approval pays double (Tables 3 and 4). The technology (5%) and reserve fund (2%) surcharges are added.