Plumbing permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a plumbing 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, cited to Tacoma's source.
When does plumbing work need a permit in Tacoma?
Exempt: stopping leaks in drains/water/soil/waste/vent pipe; clearing stoppages; repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures; removing and reinstalling water closets — provided no replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures. Defective concealed-trap or drainpipe replacement = new work, permit required.
How Tacoma adopted this rule
The threshold comes from the state code (WAC 51.56), which Tacoma adopts by reference in the provision quoted below.
“The Uniform Plumbing Code as adopted by the State Building Code as defined in TMC § 2.02.100 is hereby included in the City of Tacoma Plumbing Code as adopted by this chapter. Section 104.5 and Table No. 104.5 are hereby deleted from the UPC. Fees shall be in accordance with TMC Chapter 2.09. (Repealed and reenacted by Ord. 27890 Ex. A, 2010-06-15; repealed and reenacted by Ord. 28155 Ex. A, 2013-06-11; Ord. 28363 Ex. A, 2016-06-14; Ord. 28729 Ex. B, 2021-01-26; Ord. 28957 Ex. A, 2024-03-05 )”Source ↗verified 2026-04-29
Required submittals
- Fixture count + DFU calc for repipes
- Water heater specs
- Sewer line plan if site work involved
Inspection sequence
- Rough-in / pressure test
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
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 manages the plumbing job from start to finish: a licensed plumbing contractor performs the work and pulls the permit, and Kolmo coordinates the scope, schedule, inspections and any related construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Tacoma plumbing 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 stopping a leak or clearing a stoppage, 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. Installing or replacing a fixture, even in the same spot, or new or rerouted piping needs a plumbing permit (UPC 104.1).
How to apply yourself
- 1. Check who issues the permit. Run an address lookup for your plumbing work in Tacoma — we'll confirm which office issues the permit at that address.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 3 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 runs the job: a licensed plumbing contractor does the plumbing work and pulls the permit, and Kolmo coordinates the scope, schedule, inspections and any related construction.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Plumbing permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does plumbing work need a permit in Tacoma?
Exempt: stopping leaks in drains/water/soil/waste/vent pipe; clearing stoppages; repairing leaks in pipes/valves/fixtures; removing and reinstalling water closets — provided no replacement or rearrangement of valves, pipes, or fixtures. Defective concealed-trap or drainpipe replacement = new work, permit required.
How much does a plumbing permit cost in Tacoma?
Tacoma prices installing, repairing, altering or replacing a plumbing fixture, water heater, piping, roof drain or backflow device in a house or duplex at 2.81% of the construction value, $190 at the least (PDS Fee Schedule Table 9-3); a plumbing e-permit is $140 with no plan review fee. The technology (5%), emergency preparedness (5%) and reserve fund (2%) surcharges are added.