Right-of-way permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a right-of-way 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.
Free lookup, no account needed — your lot polygon, zoning, setbacks and overlays, cited to City of Tacoma's source.
When does a right-of-way need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
From City of Tacoma's own code
“An authorized neighborhood and/or business district may apply for a blanket Right-of-Way Occupancy Permit. Such permit would provide an unlimited number of private occupancies (non-commercial in nature) in the right-of-way, if approved. The location and configuration of each right-of-way occupancy must be clearly identified with maps and drawings. Other permits may apply depending on the nature of the street occupancy.”Source ↗verified 2026-05-02
What City of Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Right-of-Way Permits, published by City of Tacoma. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“Previously referred to as a Street Occupancy Permit (SOP), is a provision of Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 9.08 Right-of-Way Occupancies. It is a permit that allows for private use or occupancy of the public right-of-way, when that use or occupancy has a duration of 90 days or more.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- ROW work plan / sketch
- traffic-control plan if arterial
- certificate of insurance
- bond if required
Inspection sequence
- pre-construction
- subgrade / base
- final ROW restoration
Contractor specialties needed
general
Who can do this work in City of Tacoma?
Kolmo Construction is a licensed Washington general contractor — KOLMOL*753JS, active through April 10, 2027, bonded and insured — working throughout City of Tacoma and Pierce County. Kolmo prepares the drawings and submittals, files the right-of-way permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a City of Tacoma right-of-way quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city public works, not the building department. Often required as a precondition to a building permit (e.g. addition w/ new driveway). Bond + insurance commonly required. Traffic-control plan for arterial work.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Tacoma right-of-way — 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. Respond to reviewer comments promptly.
- 5. Pay issuance fees (Right-of-way permit fees vary by city: a base fee for a residential driveway or curb cut, plus a per-day occupancy charge if the street is obstructed.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull right-of-way permits in City of Tacoma every month. We prepare the drawings and submittals, file with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, handle reviewer comments, and build the project.
Licensed WA general contractor KOLMOL*753JS · bonded & insured
Right-of-way permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a right-of-way need a permit in City of Tacoma?
Issued by city public works (or SDOT in Seattle) under local ROW ordinance. Triggered by physical occupation of or work within the public ROW including driveway aprons, curb cuts, sidewalk replacement, utility tie-ins, hauling routes, and temporary construction staging.
How much does a right-of-way permit cost in City of Tacoma?
Current fee per the City of Tacoma fee schedule: Right-of-way permit fees vary by city: a base fee for a residential driveway or curb cut, plus a per-day occupancy charge if the street is obstructed.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.