Side sewer permits in City of Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a side sewer 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 side sewer need a permit in City of Tacoma?
The side-sewer permit is issued by whichever utility owns the sanitary sewer — the city, a sewer or water district, or a regional utility — under that utility's own code, with WAC 51-56 (2021 UPC) governing how the building sewer is laid. WHICH UTILITY IS A PER-PROPERTY FACT: a lot can sit inside a city for permitting and outside its sewer district, so confirm the owner of the main before applying. Triggered by a new connection, repair of more than about 2 ft of pipe, relining (CIPP), or capping at the property line for a demolition.
From City of Tacoma's own code
“All work necessary to repair, rehabilitate, replace, or construct new private side sewers shall be performed pursuant to a permit issued by the City and in accordance with the standards set forth in the Side Sewer and Sanitary Sewer Availability Manual. ( Ord. 28761 Ex. B, 2021-05-25 )”Source ↗verified 2026-09-06
What City of Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Fixing Your Side Sewer, 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.
“Permits are always required, on both private property and in the right-of-way, when performing repair work on side sewers or plumbing fixtures so construction inspectors can inspect the work and ensure it meets City standards. Permits are not required for root removal or unclogging services.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- site plan with sewer line route
- depth + slope detail
- cleanout locations
- utility locate ticket
Inspection sequence
- pre-cover (open trench)
- air / water test
- final
Contractor specialties needed
side-sewer-contractor
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 side sewer 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 side sewer quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is the sanitary sewer utility, NOT the building department, and inspection is the utility's too. SOME utilities additionally require the contractor to hold a side-sewer card or registration before they will issue; it is not universal, so check the serving utility's own rules rather than assuming either way.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your City of Tacoma side sewer — 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 (Side-sewer permit fees are set by the utility that owns the main; some add a depth-based surcharge. Utility-issued, not building-permit-issued.) and pick up the permit. Inspection card travels with the job.
Or have Kolmo do it
We pull side sewer 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
Side sewer permits in City of Tacoma — FAQ
When does a side sewer need a permit in City of Tacoma?
The side-sewer permit is issued by whichever utility owns the sanitary sewer — the city, a sewer or water district, or a regional utility — under that utility's own code, with WAC 51-56 (2021 UPC) governing how the building sewer is laid. WHICH UTILITY IS A PER-PROPERTY FACT: a lot can sit inside a city for permitting and outside its sewer district, so confirm the owner of the main before applying. Triggered by a new connection, repair of more than about 2 ft of pipe, relining (CIPP), or capping at the property line for a demolition.
How much does a side sewer permit cost in City of Tacoma?
Current fee per the City of Tacoma fee schedule: Side-sewer permit fees are set by the utility that owns the main; some add a depth-based surcharge. Utility-issued, not building-permit-issued.. Plus ancillary plan-review/tech-surcharge fees per city schedule.