Signs permits in Tacoma: fees, timeline & requirements (2026)
Everything you need to know about pulling a sign 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 a sign need a permit in Tacoma?
Tacoma requires a sign permit for every new permanent sign, painted wall sign and temporary off-premises advertising sign (TMC 13.06.090.I.3.a(3)). No permit is needed for copy changes on a sign built for changeable copy, for repainting, maintenance or repair done on site with no structural change, for window signs, construction signs up to 32 square feet, or professional name plates of 2 square feet or less, among the other exemptions of TMC 13.06.090.I.3.b.
From Tacoma's own code
“All new permanent signs, painted wall signs, and temporary off-premises advertising signs require permits.”Source ↗verified 2026-10-24
What Tacoma says in its own permit handout
From Temporary Signs, published by Tacoma. This is the jurisdiction's own guidance on its permit process, not the ordinance text — where the two differ, the code governs.
“A temporary sign can be up to 4 square feet in area.”Handout ↗read 2026-09-05
Required submittals
- Site / elevation plan
- Sign drawing with dimensions + materials
- Structural calc if freestanding
- Electrical detail if illuminated
Inspection sequence
- Footing if freestanding
- Electrical rough-in if illuminated
- Final
Contractor specialties needed
General contractor · Electrician (journey-level 01 or residential 02)
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 sign permit with Tacoma Planning & Development Services, carries the project through review and inspections, and performs the construction. Call (206) 410-5100 for a Tacoma sign quote.
Notes & caveats
Issuing body is city building dept (structural review) often with planning sign-off (zoning compliance). Electrical permit required for illuminated signs. Historic-district signs get separate review.
How to apply yourself
- 1. Confirm your parcel's zoning & overlays. Run an address lookup for your sign in Tacoma — we'll pull your specific lot polygon, zoning, setbacks, and any shoreline, critical-area or historic overlays.
- 2. Assemble submittals: the 4 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 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
Signs permits in Tacoma — FAQ
When does a sign need a permit in Tacoma?
Tacoma requires a sign permit for every new permanent sign, painted wall sign and temporary off-premises advertising sign (TMC 13.06.090.I.3.a(3)). No permit is needed for copy changes on a sign built for changeable copy, for repainting, maintenance or repair done on site with no structural change, for window signs, construction signs up to 32 square feet, or professional name plates of 2 square feet or less, among the other exemptions of TMC 13.06.090.I.3.b.
How much does a sign permit cost in Tacoma?
Tacoma prices a sign permit on the sign's value (Table 8-1): $59 up to $500, $170 for the first $2,000 plus $32 for each $1,000 more up to $25,000, and $910 for the first $25,000 plus $24 for each $1,000 more up to $50,000; plan review is 65% of the permit fee, $58 at the least (Table 8-2). Table 1 adds the technology (5%), emergency preparedness (5%) and reserve fund (2%) surcharges, and the natural resources program (5%) on sign permits. A lit sign also needs a Tacoma Power electrical permit.