Permit Timeline

This Permit Timeline went live April 2019, if you want to see what our previous permit timeline Click Here

Residential – Single-Family, Duplex, and Townhomes 1-2 Units

Commercial – Triplex, Multi-Family, Mixed-Use and Non-Residential Buildings

ePermits – Many permits are available for same day issuance, to learn more see our Getting an ePermit Tip Sheet

FAQ

What is a Cycle?

Each cycle represents a review time period that we spend on your permit. Reducing the number of cycles by well prepared documents and communication will result an overall faster permitting experience.

What is the 85% Goal all about?

Planning and Development Services has proposed to council that we will hit certain time periods for permits 85% of the time by 2025. We have posted our Strategic Plan goals to show you that we are striving for a goal. If you want to learn more about our Strategic Plan Click Here

What does First Review mean?

When looking at the time it takes for a permit to get issued we look at both total issuance time and review time. Review time is the measurement of our work on the permit, and we could first review as our initial intake of the permit (meaning first cycle). Time not measured in first review time is time spent waiting on documents or information from customers or the time it takes for additional review cycles.

How do I find out the status of my permit application? 

Applicants may log in at Tacoma Permits (ACA) to check permit status.

For instructions, see our Permit and Inspection Status Tip Sheet.

Does the City allow deferred submittals?

A building permit review normally includes plumbing, mechanical, and energy code (MEP) unless the applicant chooses to defer submittal.  Please see the Deferred Submittals Tip Sheet for more information about this process.

Note:  While energy code review is included in the building permit review, electrical permits are not included and must be obtained separately by the applicant’s electrical contractor/engineer from Tacoma Public Utilities (TPU).  For more information, visit www.mytpu.org.

When does my application expire?

If an applicant has been notified that action is needed, such as, plan corrections or that a permit is ready to issue, it is the applicant’s responsibility to respond.  If the applicant does not respond or take action within 180 days of being notified, the permit will be cancelled.

When does my permit expire? 

A building permit will expire if the work hasn’t begun within 180 days from the date the permit was issued, and this must be verified by City inspection. Once work has begun, progress must be verified by City inspection.  At a minimum, a progress inspection must be completed every 180 days.

Land Use permits have different expiration timelines that will be listed in the Decision of the Land Use Permit.

Can I extend my permit? 

If a permit has not yet expired, a permittee may apply for an extension of the permit if he/she is unable, for good and satisfactory reasons, to commence work or continue work within the time required. The request for extension may be made in writing to Planning & Development Services prior to the expiration of the permit. The department may extend the time for action for up to 180 days. Permits may be extended more than once at the departments discretion. Decisions for extensions may take up to 5 working days.

Building Permit Extensions Policy

If you wish to extend a permit, please send a request in writing to our office at Planning & Development Services, 747 Market St. Rm. 345, Tacoma WA, 98402 or via email at:

• Permit Staff, permits@cityoftacoma.org, for all Building, Plumbing and Mechanical permits
• Derek Gust, Tacoma Fire Department Engineer, dgust@cityoftacoma.org for all Fire Protection System permits
• Sue Coffman, Building Official, sue.coffman@cityoftacoma.org and Corey Newton, Site & Building Division Manager, cnewton@cityoftacoma.org for all Site Development, Right-of-Way and Utility Connection permits

The extension request must include the following items:

1. Associated permit numbers
2. Reason for the extension
3. Date that the work will commence
4. Date that the work will be completed by

Land Use and ePermits permits cannot be extended.  If a Land Use permit or ePermit has expired, a new application will be required.