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Site Development (SDEV) Permits are required for all site work outside the footprint of existing buildings. Examples of site work that would require an SDEV permit include, but is not limited to: grading or clearing, construction of storm facilities, paving and other site work the requires review for design and code requirements. This sheet provides information on when an SDEV permit is needed and explains the different classification levels of an SDEV permit.
What is the purpose of an SDEV Permit?
To ensure city design standards as well as code and regulatory requirements are applied to site work, in order to protect public safety and the environment.
Cumulative Impact Mitigation Requirements
When project sites are re-developed, constructed in phases, or otherwise change through gradual development Cumulative Impact Mitigation ensures stormwater requirements are applied for environmental protection. The total of all addition to or replacement of hard surfaces and converted vegetation areas, since January 1, 2003, is added together to calculate thresholds and determine permit requirements.
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Site Activities Requiring an SDEV Permit The table below outlines site activities and types of projects that would require an SDEV permit. Exemptions for general property maintenance such as landscaping or gardening are detailed in the Tacoma Municipal Code in section 2.19.030.F. |
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| Site Disturbing activity |
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| Building-related work |
Note: An SDEV is often needed in relation to a BLDCN or BLDCA even when site work falls below the area thresholds listed above |
| Land Use-related activity |
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Other Permits May Be Needed
Other permits are often needed in combination with an SDEV permit for related utlity, right-of-way, or building work. Permit Tip Sheets are available online at: https://www.tacomapermits.org/tip-sheet-index. Below is a list of additional permits types that are often asssociated with onsite work:
- Work Order (WO)
- Storm Connection (STORM)
- Right-of-Way Construction (RCON)
- Side Sewer (SEWER)
- Commercial Building Alteration (BLDCA)
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Site Development Permit Classifications The table below outlines the different SDEV permit types. Some projects, such as those that use a single, combined plan set for both onsite and offsite work, are categorized as Major Level 2 permits to capture the review of both the SDEV and Work Order (WO-related) plan improvements regardless of the project size. |
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| Minor | Major | |
| Level 1 | Minor Level 1 permit · Small, non-exempted, work that disturbs a site including:
· Examples may include:
Minor Level 1 SDEV permits are charged a flat rate, due at permit issuance |
Major Level 1 permit · Larger projects that disturbs a site including:
· Examples may include:
Major Level 1 permits are charged a flat rate, |
| Level 2 |
Minor Level 2 permit · Smaller projects with site disturbance:
· Examples may include:
Minor Level 2 permits are charged a flat rate, due at permit issuance |
Major Level 2 permit
Major Level 2 permits are charged an hourly rate, on a monthly basis, for City Staff review time |
(Additional information about fees is available on the Fee Estimator page)
Submittal Requirements
The SDEV Document Checklist provides information regarding submittal requirements. Depending on the scope of the project, engineered drawings or reports may be required. The Pre-Application process helps identify the need for engineered plans.
