Tacoma, WA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.02.090
- Default rule
- Permit required unless expressly exempted
- Example threshold
- Accessory sheds under 120 sq ft exempt
- Amends
- IBC Section 105.2
Summary
Tacoma's Building Code amendment lists exactly what work is exempt from a permit: everything else, including most construction and alteration work, requires one before it starts.
105.2 Work exempt from permit. Exemptions from permit requirements of this code shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation of the provisions of this code or any other laws or ordinances of this jurisdiction. Permits shall not be required for the following: Building:
1. One-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 120 square feet (11 m2).
2. Fences not over 7 feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Oil derricks.
4. Retaining walls which are not over four feet (1219 mm) in height, measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall, unless supporting a surcharge or impounding Class I, II or III-A liquids. A Fence supported by a retaining wall shall be considered a surcharge.
5. Water tanks supported directly on grade if the capacity is not greater than 5,000 gallons (18,925 L) and the ratio of height to diameter or width is not greater than 2:1.
6. Sidewalks and driveways not more than 30 inches (762 mm) above adjacent grade and on grade concrete patios with a cumulative impact not exceeding 2,000 Sq. Ft. (185.81 sq-M), provided they are not over any basement or story below and are not part of an accessible route.
7. Painting, papering, tiling, carpeting, cabinets, counter tops, and similar finish work.
8. Temporary motion picture, television, and theater stage sets and scenery.
9.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 2.02.090 amends the International Building Code's permit-exemption section and states that exemptions 'shall not be deemed to grant authorization for any work to be done in any manner in violation' of city code, then lists narrow exceptions: small accessory sheds under 120 square feet, minor sidewalks and patios, finish work like painting and tiling, and a handful of similarly minor jobs. Anything not on that list, including most new construction, additions, and structural alterations, requires a City of Tacoma building permit before work begins. Fences, retaining walls, and pools each have their own narrower exemption thresholds within the same section.
Violations & Fines
Working without a required permit is a code violation the Building Official can enforce with stop-work orders, corrective notices, and the City's standard civil penalty schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
What work doesn't need a building permit in Tacoma?
Do I need a permit for a home addition in Tacoma?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Building Permits in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle building permits.