Pierce County, WA Building Safety: Building Permits (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- International Residential Code, adopted PCC 17C.10.010
- Exemption source
- PCC 17C.30.040 (amends IRC R105.2)
- Exempt shed size
- Detached accessory structure under 200 sq ft
- Exempt fence height
- Up to 6 feet, no permit
- Exempt pool depth
- Under 24 inches deep
- Misdemeanor penalty
- Up to $1,000 fine or 90 days jail
- Appeal window
- 14 days to appeal Building Official's order
Summary
Pierce County adopts the International Residential Code and requires a building permit for nearly all construction in unincorporated areas, but PCC 17C.30.040 carves out 15 specific categories of work that need no permit at all, from small tool sheds to shallow above-ground spas. Anything outside that exempt list, including additions, new dwellings, and most accessory structures, needs a permit from Planning and Public Works before work starts.
Section R105.2 of the International Residential Code is amended as follows:
1. One story detached accessory structure used as unheated tool and storage sheds, playhouses and similar uses, provided the floor area does not exceed 200 square feet (18.58 m2) and it is at least three feet from a property line.
2. Fences not over six feet (1829 mm) high.
3. Retaining walls that 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. ...
7. Swimming pools accessory to a Group R-3 occupancy that are less than 24 inches (610 mm) deep.
8. Self contained Spas and hot tubs installed entirely above ground and not connected to the potable water system nor to a drain into a septic or sewer system.
Official source re-checked September 8, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: current through Ordinance 2026-515, and legislation passed through May 26, 2026).
Full Breakdown
040. The amended list of exempt work includes: one-story detached accessory structures under 200 square feet used as unheated tool sheds or playhouses (at least three feet from a property line); fences no taller than six feet; retaining walls up to four feet high measured from footing to top; water tanks on grade holding 5,000 gallons or less; decks, sidewalks, and driveways no more than 30 inches above grade; finish work like painting and cabinetry; swimming pools under 24 inches deep accessory to a single-family home; self-contained above-ground spas not tied to a potable water or sewer connection; playground equipment; certain window awnings; re-roofing and re-siding of one- and two-family dwellings and private garages under specified load and sheathing conditions; small membrane-covered frame structures up to 576 square feet; and a limited agricultural-structure exemption up to 600 square feet on qualifying land five acres or larger, capped at two such structures per parcel and 14 feet in height.
010 (IBC, IRC, mechanical, plumbing, fire, energy, pool/spa, and property maintenance codes). 070. If work covered by a required permit starts before one is issued, the County requires a special investigation and an added investigation fee equal to the permit fee (minimum $250, maximum $5,000) before a permit can be issued.
Violations & Fines
Building, altering, or occupying a structure without a required permit, or in violation of the adopted construction codes, is unlawful under PCC 17C.10.050.A and is a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $1,000, up to 90 days in jail, or both. The Building Official or Fire Marshal can issue a notice of violation directing that illegal work stop and be corrected, and may record a Certificate of Noncompliance against the parcel until the violation is remedied. Starting exempt-adjacent work without confirming exemption status does not excuse a Code violation, per PCC 17C.30.040's closing clause.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a permit to build a shed in unincorporated Pierce County?
Is a permit required for a backyard fence in Pierce County?
What happens if I build without a required permit?
Can I appeal a Building Official's permit decision?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Pierce County
Compare Pierce County to another location·View the Washington building safety overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.