ADU Permits: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do adu permits rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
No data available yet for Lakewood.
Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma permits attached (AADU) and detached (DADU) accessory dwelling units ministerially under Tacoma Municipal Code 13.06.150. Washington HB 1337 (2023, codified at RCW 36.70A.681-696) requires Tacoma to allow up to two ADUs on every residential lot. Permits are issued by Planning and Development Services (PDS), and review is a Type I administrative process — no public hearing, no design review.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Code Section | - | TMC 13.06.150 |
| ADUs Per Lot | - | Up to 2 (HB 1337) |
| Review Type | - | Type I administrative |
| Decision Window | - | 60 days (RCW 36.70B.080) |
| Max DADU Size | - | 1,000 sq ft or 85% of primary |
| Home In Tacoma Effective | - | Feb 1, 2025 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
No FAQs available.
Tacoma FAQ
How many ADUs can I build on a Tacoma lot?
Up to two per RCW 36.70A.681 (HB 1337) and TMC 13.06.150 — typically one attached and one detached, or two detached, on any lot in a residential zone. Tacoma's Home In Tacoma update (Feb 1, 2025) confirmed these state-mandated allowances.
How long does an ADU permit take in Tacoma?
Planning and Development Services must issue a decision within 60 days of a complete application under RCW 36.70B.080. Custom designs commonly take 90-120 days when corrections are needed. Contact PDS at 253-591-5030 for current intake timelines.
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