Carport Rules: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do carport rules rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
A building permit is required for all carports in unincorporated Pierce County regardless of size, and carports must meet Title 18A accessory-structure setbacks and the 3-foot minimum setback under PCC 18A.37.020.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Tacoma treats carports as detached accessory structures under TMC Title 13.06 (Land Use Regulatory Code) and Title 2.02 (Building Code, adopting the 2018 IRC). A building permit is required for any new accessory structure 200 square feet or larger. Where vehicular access is not from an alley or side street, a garage or carport must be set back at least 5 feet behind the front facade of the house.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Permit | Required, any size | - |
| Definition | Open on 2+ sides | - |
| Setback code | PCC 18A.15.040 | - |
| Min setback | 3 feet | - |
| Code | - | TMC 13.06, TMC 2.02 |
| Permit Threshold | - | 200+ sq ft |
| Max Height | - | 15 ft |
| Max Combined Size | - | 85% footprint / 15% lot / 1,000 sf |
| Front-Access Setback | - | 5 ft behind front facade |
| PDS Phone | - | 253-591-5030 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
Do carports need a permit in Pierce County?
Yes. A building permit is required for all carports regardless of size in unincorporated Pierce County.
How far from the property line must a carport be?
Detached single-story accessory structures must keep a minimum 3-foot setback under PCC 18A.37.020 and 18A.15.040.
Can I use a predesigned plan?
Yes. Pierce County's Predesigned Carport Guide lets qualifying carports be built without separate structural engineering.
Tacoma FAQ
Do I need a permit for a carport in Tacoma?
A building permit is required for any new accessory structure 200 square feet or larger under TMC 2.02 and the 2018 IRC. Smaller open carports may be exempt from a building permit but still require zoning clearance under TMC 13.06 and an electrical permit if any wiring is added. Apply through Planning and Development Services.
How far must my Tacoma carport sit from the property line?
If the carport is in the rear yard and entirely behind the rear building wall of the main dwelling there is no zoning setback, but corner lots must observe the main building side yard setback along the corner side property line. Where vehicle access is from the street rather than an alley, the carport must be at least 5 feet behind the front facade of the house. Confirm zone-specific setbacks with PDS at 253-591-5030.
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