Pool Permits: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do pool permits rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
No data available yet for Lakewood.
Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
Swimming pool permits in Tacoma are issued by Planning and Development Services under TMC Title 2.02 (Building Code, adopting the 2018 IRC and IBC). Per IRC R105.2, prefabricated residential pools less than 24 inches deep are permit-exempt; in-ground and larger above-ground pools require a building permit. Pool barriers must comply with IRC Appendix AG, and barrier fences up to 7 feet are permit-exempt (above 7 feet require a separate permit).
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Code | - | TMC 2.02 + 2018 IRC/IBC |
| Permit Exempt (Res) | - | Prefab pools < 24 in deep |
| Permit Exempt (Com R-3) | - | < 24 in, < 5,000 gal, above ground |
| Barrier Standard | - | IRC Appendix AG |
| Min Fence Height | - | 48 in (self-closing/latching gate) |
| Fence Permit Threshold | - | Over 7 ft requires permit |
| PDS Phone | - | 253-591-5030 |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
No FAQs available.
Tacoma FAQ
Do I need a permit for a pool in Tacoma?
Prefabricated residential pools less than 24 inches deep are exempt from a building permit under IRC R105.2 as adopted in TMC 2.02. Any in-ground pool or any pool 24 inches or deeper requires a building permit from Planning and Development Services. Commercial Group R-3 pools are exempt only if less than 24 inches deep, no more than 5,000 gallons, and entirely above ground (IBC 105.2).
What fence does Tacoma require around a swimming pool?
Tacoma applies IRC Appendix AG: a residential pool barrier at least 48 inches high enclosing the pool, with self-closing and self-latching gates that swing away from the pool and a latch release at least 54 inches above the ground. Fences up to 7 feet are themselves permit-exempt under TMC 2.02; fences over 7 feet require a separate building permit.
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