Environmental Rules in Pierce County, WA (2026)
6 county-level rules, plus city-specific rules for 2 cities in Pierce County, Washington.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Pierce County funds its stormwater system through a Storm Drainage and Surface Water Management Utility under PCC 11.02.020, billing an annual service charge to nearly every unincorporated parcel. The Department of Planning and Public Works administers the program, which charges $156.15 a year in 2026 for a standard residential parcel and scales up with impervious surface area.
Pierce County Storm Drainage & Surface Water Rules
Some RestrictionsPierce County Code 11.02.020
There is hereby created a Storm Drainage and Surface Water Management Utility and corresponding Surface Water Management Fund for Pierce County. Said Storm Drainage and Surface Water Management Utility shall be administered by the Pierce County Executive as a division of the Department of Planning and Public Works. The County elects to exercise all lawful powers necessary and appropriate for th...
Erosion Control
Every site development permit in unincorporated Pierce County carries a Reclamation Guarantee under PCC 17A.20.020 that keeps erosion control measures running through construction and locks in permanent stabilization once work wraps up. The guarantee runs $1,500 per acre disturbed, $1,500 minimum, and pays for County cleanup if a builder walks away mid-project. Silt fencing and a stabilized construction entrance must go in before grading starts.
Pierce County Erosion Control During Construction
Some RestrictionsPCC 17A.20.020
A. The purpose of this guarantee is to ensure that adequate erosion control measures are employed during the course of construction and that permanent stabilization is achieved at the conclusion of significant activity. The guarantee may be utilized to reduce drainage impacts and permanently stabilize the site in the event that the County determines a site has been abandoned after construction ...
Flood Zones
In unincorporated Pierce County, no one may start development or a regulated activity within a mapped flood hazard area without a permit from Pierce County Planning and Public Works. The rule covers FEMA AE/VE zones, floodways, flood fringe, coastal flood hazard areas and channel migration zones on rivers like the Puyallup and Nisqually.
Pierce County Flood Hazard Area Permit Rule
Some RestrictionsPierce County Code 18E.70.030.A
No person may commence any development or regulated activity in a critical area without first obtaining the applicable permits and/or approvals from Pierce County, unless otherwise exempt under this Title. Permits and approvals may be obtained from Pierce County by first submitting applications that comply with the Pierce County Code, along with payment of the applicable fees, to the Department.
Boat Dock Permits
In unincorporated Pierce County, a private dock for a single-family or multi-family home skips the Shoreline Substantial Development Permit only if its fair market value stays under fixed dollar caps: $2,500 in salt water, $10,000 for a new dock in fresh water, or $20,000 to replace an equal-or-smaller dock. Go over the cap and the whole project needs a permit.
Pierce County Boat Dock Permit Exemption Rules
Some RestrictionsPCC 18S.60.020.C.8
8. Dock. Construction of a dock, including a community dock, designed for pleasure craft only, for the private noncommercial use of the owner, lessee, or contract purchaser of single-family and multiple-family residences. a. A dock is a landing and moorage facility for watercraft and does not include recreational decks, storage facilities or other appurtenances. This exception applies if: (1) I...
Defensible Space
Pierce County lets property owners clear wildfire defensible space within 30 feet of dwellings, outbuildings, barns and commercial buildings even inside a regulated critical area buffer, without a separate critical area permit, as long as the clearing follows the county's brush thinning and tree limbing guidelines.
Pierce County Wildfire Defensible Space Rules
Light RestrictionsPierce County Code 18E.20.030.R
Wildfire – Defensible Space Activities in critical areas and their associated buffers. The following Defensible Space Activities may take place within 30 feet of existing dwellings, outbuildings, barns, and commercial-use buildings: 1. Tree limb removal. Where understory shrubs are present below the tree, removal shall follow the guidelines of PCC 18E.40.070 – Appendix F. Where understory shrub...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New construction and substantial improvements in a Pierce County flood hazard area must sit above the base flood elevation, not just at it. A crawlspace foundation needs 1 foot of freeboard, a slab-on-grade needs 2 feet, and essential facilities like fire stations need 3 feet, all verified with a FEMA elevation certificate.
Pierce County Freeboard Above Base Flood Elevation
Some RestrictionsPierce County Code 18E.70.040.C.6.a
New construction, additions affixed to the side of an existing structure, and substantial improvement of any structure shall have the lowest floor elevated a minimum of 1 foot above base flood elevation when constructed with a crawlspace or a minimum of 2 feet above the base flood elevation when constructed using a slab on grade construction, except as provided in PCC 18E.70.040.C.6.c and C.6.d...
Environmental Rules by City in Pierce County
2 cities in Pierce County have their own environmental rules rules. Each link goes to that city's dedicated page with code citations.
All Pierce County ordinances
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