Tacoma, WA Outdoor Cooking: Outdoor Kitchen Permits (2026)

TMC Title 2.02 adopts the 2018 IRC. IRC Section R105.2 exempts one-story detached accessory structures used as tool and storage sheds not exceeding 200 sq ft and not connected to utilities from a building permit, but any work involving new gas piping, plumbing, electrical, or a structural roof requires permits regardless of size. Tacoma applies the Washington-amended International Mechanical Code and the Uniform Plumbing Code through Title 2.02 — gas piping work requires a mechanical/plumbing permit and pressure testing per UPC and IFGC standards. Outdoor electrical work requires a Washington State Department of Labor & Industries electrical permit (Tacoma is in the state L&I jurisdiction for electrical permits, not city-issued). Zoning standards for accessory structures are in TMC 13.06: detached accessory structures are capped at 15 feet in height, must observe 5-foot side setbacks and rear setbacks under the underlying zone (typically 15 ft, 0 ft from an alley), and the total combined size of detached accessory structures cannot exceed the smallest of 85% of the main house's footprint, 15% of the parcel area, or 1,000 square feet. Permits are issued through the Tacoma ePlans portal and reviewed by PDS at 747 Market Street.