ADU Permit Fees & Costs in Tacoma, Washington
Everything you need to apply for a adu permit in Tacoma, Washington — documents, fees, steps, and a downloadable submission packet.
Key Facts
- Permit required
- Yes
- Submission method
- Online
- Typical fee range
- $2,250 – $4,950
- Review time
- Varies by jurisdiction
- Inspections
- 6 inspections required
Limited Data Available
Some information on this page has not been fully verified. We're working to improve data quality. Always verify with Tacoma directly.
Estimated Total Fees
$2,250 – $4,950
Range based on typical residential solar PV system. Actual fees depend on project valuation and system size.
| Fee Component | Range | Confidence |
|---|---|---|
| ADU Permit Fee[1][2] Building permit fees based on valuation (approximately 0.5-0.75% of construction value). Planning review fees approximately $500-1000. Utility connection fees and school impact fees apply. | $1,500 – $3,000 | ✓ |
| Plan Review Fee[3][4] Plan review fee is typically 50-65% of the permit fee. | $750 – $1,950 | ✓ |
| Estimated Total | $2,250 – $4,950 |
Fees shown as ranges. Always verify the exact amount with Tacoma before submission. Additional fees may apply for expedited review or resubmittals.
Generate your permit packet
Get a personalized ADU permit packet for Tacoma, Washington — tailored to your project details.
- Complete list of required forms and documents
- Pre-filled templates: Permit Cover Sheet
- Fee breakdown: $750–$3,000 estimated total
- Step-by-step City of Tacoma portal submission guide
- Inspection prep checklist (6 items)
- Personalized for your specific project details
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Required Documents
Tacoma requires the following documents for this permit application.
Site Plan
Scaled site plan (minimum 1/4 inch scale) showing property lines, existing and proposed structures, parking, setbacks, and utilities
Architectural Plans
Complete architectural drawings including floor plans, sections, and details at 1/4 inch scale minimum
Building Elevations
All exterior elevations (north, south, east, west) showing heights, materials, and fenestration patterns
Mechanical Plans
HVAC, heating, and cooling system plans with calculations
Electrical Plans
Electrical service layout with panel location, circuits, and separate service details for ADU
Plumbing Plans
Water supply and sanitary drainage plans showing connections to main structures and utilities
Property Title or Deed
Current recorded title or deed showing ownership and any restrictions
SEPA Environmental Checklist
Washington State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) checklist form
Permit Process
Follow these steps to submit your permit application through City of Tacoma.
- 1
Pre-Application Consultation
Discuss project with Planning staff to identify zoning compliance, code requirements, and application needs
- 2
Application Intake & Completeness Review
Submit application with all required documents; staff verifies completeness
You'll need: Site Plan, Architectural Plans, Building Elevations, Property Title or Deed, SEPA Environmental Checklist
- 3
Development Review Process
Interdepartmental review including Planning, Building, Fire, Utilities, and Environmental Health
You'll need: Mechanical Plans, Electrical Plans, Plumbing Plans
- 4
Permits Approved & Issued
Building permits and any conditional use permits approved and ready for construction
- 5
Construction & Inspections
Builder conducts construction with scheduled inspections at key milestones
- 6
Final Inspection & Certificate of Occupancy
Final comprehensive inspection and issuance of Certificate of Occupancy
Authority Sources
Data on this page is sourced from official records published by the permitting authority. Always verify requirements directly before submitting.
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Verified February 15, 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a adu permit in Tacoma?
- Yes. Tacoma requires a adu permit for this type of project. Submitting without a permit may result in fines, required removal, or complications when selling your property.
- How long does adu permit approval take in Tacoma?
- Processing times in Tacoma vary depending on project complexity and current review volume. The process involves 6 steps. Contact Tacoma Development Services for current timelines.
- What documents are required for a adu permit in Tacoma?
- Tacoma requires 8 documents including Site Plan, Architectural Plans, Building Elevations, Mechanical Plans, and others. See the full list above for details.
- What happens if I build without a adu permit in Tacoma?
- Building without a permit in Tacoma can result in stop-work orders, fines, required removal of work, difficulty selling your property, and insurance complications. It is strongly recommended to obtain proper permits before starting work.
- Can PermitMagic help prepare my adu permit submission in Tacoma?
- Yes. PermitMagic generates a submission-ready packet tailored to Tacoma's requirements, including a document checklist, workflow steps, and authority references. Start a permit plan to get your personalized packet.
- How much does a adu permit cost in Tacoma?
- ADU permit fees in Tacoma typically range from $2,250 to $4,950, depending on project scope. Fees may include building permit, plan review, and technology surcharges. Verify current fees with Tacoma.
Related Permits
Other permits in Tacoma
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Answer a few project questions and get a adu permit packet for Tacoma, Washington — with every document, form, and fee organized for submission.
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