Permits handled by the planning department, called land use permits, range from new subdivisions to sign permits to construction in critical areas. As a general rule of thumb, you probably need a land use permit or need to comply with the land use codes if your project involves any of the following activities. If you call the department at (253) 851-6170, a planner will help you determine if a land use permit is needed.

Land use permits or compliance with City codes are most likely required for:

• Adding floor area
• Adding or changing signs
• Altering or modifying a façade of a building or any other visible element of a building
• Building a deck, retaining wall, gazebo, trellis, swimming pool, etc.
• Changes of use; establishment, expansion or alteration of the use of land or building
• Creating, combining, removing, or modifying property lines  (lots of record)
• Doing any exterior work within 200 feet of the shoreline
• Establishing a new business; expanding a business
• Installing a heat pump, fence, storage shed, etc.
• Installing impervious surfaces  (sidewalks, plazas, parking lots, etc.)
• Installing or changing a telecommunication device
• Modifying critical areas and their buffers
• Modifying landscaping, common areas, plazas, or vegetation retention areas
• Modifying parking lot layouts or parking lot landscaping
• Modifying stormwater facilities/ponds
• Planning an outside event on private commercial property
• Remodeling a building
• Removing a building
• Removing of trees or ground cover from, or grading any undeveloped or partially developed land, public or private in the city

Checklists | Applications | Fees

Online Permit Services

Please view the Public Permit Portal for permit information, to check permit status and schedule inspections.