Permit records
Pierce County permit search
Pierce County permit records are public. The county publishes them through PALS+, and searching does not require an account.
By Mario Bailey Last checked · 10 official sources
- Project types verified
- 10
- in Pierce County
- Search verified
- 8 Aug 2026
- we opened it ourselves
Search Pierce County permit records
Pierce County brands its permit system PALS.
The search accepts address, parcel number, or permit number.
Open the Pierce County record searchApplying rather than searching? Use the Pierce County permit portal
We opened this address ourselves on . Official government links only, and we check them on a schedule.
How to search
- Open the Pierce County permit record search.
- Enter an address, or switch the search type to look up permits by parcel number or permit number.
- Open a result to see the permit's status, inspection history, and issue date.
If the permit does not turn up
Older permits are often missing from online records, and a permit filed under a contractor's name will not surface in an address search that expects the owner. Pierce County Planning and Public Works can check the paper file.
- 2401 S 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
- Phone: (253) 798-3739
- Email: PCPermits@PierceCountyWa.gov
- Official permit page
- Official fee schedule
What needs a permit in Pierce County
Every project type we have verified in Pierce County, with the rule, the threshold, and the fee that applies here.
| Project | Permit needed? | Threshold | Typical fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deck Permit | It depends | Decks not more than 30 inches above grade at any point, and not over any story or basement below, are exempt; Pierce County code sets no separate floor area cap for decks; taller decks, or decks over a story or basement, require a building permit. | Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for... |
| Electrical Permit | Permit required | Not specified | No county fee |
| Fence Permit | It depends | Fences 6 feet or less in height, measured from grade, are exempt; taller fences require a building permit. | Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for... |
| HVAC Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Issue each mechanical permit fee $58.00, plus unit fees per equipment type (for example... |
| Patio Permit | It depends | At-grade patios, treated the same as exempt sidewalks and driveways, are exempt if not more than 30 inches above grade at any point and not over any story or basement below; an attached, roofed patio cover requires a building permit regardless of size. | Attached patio covers use the same valuation based building permit fee as other building... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Issue each plumbing permit fee $58.00, plus unit fees per fixture (for example $8.00 per... |
| Pool Permit | It depends | Prefabricated swimming pools accessory to a single family residence (Group R-3 occupancy) are exempt if less than 24 inches deep, with no separate gallon volume cap; in-ground pools and pools 24 inches deep or deeper require a building permit. Self-contained spas and hot tubs installed entirely above ground and not connected to the potable water system or a septic or sewer drain are separately exempt regardless of depth. | Where a permit is required: in-ground pool permit $230.00 |
| Roof Replacement Permit | It depends | Re-roofing of a Group R, Division 3 one or two family dwelling, or a Group U private garage, carport, or accessory structure, with a roof slope greater than 2:12, is exempt if the total load of all roof coverings does not exceed 7.5 lbs per sq ft; the exemption does not apply to vegetated roofs or to replacement of roof sheathing. | Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for... |
| Shed Permit | It depends | One-story detached accessory structure used as an unheated tool or storage shed, playhouse, or similar use is exempt if its floor area is 200 sq ft or less and it is at least 3 feet from a property line; larger or closer structures require a building permit. | Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential rooftop solar panel building permit base fee $173.00, plus $201.00 for... |