Roof Replacement Permit in Pierce County, Washington
By Mario Bailey Last checked 2026-07-06 · 2 official sources
Verified against official sources Confirmed on official pageIt depends
Quick answer
In unincorporated Pierce County re-roofing 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 does not require a building permit if the total load of all roof coverings does not exceed 7.5 pounds per square foot. This exemption does not apply to vegetated roofs or to replacement of roof sheathing. Re-roofing that exceeds these limits requires a building permit applied for through the PALS Online permit portal.
Typical threshold: 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.
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- Who pulls the permit, you or me, and is the permit fee included in the bid?
- Which inspections will this job need, and who meets the inspector on site?
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When a permit is usually needed
Before re-roofing where the total roof covering load would exceed 7.5 lbs per sq ft, replacing roof sheathing, or re-roofing a vegetated roof, in unincorporated Pierce County
What roof replacement permit costs in Pierce County
Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for construction valued at $500 or less, plus $2.00 for each additional $100 or fraction up to $2,000, plus a plan review fee equal to 65 percent of the building permit fee (PCC Table 17C.10-1-C).
How Pierce County compares in Washington
| Jurisdiction | Permit needed? | Threshold |
|---|---|---|
| Bellevue | It depends | permit required when modifying or replacing the roof sheathing or making structural changes; simple shingle replacement may not require a permit |
| Clark County | Permit required | Re-roofing permits are required for all buildings in Clark County; a separate permit may be required if structural work such as replacing roof sheathing is necessary. |
| King County | No permit needed | Not specified |
| Pierce Countythis page | 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. |
| Seattle | No permit needed | Not specified |
| Snohomish County | It depends | re-roof overlay or tear-off-and-replace of a residential roof exempt if limited to 2 total layers of roofing material, uses the same type of roofing material as the existing roof, and the roof sheathing is not removed or replaced; adding a layer beyond 2, changing material type, or replacing sheathing requires a permit |
| Tacoma | It depends | removing and replacing existing roof coverings with the same type does not require a permit; adding a layer or changing roofing materials requires a permit and pre-roof inspection |
How to apply in Pierce County
A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies.
What most roof replacement permit applications include:
- State on the application whether the job is a roof replacement, which strips all existing layers down to the bare deck, or a roof recover, which leaves the old covering in place under specific conditions, since the two scopes are governed differently (IRC R908.3).
- A recover is only an option where the new covering follows the roof covering manufacturer's approved instructions or is a self-supporting system, such as standing-seam metal, that does not rely on the existing roof for support (IRC R908.3.1).
- Full tear-off must be scoped on the application instead of a recover when the existing roof is water soaked or deteriorated, is slate, clay, cement, or asbestos-cement tile, or already carries two or more layers of roof covering (IRC R908.3.1.1).
- The materials and installation methods described on the application must comply with the reroofing requirements of the roof-assemblies chapter (IRC R908.1).
- If the scope reuses existing slate, clay, or cement tile, damaged or broken pieces cannot be listed for reinstallation, and any rusted or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents uncovered during tear-off must be scoped for replacement (IRC R908.5).
General submittal guidance from IRC Section R908 Reroofing (text as adopted in the 2020 Residential Code of New York State, based on the 2018 IRC). Source. Pierce County Planning and Public Works sets the exact checklist for Pierce County.
Where to apply in Pierce County:
Pierce County Planning and Public Works
- 2401 S 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409
- Phone: (253) 798-3739
- Email: PCPermits@PierceCountyWa.gov
Inspections and closing out your permit
Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
- Where the covering is fully removed and the sheathing is exposed, replaced, or added, inspectors check the deck and its nailing before any new roofing goes down, since the structural framework must be able to carry the new covering's loads (IRC R908.2).
- An overlay is only approved where it meets one of the code's listed recover conditions, such as installation in accordance with the covering manufacturer's approved instructions (IRC R908.3.1).
- Flashings disturbed or replaced during the job are checked against the approved manufacturer's installation instructions, and metal flashing that will receive bituminous material must be primed before installation (IRC R908.6).
- A final inspection confirms the completed roof covering and its fasteners were installed as required for that material and per manufacturer instructions before the permit is closed (IRC R905).
- In some regions with strengthened wind provisions, reroofing an older single-family home also triggers inspection of supplemental deck-nailing and a secondary water barrier added during tear-off, on top of the base reroofing requirements (Florida Building Code, Residential R908.7 Mitigation).
- Reinstalled existing slate, clay, or cement tile is checked against reuse limits at inspection, and any rusted, damaged, or deteriorated flashings, edgings, outlets, or vents found during tear-off must be replaced rather than reinstalled (IRC R908.5).
Schedule each inspection in advance and pass the final before you use the work or close the permit. Request inspections through the Pierce County permit portal or by phone at (253) 798-3739.
Inspection sequence from IRC Section R908 Reroofing and Section R905 Roof Coverings (2021 International Residential Code). Source. An open permit left un-inspected can surface later in a title search or home sale.
Your Roof Replacement Permit checklist for Pierce County
- Confirm the requirement. Sometimes, depending on the project. Typical threshold: 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. Usually needed: Before re-roofing where the total roof covering load would exceed 7.5 lbs per sq ft, replacing roof sheathing, or re-roofing a vegetated roof, in unincorporated Pierce County.
- Budget the fee. Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for construction valued at $500 or less, plus $2.00 for each additional $100 or fraction up to $2,000, plus a plan review fee equal to 65 percent of the building permit fee (PCC Table 17C.10-1-C). Official fee schedule.
- Apply. A residential reroof permit application is lighter than for structural work: you state whether the scope is a full tear-off (roof replacement) or an overlay (roof recover), describe the covering material and its manufacturer instructions, and note the condition of the existing deck, since those facts determine which code path applies. Start at the Pierce County permit portal.
- Keep the office details handy. Pierce County Planning and Public Works. Phone: (253) 798-3739. Address: 2401 S 35th St, Tacoma, WA 98409.
- Plan for inspections. Most residential reroofs get two to three field inspections keyed to the scope of work: a deck or nailing check when sheathing is exposed or replaced, a final on the completed covering and flashings, and in some high-wind regions a dedicated check of mitigation measures added during tear-off.
Compiled from the official sources on this page. Last checked 2026-07-06.
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Frequently asked questions
- Do you need a roof replacement permit in Pierce County?
- In unincorporated Pierce County re-roofing 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 does not require a building permit if the total load of all roof coverings does not exceed 7.5 pounds per square foot. This exemption does not apply to vegetated roofs or to replacement of roof sheathing. Re-roofing that exceeds these limits requires a building permit applied for through the PALS Online permit portal. 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. Always confirm with the office before starting.
- How much does a roof replacement permit cost in Pierce County?
- Building permit fee follows PCC Table 17C.10-1-B (valuation based): $69.00 for construction valued at $500 or less, plus $2.00 for each additional $100 or fraction up to $2,000, plus a plan review fee equal to 65 percent of the building permit fee (PCC Table 17C.10-1-C). See the official fee schedule for current amounts.
- Where do you apply for a roof replacement permit in Pierce County?
- You can apply through the Pierce County permit portal or contact the Pierce County Planning and Public Works directly. The links are listed on this page.
From the Library
What else needs a permit in Pierce County
Every other permit type we have verified for this jurisdiction, with the rule 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 construc... |
| 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 construc... |
| 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 buildin... |
| Plumbing Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Issue each plumbing permit fee $58.00, plus unit fees per fixture (for example $8.00 pe... |
| 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; |
| 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 construc... |
| Solar Permit | Permit required | Not specified | Residential rooftop solar panel building permit base fee $173.00, plus $201.00 for syst... |
Roof Replacement Permit in other Washington localities
Official sources
Verified by a person against the sources above on 2026-07-06, not confirmed with Pierce County Planning and Public Works. Rules change; confirm before you build. How we verify.
Last checked: 2026-07-06Report an error on this page
Compare Roof Replacement Permit requirements across Washington localities
Washington rule changes
- Bellevue, WA sets a flat $290 re-roof permit fee (Ordinance 6879)
Ord. 6879 · 2026-07-25