Do You Need a Permit to Remodel a Bathroom in Tacoma or Pierce County?

Short answer: Whether you need a permit depends on what you are changing and where you live. Cosmetic work like new tile usually is not the same as moving plumbing, changing electrical or altering structure. Rules are set by your city or by Pierce County, so the right answer comes from your local permit office.

Know who your permit office is

Tacoma, Puyallup, Lakewood, Auburn, Federal Way and the other towns each have their own building departments. Unincorporated areas go through Pierce County.

Changes that often trigger a permit

These are the kinds of changes building departments usually care about. Always confirm locally.

• Moving or adding plumbing fixtures
• New electrical circuits or wiring changes
• Removing or moving walls
• Changing ventilation

Work that is usually cosmetic

Replacing tile, swapping a vanity in the same spot, and painting typically fall on the cosmetic side, but check before you assume.

We will walk you through it

When we scope your project we will talk through what applies to your job.