Please use the Online Permit Center to apply and track your permit. Please use the steps below to set up your account and apply for a permit.
Public Portal Search:
To look up general information on permits, use the Permit Search Portal.
How to use the Permit Search Portal
Please Note:
- Subscribing for updates doesn’t make you an official party to the project.
- Not all applications require public noticing (i.e., Notice of Application or a State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) environmental threshold determination). To be considered an interested party for a project or receive official updates on specific application types, contact the Planning Division representative listed in the notice or email us at [email protected].
For public records requests, please use this online portal Public Records RequestsNextRequest – Modern FOIA & Public Records Request Software
Need Help?
If you have any issues or questions, reach us at 253-512-2261 or [email protected].
Please follow the steps below to apply for a permit.
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1. Research Parcel
As you research your property, the process can reveal critical area or shoreline considerations, stormwater management needs, access needs, or other relevant site factors to ensure compliance with Lakewood Municipal Codes.
The City of Lakewood is not a full-service agency. Sewer, water, electrical, and fire safety permits, reviews, and inspections are done by outside agencies.
Other links to help you research:
- Parcel Discovery
- Zoning & Natural Constraints (GIS Link)
- Pierce County Assessor-Treasurer
- Pierce County Auditor’s Office
- Septic: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department
- Sewer: Pierce County Planning & Public Works
- Water Availability: Lakewood Water District
- Power Services: Lakewood Local Utilities
- West Pierce Fire and Rescue Permitting/Code Enforcement
2. Prepare Application
Create an account in the Online Permit Center. Review the submittal checklists and upload required application information.
Only complete applications and payment of fees will be reviewed for compliance with city codes.
Tutorials:
3. Site Plan
A site plan is a scaled drawing of your proposed project and its correlation to land features and lot lines. Site plans illustrate what your project will entail and how land features that exist on the property site will be addressed. A site plan is an important part of the permit process. Incorrect site plans cause delays in the review process.
4. Submit Application
Upload your application materials to the Online Permit Center. Only complete applications and payment of fees will go under review. Use Project Discovery to identify what permits may be needed.
5. Track Status
Complete applications are reviewed in the order received. As part of the review process, if you receive a Request for Information, please respond soon after or applications can expire.
All applications and resubmissions need to be submitted in the Online Permit Center. You can still pay fees, resubmit documents, and request inspections until your permit is moved to the new system.
Tutorials:
6. Pay Fees
Once your application has been deemed technically complete, you will be notified of the fees owed. Payment can be made by:
- Logging into your Online Permit Center account
- Accepts all major credit/debit cards with a 2.9% convenience fee. Additional transaction fees may apply to International credit cards, etc. Please visit Stripe Pricing & Fees: Pricing & Fees
- How to Pay Permit Fees in the Online Permit Center
- Mailing a check to City of Lakewood Planning and Public Works Department at 6000 Main St. SW Lakewood, WA 98499
- Please reference your permit number
- Visiting our offices Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m. at City Hall, 6000 Main St. SW Lakewood, WA 98499
- Accepts:
- Check
- Cash
- Accepts:
See our Fee Schedule for more information on permit fees.
7. Request Inspection
Once a permit application is approved and issued, there will be inspections required prior final closeout and granting occupancy. Inspections could be required for both site development and structural (buildings).
Use the Online Permit Center to schedule required inspections throughout your project. Plan ahead as inspections are scheduled in the order they are received and based on staff availability.
How to Request Inspections in the Online Permit Center
Have Questions?
Email the Planning & Public Works Department [email protected] or call 253-512-2261. Pre-application and customer meetings are available, see below for more information.
Customers can schedule meetings with our Permit Technicians and Planners to help answer general questions, including how to apply for permits, upload application submittals, and checking on a permit status.
Meetings are available Monday-Friday 8:30am-4:00p.m. at Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW or virtually through Teams. Click here to schedule an appointment with a Permit Technician or Planner.
Before submitting a project application meet with Department review staff by appointment. The purpose is to provide preliminary comments of your proposed project or issue. Review Team Members will review the proposed project and provide written comments. Examples include large developments of multi-family dwelling unit(s), commercial/industrial development, other complex projects. New dock, bulkhead or sites with environmental constraints are strongly recommended to use the pre-Application Meeting process.
To apply for a pre-application meeting, please fill out the application form and submit on the Online Permit Center.
Permit Counter
Lakewood City Hall, 6000 Main St SW
Monday-Friday 8:30 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Click here to schedule an appointment with a Permit Technician or Planner.
Receive alerts from PPW
Sign up to receive email communication from Lakewood’s Planning and Public Works Department. This includes alerts and need-to-know information.