The Current Planning division reviews land use applications and related development permits for compliance with federal, state, and City regulations. This page provides documents, maps, and ordinances for building in Lakewood.
Lakewood Permit Desk
6000 Main St SW
Lakewood, WA 98499
(253) 512-2261
[email protected]
Phones:
Monday to Friday: 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Permit & Service Counter:
Monday to Friday: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
About Current Planning
The Current Planning division’s specific assignments include:
- Facilitating the pre-application review process;
- Performing site design review;
- Processing business license applications;
- Monitoring related ordinances for enforcement of environmental quality, shorelines, wetland and tree regulations;
- Coordinating enforcement activity with City code enforcement officers;
- Providing support and recommendations to the Planning Commission, the Landmarks & Heritage Advisory Board and the City’s Hearing Examiner.
Announcements
Per Ordinance 747, the City of Lakewood has adopted the 2018 codes and made local amendments.
Codes and Regulations
Codes and Design Information
Lakewood is governed by the requirements of RCW 19.27 and the state amended International Building Codes. Adoption language and local amendments/additions specific to Lakewood can be found in Lakewood Municipal Code 15.
Construction
City code allows for construction Monday-Friday, 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. Review the Lakewood Municipal Code for more information about construction noise. To report violations of construction hours, please call the Lakewood Police Department at (253) 830-5000.
Ordinances, Plans, and Policies
Click the button below to see all ordinances, plans, and policies
- Comprehensive Plan
- Municipal Code
- Zoning Ordinance (see Title 18A)
- Downtown Plan
- Subdivision Ordinance (Title 17)
- Shoreline Master Program
- Tillicum Plan
- 2019 Stormwater Management Program
- 2018 Stormwater Management Program Annual Report
- 2021-2026 Transportation Improvement Plan
- 2019-2020 Transportation Capital Improvement Plan
- 2018 Stormwater Management Program Annual Report
- Lakewood Non-motorized Transportation Plan
- Pavement Condition Report 2019
- Traffic Volume Report
Zoning and Maps
In accordance with the Lakewood Municipal Code no structure, portion of a structure, or sign can be constructed, erected, enlarged, moved or altered, or any use of a property established or changed until a zoning certification or applicable discretionary land use permit (administrative use, conditional use, temporary use) has been issued.
You may refer to Title 18A of the Lakewood Municipal Code to determine which uses are permitted in a particular zoning district and whether or not a discretionary permit may be required.
The following are excluded from the requirements of a zoning certification or land use permit:
- Landscaping of a single family dwelling that does not involve the placement of a structure, grading, fill, excavation or otherwise require a permit.
- A change internal to a building or other structure that does not substantially affect the use of the structure and that does not otherwise require a building permit.
- Non-vehicular storage structures less than one hundred twenty (120) square feet and less than ten (10) feet in height, when placed on property where the owner resides. No structures may be placed on a lot within the required setbacks or so as to obstruct the clear line of vision of vehicular traffic approaching on any street or from a driveway.
- Installation of a residential accessory structure that does not require a building permit or a permit under the Uniform Fire Code.- Excavation or filling of land less than fifty (50) cubic yards that is not located within or near sensitive areas.
- Fences (click the fences button below for more information)
- Clearing of land less than twenty thousand (20,000) square feet in size when not associated with a proposed development application and when such land is not located in or within two hundred (200) feet of a sensitive area. However, a tree removal permit and tree retention plan shall be required if trees will be removed in conjunction with the clearing of land, pursuant to Section 18A.50.300 of the Lakewood Municipal Code
Maps
Common Questions
Can I do the work myself, or do I need to hire a contractor?
- Property owners may perform work on their own property. If a contractor is used, the contractor must have a state contractor’s license (and/or appropriate state specialty license) and a City of Lakewood business license endorsement.
Do shoreline properties or properties that are located adjacent to streams and wetlands have additional regulations?
- Yes, shoreline properties are subject to the provisions of the City’s Shoreline Master Program. Any work or improvements within the shoreland zone that do not qualify for an exemption must apply for a Shoreline Substantial Development Permit. Within the City of Lakewood, shoreline jurisdiction includes American lake, Gravelly Lake, Lake Louise, Lake Steilacoom, Waughop Lake and their shorelands, as well as Chambers Creek and Clover Creek and their shorelands.
- Contact the Permit Counter staff at (253) 512-2261 for more information in regard to shoreline permit requirements.
How is my property zoned?
- You may call the Community Development Department at (253) 512-2261 to confirm the zoning classification of your property. Please have the following information available when you call:
- Tax parcel number (this is your account number on your tax statement)
- Property address
- Property owner name
Where can I get more information about my property’s zoning?
- Once you have determined the zoning of your property you may refer to the development standards for the zoning district in Chapter 18A.30 of the Lakewood Municipal Code.
- Contact the Permit Counter staff at (253) 512-2261 for more information.
When do I need a zoning approval or land use permit?
- In accordance with the Lakewood Municipal Code no structure, portion of a structure, or sign can be constructed, erected, enlarged, moved or altered, or any use of a property established or changed until a zoning certification or applicable discretionary land use permit (administrative use, conditional use, temporary use) has been issued.
- You may refer to Title 18A of the Lakewood Municipal Code to determine which uses are permitted in a particular zoning district and whether or not a discretionary permit may be required.