Building Permits

Building permits are required for almost all construction activities, including new construction, remodels, tenant improvements, repairs, and demolition projects.

Preparing Your Application

Research Your Property

Use the City of Bonney Lake Public GIS Portal to verify:

  • Whether the property is located within City limits
  • Whether the property contains any critical areas (additional permitting may be required)
  • Whether the property is located within the shoreline jurisdiction (additional permitting may be required)
  • What water and sewer utilities serve the property
  • Adjacent road classification and transportation facilities 
Stormwater Design Requirements

Any project that proposes 500 square feet or more of new and/or replaced hard surface will require stormwater review. The City adopts the Pierce County Stormwater & Site Development Manual by reference.

Helpful Links

Sewer Pre-Treatment Screening (Sumner-Bonney Lake Joint Pre-Treatment Program)
Sewer Pre-Treatment Screening is required for all business locations. Certain types of businesses may be required to install special pre-treatment equipment or take actions to prevent improper use of the sewer system. 

To complete the appropriate screening form, visit the Sumner-Bonney Lake Joint Pre-Treatment Program website.
Choosing Design Professionals
The City is unable to recommend design professionals to assist with your project.

We recommend obtaining at least three (3) proposals prior to choosing a design professional. When requesting service from a design professional, we also recommend verifying that they are familiar with Bonney Lake codes, regulations, and permitting requirements. 
NOTE: Homeowner's may choose to draw their own floor and site plans. Plans must be to scale and show all required components. Engineering must still be completed by a Washington State-licensed engineer. 

Residential Building Permits

Building permits are required for construction related to:
  • Residential structures with up to two (2) dwelling units
  • Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
  • Adult family homes
  • Townhouses
  • Detached accessory structures (carports, garages, sheds, gazebos, decks, etc.)
Important Information for All Residential Building Permit Applications

Exemptions

The following common activities are exempt from a building permit on residential projects. Exemption from a building permit does not mean the project is exempt from meeting applicable requirements or from obtaining other permits, such as critical areas, shoreline, civil, or utility permits:

  • Fences up to six (6) feet in height
  • Retaining walls up to four (4) feet in height, as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall
    • If the retaining wall supports a surcharge, a permit is required regardless of height
    • See the Civil & Utility Permits webpage for application information
  • Finish work
  • Minor repairs
  • Portable appliances
  • Aboveground prefabricated swimming pools that are less than 24 inches deep
  • Swings and other play equipment

Specific Code Requirements

Helpful Links for All Applications

Residential Accessory Dwelling Unit Permits

An "accessory dwelling unit" or "ADU" is an additional dwelling unit either in or added to an existing single-family detached dwelling, duplex, triplex, townhouse, or in a separate structure on the same lot as the primary dwelling unit. It is a complete, independent living facility with provisions for cooking, eating, sanitation, sleeping and entry separate from that of the primary dwelling unit. ADUs are also commonly known as "mother-in-law" units, backyard cottages, or carriage houses.

The City recently updated its regulations for ADUs. See Ordinance 1737 (.pdf, effective June 22, 2025) and BLMC 18.22.090 for additional information.

Application Forms

NOTE: A covenant is required to be recorded against the property prior to final occupancy of the ADU. City staff will prepare the covenant for your review and signature. The applicant is solely responsible for recording the covenant with the Pierce County Auditor and providing the recording number to the City. 
Residential Accessory Structure Permits (Sheds, Carports, Garages, Gazebos, etc.)

Exemptions

One-story, detached accessory structures up to 120 square feet in roof area are exempt from a building permit on residential projects. Exemption from a building permit does not mean the project is exempt from:

  • Meeting applicable requirements, such as setbacks or maximum impervious surface limits
  • Obtaining other permits, such as critical areas, shoreline, civil, or utility permits

Application Forms

NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components are reviewed as a single permit application for accessory structures. Mechanical and plumbing cannot be deferred.
Residential Deck Permits

Exemptions

Decks that meet all four (4) of the following criteria are exempt from a building permit on residential projects:

  • The deck is 200 square feet or less in size
  • The deck is no more than 30 inches above grade at any point, measured from three (3) feet in all directions from the edge of the deck
  • The deck is not attached to the dwelling unit
  • The deck does not serve a required exit door

Exemption from a building permit does not mean the project is exempt from:

  • Meeting applicable requirements, such as setbacks or maximum impervious surface limits
  • Obtaining other permits, such as critical areas, shoreline, civil, or utility permits

Application Forms

Residential Demolition Permits

A demolition permit is required for the removal of any structure over 120 square feet. 

Helpful Links

Application Form

Residential Manufactured and Mobile Home Permits
NOTE: The owner or installer of a manufactured home must obtain a building permit from the city before the manufactured home is installed for use as a residence. A dealer may not deliver a manufactured home until it has verified that the owner or installer has obtained an installation permit for the placement of the manufactured home (BLMC 15.08.035).
Residential Miscellaneous Permits (Bulkheads, Docks, Vehicle Gates, etc.)
Residential New Dwellings, Additions, and Remodel Permits
NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components are reviewed as a single permit application for new single-family construction or residential additions, alterations, and remodels. Mechanical and plumbing cannot be deferred. Fire alarms and fire sprinklers can be deferred.
Residential Re-Roof Permits

A re-roof permit is required for the repair or replacement of any roofing material on a structure.

Residential re-roof permits are typically issued via email within 1-2 business days if:

  • The contractor has a valid Contractor's License;
  • The contractor has a valid State business license and City of Bonney Lake business license endorsement; and
  • The permit fee has been paid.

Application Form

Manufactured and Mobile Home Re-Roof Permits

Re-roof permits for manufactured and mobile homes are issued by Washington State Labor & Industries. Visit their Manufactured and Mobile Home Permits & Inspections website for more information.

Residential Over-The-Counter / Web Permits
The following types of permits can be applied for and paid for online through the online permit portal:
  • Residential Furnace
  • Residential Generator
  • Residential Heat Pump
  • Residential Hot Water Heater
To apply, use the Online Permit Portal and select "Apply Now". You will need an account to apply.

Commercial, Industrial, and Other Non-Residential Building Permits

Building permits are required for new commercial, industrial, or other non-residential construction, additions, alterations, repairs, tenant improvements, changes of use or changes of occupant. 

Important Information for All Commercial, Industrial, and Other Non-Residential Building Permits

Exemptions

The following common activities are exempt from a building permit on commercial, industrial, and other non-residential projects. Exemption from a building permit does not mean the project is exempt from meeting applicable requirements or from obtaining other permits, such as critical areas, shoreline, civil, or utility permits:
  • Fences up to six (6) feet in height
  • Retaining walls up to four (4) feet in height, as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall
    • If the retaining wall supports a surcharge or impounds a Class I, II, or IIIA liquid, a permit is required regardless of height
    • See the Civil & Utility Permits webpage for additional information
  • Finish work
  • Minor repairs
  • Portable appliances

Specific Code Requirements

Commercial, Industrial, or Other Non-Residential Accessory Structure Permits (Sheds, Outbuildings, Etc.)
All accessory structures associated with commercial, industrial, or other non-residential projects require a permit, regardless of size. 

Application Forms

NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components are reviewed as a single permit application. Mechanical and plumbing cannot be deferred.
Commercial, Industrial, and Other Non-Residential Demolition Permits

A demolition permit is required for the removal of any structure over 120 square feet. 

Helpful Links

Application Form

Commercial, Industrial, and Other Non-Residential New Construction, Remodel, Addition, and Tenant Improvement Permits

Helpful Links

Application Forms

NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components are reviewed as a single permit application. Mechanical and plumbing cannot be deferred. Fire alarms and fire sprinklers can be deferred.
Commercial, Industrial, and Other Non-Residential Re-Reroof Permits

A re-roof permit is required for the repair or replacement of any roofing material on a structure.

Required Information

The following information will need to be provided with the application:

  • Roof plan showing all mechanical units and vents;
  • Manufacturer's installation instructions; and
  • Manufacturer's specifications.

Application Form

Multi-Family Residential Building Permits

Building permits are required for construction related to:
  • Residential structures that contain three (3) or more attached dwelling units
  • Detached accessory structures (carports, garages, sheds, gazebos, decks, etc.)
Important Information for All Multi-Family Building Permits

Exemptions

The following common activities are exempt from a building permit on multi-family projects. Exemption from a building permit does not mean the project is exempt from meeting applicable requirements or from obtaining other permits, such as critical areas, shoreline, civil, or utility permits:

  • Fences up to six (6) feet in height
  • Retaining walls up to four (4) feet in height, as measured from the bottom of the footing to the top of the wall
    • If the retaining wall supports a surcharge or impounds a Class I, II, or IIIA liquid, a permit is required regardless of height
    • See the Civil & Utility Permits webpage for additional information
  • Finish work
  • Minor repairs
  • Portable appliances

Specific Code Requirements

Multi-Family Accessory Structure Permits (Sheds, Carports, Garages, Etc.)
All accessory structures associated with multi-family projects require a permit, regardless of size. 

Application Forms

NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components are reviewed as a single permit application. Mechanical and plumbing cannot be deferred.
Multi-Family Demolition Permits

A demolition permit is required for the removal of any structure over 120 square feet. 

Helpful Links

Application Form

Multi-Family New Dwelling, Addition, and Remodel Permits

Application Forms

NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components are reviewed as a single permit application. Mechanical and plumbing cannot be deferred. Fire alarms and fire sprinklers can be deferred.
Multi-Family Re-Roof Permits

A re-roof permit is required for the repair or replacement of any roofing material on a structure.

Required Information

The following information will need to be provided with the application:

  • Roof plan showing all mechanical units and vents;
  • Manufacturer's installation instructions; and
  • Manufacturer's specifications.

Application Form

Other Building Permits

Emergency Repairs
When equipment replacement and repair must be completed in an emergency situation, a permit application must be submitted the next business day.
Mechanical Permits
Use this application for:
  • Duct installation
  • HVAC
  • Refrigeration systems
  • Rough gas piping
  • Rough mechanical
  • Underground gas piping
NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components will be reviewed as a single permit application for new single-family construction or residential additions, alterations, and remodels. Mechanical is not deferred.

Specific Code Requirements

Application Form

Plumbing Permits
Use this application for:
  • Rough plumbing
  • Backflow prevention devices
  • Lawn sprinkler systems with a backflow prevention device
  • Rough medical gas
  • Rough medical vacuum
  • Underground plumbing
  • Water Service
NOTE: All mechanical, plumbing, and building components will be reviewed as a single permit application for new single-family construction or residential additions, alterations, and remodels. Plumbing is not deferred.

Specific Code Requirements

Application Form

Sign Permits
A sign permit is required for the construction, alteration, repair, or relocation of all permanent signs, except:
  • Routine sign maintenance
  • Change of copy on painted, printed, or changeable copy signs
  • Signs not visible from the public right-of-way
  • Addresses, street numbers, and street names under two (2) square feet per face
  • Window displays that are only readable within a distance of eight (8) feet

Specific Code Requirements

Application Form

Common Permits from Other Agencies

Electrical Permits (Washington State Department of Labor & Industries)
Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) issues all electrical permits for work within the City of Bonney Lake. For permit requirements and to apply, visit the Washington State L&I Electrical Permits, Fees & Inspections website.
Food Safety Permits (Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department)
The Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD) is responsible for regulating:
  • Commissary Kitchens
  • Farmers Markets
  • Farm Stands
  • Food Establishments (Restaurants)
  • Mobile Food Units (Food Trucks)
  • Temporary Events with Food
For more information and permit requirements, visit TPCHD's Food Safety website.
Septic Permits (Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department)
Installation, expansion, and repair of septic systems require a permit from the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (TPCHD). Visit TPCHD's Septic Systems website for additional information. 

For new septic systems, TPCHD may require confirmation of whether there are critical areas located on site by the City. To complete this process, apply for Site Plan Review on the Planning Permits webpage.
Office Hours:
Monday - Thursday
9:00 - 4:00
Fridays
By Appointment Only

Email Contact:
Permit Center

Location:
Public Services Center
21719 96th ST E
Buckley, WA 98321

Mailing:
 City of Bonney Lake
Attn: Permit Center
21719 96th ST E
Buckley, WA 98321

Phone: 253-447-4356

Inspection Line:  253-447-4357

Fax: 253-862-1116