Demolition Permits

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What is a demolition permit?
A demolition permit is required to demolish most buildings within the City of Tacoma. Residential sheds that are 200 square feet or smaller and located at least six feet from other structures are exempt.

When do I need a demolition permit?
A permit is required before demolishing a building or structure. Demolition permits can be applied for online through Tacoma Permits.

What information is required with my application?
Applicants must submit a site plan showing:

  • Buildings to be demolished
  • Buildings that will remain on site
  • Existing site features, utilities, and any critical areas or buffers.

Note: Additional information may be required depending on the scope and location of the project.

What other permits or reviews may be required?
Depending on the project, additional review may be required for:

  • Environmental review (SEPA)
  • Critical areas
  • Tree removal
  • Stormwater requirements
  • Utility abandonment
  • Historic preservation review
  • Asbestos inspection and removal

Will my project require environmental review?
Demolition buildings larger than 12,000 square feet may require review under the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA).

Other activities, such as site work in critical areas, or removal of underground tanks, may also trigger environmental review.

Are there requirements for trees?
Tree removal requirements vary depending on whether the tree is located on private property, within a critical area, or in the public right-of-way. Tree replacement and a permit are generally required to remove trees located within the public right-of-way.

What stormwater requirements apply?
All demolition projects must implement temporary erosion and sediment control measures. Projects disturbing 7,000 square feet or more may require a Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) approved by Environmental Services.

Are there special requirements for critical areas?
Projects located within 300ft of wetlands, streams, fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas, or marine waters may require additional review and permitting. Critical areas and buffers should be noted on the site plan.

The demolition of structures within a critical area or associated buffer requires a letter of exemption from the City. The letter exemption process generally takes 30-45 days for approval and can be conditioned. Re-contouring a site, planting, removing vegetation, placing stabilizing structures or similar actions may require additional review and/or permitting

Is asbestos testing required?
All applicants for demolition permits are required by state law to have an AHERA-certified building inspector survey the structure for asbestos prior to the start of work, and submit a Notice of Intent to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency. Any asbestos-containing materials must be removed by certified asbestos workers before demolition. This applies to all structures, including mobile homes, with greater than 120 square feet of roof area.

What utility requirements apply?
Utilities must be properly disconnected before demolition. Abandoned sewer lines must be capped and inspected.

Will my project require historic review?
Certain demolition projects involving older buildings may require review by the Historic Preservation Office.

  • Buildings over 50 years old
  • Buildings located within a Mixed-Used Center or National Register Historic District
  • Demolition projects involving 4,000 square feet or more on a single parcel (excluding single-family structures)

Projects subject to historic review are required to submit a Summary Demolition Report, which includes photographs and historical information about the building.

If any affected structures are listed on the National Register of Historic Places, either individually or as a part of a district, or any of the affected structures appear to meet the criteria for the Tacoma Register of Historic Places, a Historic Property Assessment report will be required to be submitted for review by the LPC.

Projects involving ground disturbance must also prepare an Inadvertent Discovery Plan (IDP), which outlines procedures for responding to the unanticipated discovery of historic, cultural or archaeological resources. *The City can provide examples of IDPs.

Structural hazards
Following demolition, any remaining hazards must be addressed. For example, when demolishing a building with a basement the basement should be filled afterwards, and in partial demolitions the structural integrity of the building will need to be preserved. Review and inspection will need to ensure that there are no remaining hazards caused by a demolition.

Voluntary Demolition Salvage Program
Beginning July 1, 2026, the City of Tacoma is developing a voluntary demolition salvage program intended to encourage the recovery and reuse of building materials prior to demolition activities.

Participation is optional and does not replace permit requirements or other applicable requirements. Applicants who voluntarily participate in the program may qualify for permit processing and donation incentives.

For additional information regarding program requirements and resources, please visit: https://tacoma.gov/government/departments/planning-and-development-services/demolition-salvage

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