Lakewood Building Permits: File An Application to Get One for Your Home Project

If you live in Lakewood, Washington, you'll need a building permit for a variety of different home projects--whether you are doing the work yourself or hiring a contractor. Lakewood building permits cover all types of home improvements, ranging from small fences to large home extensions.

The city of Lakewood building permits are issued to applicants after filling out an application and paying a fee. Sometimes, however, knowing whether or not your project requires a permit can get confusing. Or, perhaps you live in a community that requires permission before doing any work.

Need help figuring all this out? We'll explain all the information you need here. Or, use DoNotPay's Planning Permissions to help make this process easy.

When Do You Need a Building Permit in Lakewood, WA?

A building permit is required for all types of projects, from new construction to remodeling, but the rules vary according to city and county regulations. In Washington state, the city of Lakewood requires a building permit for:

• A structural change to your home
• New construction, such as building a home
• Making changes to an existing home or building

Whether or not you need a Lakewood building permit for your project depends on different factors, including the size of what you are building and the cost. It can get confusing, so let DoNotPay look into whether or not your project requires a permit.

Here are a few types of projects that may require a building permit in Lakewood:

1. Decks
2. Fences
3. Garages
4. House Additions
5. Remodeling Projects
6. Paving
7. Sheds

Different rules apply, depending on your specific project. For example, if you're remodeling your bathroom, a minor change like replacing a sink doesn't require a permit.

If you're enlarging your bathroom and the renovation requires the demolition of a wall, you will need a building permit. Plus, you may also need plumbing and electrical permits.

Step-by-Step: How to Get a Building Permit in Lakewood, WA

In Washington, Lakewood's Development Services division handles all permit processes. Here are the steps to take:

In the city of Lakewood's permit center, you'll find all types of Lakewood building permits available to download. Find the form you need, and download it. Fill it out online.

Email your permit application to permits@cityoflakewood.us.

Also in Lakewood's permit center, you'll find the city's online Permit Portal. Create an account and sign in so you can check on your permit status after you submitted your application.

What You'll Need Before Completing Your Application

Before filing an application for a building permit in Lakewood, you'll need:

• Type of construction
• Cost of construction, including materials
• Size in sq. ft.
• Construction and design plans

If you need help, let DoNotPay handle all of this for you.

How Much Do Lakewood Building Permits Cost?

Lakewood building permit fees vary. They depend upon the cost of your project and can be confusing to calculate. Fees may also change every year.

If your project costs $2,001 through $25,000, in 2021, for example, the building permit will cost $90.00 for the first $2,000.00.

Plus, add $17.50 for each additional $1,000, or fraction of, up to, and to, and including $25,000.

The City Council of Lakewood, WA offers a comprehensive resource that includes a table with all building permit fees.

Challenges of Obtaining Lakewood Building Permits

The city of Lakewood building permits application process can be confusing to navigate. The website requires you to create an account, and you'll have to figure out which permit application is correct for your project.

You'll also have to check for any easements on your property, such as power lines and sewers, to make sure your project won't restrict the city's access to these.

You'll need to know the setback rules in your community, which is the distance from your property border that you are allowed to build on.

In addition, there may be building restrictions in your community, neighborhood, or development, which may be different from the rules set by the city of Lakewood.

Solve All Issues With Lakewood Building Permits Using DoNotPay

Why figure all this out on your own, when DoNotPay can quickly and easily help you file the correct permit application for your project in Lakewood, WA. You'll be able to start on your project earlier, without delay.

How to Get a Building Permit Easily in Lakewood using DoNotPay:

If you want to get a building permit easily in Lakewood but don't know where to start, DoNotPay has you covered. Create your own cancellation letter in 6 easy steps:

1. Go to the Planning Permissions product on DoNotPay.
2. Choose one of the following options:
   1. Check whether your project needs a building permit or if it's exempt
   2. Generate a permission request letter to send to your HOA
   3. Generate a guide on how to complete the building permit application
3. Choose the focus of your project (new ADU, pool, shed, fence, etc.) and answer a few questions about your plans, including the size of the structure and estimated cost.

   

4. Indicate whether you're hiring a contractor and include the estimated start date and timeline for the project.
5. Indicate whether any public sidewalk/street space will be used during construction.
6. And that's it! DoNotPay will help guide you through the building permit process by checking if your project needs a building permit, contacting any HOAs you're a part of to request building permission, or generating detailed instructions on how to start and complete your building permit application process.

Why Use DoNotPay for Lakewood Building Permits

There are a lot of reasons why you should choose DoNotPay:

More Building Permit Resources

DoNotPay can help with building permit issues in other cities --and has guides that aim to help you understand the rules more clearly. Take a look:

• Building Permits in Palm Beach County
• Building Permits in Los Angeles
• Building Permits in Chicago
• Building Permits in Sarasota County, Florida