Home Remodeling in
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma is where we are based, and it has some of the most workable accessory dwelling rules in the region. It also runs its own pre-approved plan set, separate from the Thurston County one.
Remodeling in Tacoma
What building in Tacoma actually involves
KOI Build Co works out of Tacoma, on South Tacoma Way. That means the crew is not travelling in from another county for Pierce County work, and it means we deal with Tacoma Planning and Development Services often enough to know how the queue actually moves.
Tacoma has an unusually broad range of housing for one city. Craftsman stock in the North End and Proctor, mid-century in the South End, and infill throughout. What a remodel involves here depends heavily on which of those you own, particularly around wiring, insulation and foundations.
Tacoma ADU rules are among the most workable locally
Tacoma updated its accessory dwelling rules under Tacoma Municipal Code 13.06.150 through Amended Ordinance No. 28756, effective 1 May 2019. It has been settled for years, which is a genuine advantage over the Thurston County cities where the rules are still moving.
A detached accessory dwelling can be up to 1,000 square feet, set 15 feet back from the rear line. Height is capped at the more restrictive of two tests: no taller than the main house, and up to 18 feet measured to the midpoint of a peaked roof.
Two things Tacoma does not require, which catch people out because other jurisdictions do. No additional parking is required. And owner occupancy is not required, so the unit can be rented out without the owner living on the property.
ADUs are permitted in the single-family and mixed-residential districts including R-1, R-2, R-2SRD and HMR-SRD. Every ADU needs a building permit.
Tacoma has its own pre-approved DADU plans
Planning and Development Services offers pre-approved detached accessory dwelling unit plans for use inside Tacoma city limits. There are four base models, with different roof types and siding styles, and ground floor dwellings meeting visitability design standards.
These are a separate programme from the four pre-approved plans shared by Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. If you have been reading about the Thurston County set, those plans are not the ones you use in Tacoma.
The value is the same in both cases. A plan set that has already been through review takes a chunk of work and risk out of permitting. It does not remove the site specific work, and permit fees still apply.
Permits and how the counter works
Applications go through permits.cityoftacoma.org, the city's online portal, which handles submittals, plan uploads, fees and inspection scheduling.
Plan review typically runs two to four weeks for standard residential projects, with expedited review available for a higher fee. Simple over the counter permits can be issued within days.
If you want to talk to someone, the permit counter runs walk-in hours Monday to Thursday, 9:00am to 1:00pm. Phone lines are open Monday to Friday, 8:00am to 5:00pm, on (253) 591-5030.
For anything complicated, the Application Services group handles pre-development and feasibility questions. Expect a response within two business days, and a review comment memo within two to three weeks of the request being screened and fees paid.
City requirements on this page were last checked on 8 September 2026. Codes change, so confirm current standards with the city before you apply.
What We Build
Our services in Tacoma
Common Questions
Remodeling in Tacoma, answered
How big can a DADU be in Tacoma?
Up to 1,000 square feet, set 15 feet back from the rear property line. Height is capped at the more restrictive of no taller than the main house, or 18 feet measured to the midpoint of a peaked roof.
Do I have to live on the property to build an ADU in Tacoma?
No. Tacoma does not require owner occupancy, so an accessory dwelling can be rented out. Tacoma also does not require additional parking for an ADU. Both differ from what some neighbouring jurisdictions require.
How long does a residential permit take in Tacoma?
Plan review typically runs two to four weeks for standard residential projects, and expedited review is available for a higher fee. Simple over the counter permits can be issued within days. Applications go through permits.cityoftacoma.org.
Can I use the Olympia area pre-approved ADU plans in Tacoma?
No. Those four plans are a Thurston County programme shared by Olympia, Lacey and Tumwater. Tacoma runs its own separate pre-approved DADU programme with four base models through Planning and Development Services.
Are you actually based in Tacoma?
Yes. KOI Build Co works out of South Tacoma Way and covers Pierce County alongside Thurston County and the wider South Puget Sound. Call (253) 348-1847 for a free estimate.
Planning a project in Tacoma?
Free estimates, and a straight answer on what your project will cost and how long it will take.
Also serving Olympia, Tumwater and the wider South Puget Sound.