Do You Need a Permit to Renovate in Gig Harbor, WA?
Updated February 2026
Get expert advice from Gig Harbor Architects
Looking to renovate your Gig Harbor house but not sure if you need a permit? This article will explain when you will or won't need a construction permit for your renovation, and share the overall process for Gig Harbor and Unincorporated Pierce County residents.
Gig Harbor vs Pierce County
The first step is to determine which jurisdiction you fall under. Most of the people who live in Gig Harbor addresses do NOT live in the City of Gig Harbor. The City of Gig Harbor is a small city within Pierce County, and the surrounding properties with Gig Harbor addresses are actually governed by unincorporated Pierce County when it comes to building and renovating. Here is the lowdown direct from our architectural experience.
The blue line is the City of Gig Harbor limits. All the surrounding areas with Gig Harbor addresses should refer to the Pierce County Building Department for their permit requirements.
Not sure? The Interactive City Boundary Map will help you to clarify whether your residence or business is located within the City of Gig Harbor limits or in unincorporated Pierce County. If you need more information contact Patty McGallian or call 253-853-7621.
And if you’re an investor or developer, know that as of March 8, 2023, the city IS allowing short term rentals. You must file an application and meet the city’s requirements to do so.
Gig Harbor Renovations
OK, so you determined you live in the Gig Harbor city limits and you’re wondering if your renovation needs a permit. Consider reaching out to local Gig Harbor architects like Andrew Mikhael to help you navigate the permitting process.
Are you building an addition?
Are you moving, removing, or adding interior walls?
Are you doing a bathroom remodel and moving (even slightly) any plumbing fixture locations?
Are you reroofing your house?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, then you DO need a permit for your Gig Harbor renovation project.
New Homes, Additions, & Exterior Renovations in Gig Harbor Must Follow Design Standards
On top of building codes and energy codes, The City of Gig Harbor has a set of design standards that are intended to ensure that new homes in the city complement the existing character of the community. These standards address a variety of factors, including the size and scale of homes, the materials used in construction, and the overall appearance of the homes.
The Design Standards book has a lot of detailed requirements. There are circumstances where you might not read things right or see how it all connects, and so we recommend that you consult with your architect. We’ve had clients who wanted to build to a certain height and the building codes allowed it, but digging deeper into the design standards overlaid with their location as a view home, we discovered that they could not. It pays to figure these things out EARLY in the design process.
Some of the key design standards for home construction in Gig Harbor include:
Homes should be compatible with the surrounding neighborhood in terms of size, scale, and materials.
Homes should be designed to blend in with the natural environment.
Homes should have a variety of architectural styles to create a diverse and interesting community.
Homes should be designed to be energy-efficient and sustainable.
The City of Gig Harbor's design standards are enforced through the permitting process. When you apply for a building permit for a new home, your plans will be reviewed to ensure that they meet the design standards. If your plans do not meet the standards, you will be required to make changes before your permit is approved.
Here are some additional resources where you can learn more about the City of Gig Harbor's design standards for home construction:
City of Gig Harbor Design Standards: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/226/Design-Standards-Overview
Gig Harbor Design Manual: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/DocumentCenter/View/3728/Gig-Harbor-Design-Manual
Building Permits: https://www.cityofgigharbor.net/210/Building-Codes-Standards
Pierce County Renovations
Now, renovating a Gig Harbor house under Pierce County jurisdiction is a whole other animal.
You CAN remove an interior wall under certain circumstances without a permit. It must not affect any structural component, reduce egress, or natural lighting requirements.
Additions do require permits. Small, one story detached accessory buildings do not.
Any plumbing work, including like-for-like replacement, requires a permit. But hey, you can install an oil derrick without a permit, so there’s that. Check out this bulletin for a complete list of permit-exempt work.
Finding an Architect
If you're not sure if you need a permit for your renovation or if you need help with the permitting process, you may want to consider hiring an architect. An architect can help you to understand the permit requirements and can prepare the necessary plans and documentation.
If you're planning to renovate your Gig Harbor home, it's important to understand the permit requirements. By following the guidelines, you can help to ensure that your renovation is safe, up to code, and meets the standards of your local community.
Schedule your call
with Andrew Mikhael Architect in Gig Harbor, WA, for expert architectural assistance tailored to your renovation project.
Andrew Mikhael Architect
Gig Harbor WA
Common Gig Harbor Permit Questions
Permitting feels confusing. You're not alone. Here are the questions homeowners ask most often about getting permits in Gig Harbor city limits.
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Yes. The City of Gig Harbor requires a permit for re-roofing.
They've consolidated everything into one application — the Construction Application Form, which is fillable on their website. Ignore the mechanical and plumbing sections. Mid-page, there's a description field where you'll write "Re-roof."
Planning reviews it as well. You'll need to include a material spec (a catalog page showing the roofing product, color, and type works fine) and a location map. A screenshot from Google Maps showing the roof location is acceptable.
The permit is a flat fee, not based on valuation. Approximately $170 plus a state fee, for about $177 total. Commercial projects might be calculated on the valuation of work.
You can fill out the application in person or online. The signed application goes to buildingintake@gigharborwa.gov. If they need additional documents, they'll email you.
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Decks less than 30 inches above grade don't require a building permit. Anything higher does.
If your deck is within 200 feet of the shoreline or affects drainage, you may also need a planning permit. When in doubt, call the Building Department at 253-851-6170 before you start.
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Fences typically require a planning permit, not a building permit. This depends on the fence height, location, and proximity to property lines or shorelines.
Call the Planning Department at 253-851-6170 and ask for the Planner of the Day. They're generally available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.
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Yes. Water heater replacement requires a building permit, even for like-for-like replacement.
The permit ensures the installation meets current seismic strapping requirements, proper venting, expansion tank installation, and gas shut-off valve standards. The city has specific requirements — most HVAC contractors pull these permits as part of their service.
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Yes. Heat pump installations require both a building permit and potentially a planning permit if the unit is visible from the street or placed in a setback area.
Mechanical work requires permits in Gig Harbor. Your HVAC contractor will typically handle the permit application as part of the installation.
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Call the Building Department at 253-851-6170. They'll walk you through it.
Most homeowners wait too long to ask. It's better to call early and get clarity than to start work and find out later you needed a permit. Unpermitted work can hold up future sales, void insurance claims, and require expensive teardowns.
If your project is more complex — additions, remodels, anything affecting structure or utilities — you'll want to talk to an architect before you apply. We help clients figure out what permits are required and prepare the documentation the city needs.