A demolition contractor will need a permit to demolish any building within the City of Tacoma, with the exception of residential sheds that are 200 square feet or under and located at least six feet from other structures. Permits can be applied for online, though.
Site Plan
In order to obtain a permit, you or your contractor need to submit a site plan with the application. This must detail every building on the property, which building needs to be demolished, and which ones will remain.
SEPA
Demolition of a building that is bigger than 12,000 square feet will need an environmental review under the State Environmental Policy Act, or SEPA for short. Re-contouring a site, working within the area, and removal of underground tanks are all SEPA triggers. For a more comprehensive list, check out the Washington Administrative Code 197-11-800.
Trees
Private properties need a permit to remove trees that are in the City right-of-way, and, in many situations, the removal of a street tree will mean a replacement will need to be implemented. The removal of just one or a few trees from private property that is not classed as a Critical Area will not need a permit. If trees are retained onsite, the stormwater management Manual, or SWM for short, tree protection requirements need to be adhered to during the demolition.
Surface Water
All demolition projects of any size need to practice temporary erosion and sedimentation control. Information on this is found in Volume 2 of the City of Tacoma Stormwater Management Manual, or again SWMM for short. If a project will disturb an area of 7,000 square feet or above, a Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan will be needed and reviewed by Environmental Services for approval.
If you would like to make an appointment with a professional demolition contractor, please contact Chrysolite Construction Inc at (253) 262-5170 now if you live in the Tacoma, WA region.