City of Bonney Lake, WA

Common application types

• Residential New Construction
• Residential Addition/Remodel
• Accessory Dwelling Unit
• Accessory Structure
• Deck
• Commercial Tenant Improvement
• Change of Occupant
• Demolition
• Land Use Application
• Pre-Application Conference

New homes and additions

New residential submittals include a cover sheet with impervious surface and design parameters, a site plan meeting the Basic Site Plan Standards, full architectural and framing plans, structural calculations stamped by a Washington-licensed engineer, and the WSU energy code form. A water availability letter and either a sewer availability letter or TPCHD septic approval are required, and stormwater review is required when 500 square feet or more of hard surface is added or replaced, following the Pierce County Site Design and Stormwater Management Guide and the 2021 Pierce County Stormwater and Site Development Manual. Critical areas and shoreline jurisdiction can change building location, height and size and may require critical area or shoreline exemptions or permits.

ADUs and middle housing

ADUs use a separate ADU building application, which requires water and sewer (or septic) approvals and a road approach application, with traffic and park impact fees paid at issuance. The City states the ADU application is being updated to comply with Ordinance 1737, effective June 22, 2025. ADU size and count limits and middle housing implementation status were not identified on the City pages reviewed.

Decks, retaining walls and accessory structures

Exempt residential work includes fences up to 6 feet, retaining walls up to 4 feet that do not support a surcharge, one-story detached accessory structures up to 200 square feet, and decks of 200 square feet or less, no more than 30 inches above grade, not attached to the dwelling and not a required exit. Exempt work must still meet zoning, setback, critical area, shoreline, civil and utility requirements, and removing any structure over 120 square feet needs a demolition permit.

Commercial tenant improvements and change of use

Commercial, industrial and non-residential permits include tenant improvements and change of occupant applications. All business locations need Sumner-Bonney Lake Joint Pre-Treatment Program sewer screening, and commercial tenant improvement and change of occupant applications must include the Sumner determination letter.

Land use review

Many planning applications begin with a Land Use Application, with a separate application required for each permit and submittal worksheets for most application types. Pre-application meetings are a preliminary review held Thursdays at 2:00 and 3:00 p.m. on a first come, first served basis, and appointment times are not held without a submittal package.

Tips from SASHKOV

• Check critical areas and shoreline jurisdiction before applying, since they can change building location, height and size.
• Submit an Owner Authorization Form from each property owner.
• Residential application forms cannot be saved, so have all information ready before starting.

Where to apply

Permitting authority: Public Services Department, Permit Center. Online submittals: Online Permit Portal.