Permit delays cost money: carrying costs, contractor scheduling, and financing deadlines all keep running while an application sits in review. When review stalls or a permit is denied, legal guidance can get a project moving again.
Halinen Law Offices helps clients with building, grading, site development and right-of-way permits, working with design teams to address comments and with jurisdictions to resolve disagreements.
Common Situations We Help With
- Your permit has been in review far longer than expected.
- Repeated correction letters keep raising new issues.
- A permit was denied or a stop-work order was issued.
- Code enforcement action has been taken against your property.
- Impact fees or frontage improvements seem disproportionate.
Facing one of these issues?
Early advice usually costs less and preserves more options. Call for a free consultation.
Call Now for a Free ConsultationHow We Approach Construction Permits
Unsticking review
We identify the real issue in correction cycles and work with staff to resolve it.
Code interpretation
We seek formal code interpretations when staff positions are inconsistent with the code.
Fees and conditions
We evaluate whether impact fees and required improvements are lawful and proportionate.
Enforcement defense
We respond to notices of violation and stop-work orders and pursue appeals.
Results You Can Expect
- Shorter permit timelines
- Fewer correction cycles
- Reduced or lawful fees
- Resolved enforcement matters
Construction Permits in Tacoma & Pierce County
Permit timelines vary widely between the City of Tacoma, Pierce County Planning and Public Works, and smaller cities like Fircrest, Ruston and Steilacoom. Understanding each department's process helps us move applications forward.
We serve clients in Tacoma, Lakewood, University Place, Puyallup, Gig Harbor, Fircrest, Ruston, Fife, Milton, Edgewood, Sumner, Bonney Lake and throughout the Puget Sound region.
Construction Permits FAQ
What can I do if my building permit is taking too long?
Washington law sets target review times for many permits. We can determine whether the jurisdiction is meeting them and work to resolve outstanding issues.
Can I appeal a permit denial?
Yes, usually to a hearing examiner first, then to superior court under the Land Use Petition Act.
Are impact fees negotiable?
Impact fees must be reasonably related to a project's impacts. Independent fee calculations or credits are sometimes available.
What should I do if I receive a stop-work order?
Call promptly. Appeal deadlines are short, and early communication often resolves the issue.