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Zoning Guide

Lakewood Zoning & Land Use Guide

Data-only stub — facts unverified locally. Confirm with the planning department before relying on details.
Last updated: Verified:

What we have on file vs. what to verify locally

We don't have editor-verified zoning prose for Lakewoodyet. Here's the structured data we do have, and the highest-leverage steps to confirm specifics for your parcel.

What we have on file

Population:
63,612
County:
Pierce County
State building code:
WA State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)(statewide default)
State ADU law:
Yes — Washington HB 1337 (2023, effective July 23, 2023) requires cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow at least two accessory dwelling units per lot in zones that permit single-family homes within urban growth areas. The law limits impact fees on ADUs, prohibits owner-occupancy requirements, and requires that ADUs of at least 1,000 sq ft be allowed. HB 1110 (2023) separately legalized middle housing (duplexes through sixplexes depending on city size).
FEMA flood map:
Search flood zones
Planning department:
City of Lakewood Community Development
Municipal code:
View code online

Verify these locally

  • Call the City of Lakewood Community Development: (253) 983-7738
  • Search the municipal code for the chapter that covers your zoning district and proposed use.
  • Check FEMA flood zone for your parcel — flood-zone status changes setbacks, foundation requirements, and insurance.
  • Check your HOA CC&Rs and recorded deed restrictions — they are common in Lakewood and frequently restrict ADUs, fences, and exterior changes beyond what zoning allows.

Key Zoning Facts

Planning Department
City of Lakewood Community Development(253) 983-7738
Building Code Edition
WA State Building Code (IBC/IRC based)
ADUs Allowed
Yes

Lakewood Zoning Overview

Lakewood is a city in Washington with approximately 65,524 residents, located in Pierce County. The city manages land use and development through its zoning code, administered by the Community Development Department. Lakewood's zoning divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Lakewood follows the Washington State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51), which is based on the International Building Code (IBC) and International Residential Code (IRC).

Primary Zoning Districts

Lakewood's zoning code includes several residential districts. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 12,500 square feet with a 35-foot height limit. The R-2 district allows 7,500 square foot lots. The R-3 district allows 5,000 square foot lots and duplexes. The R-4 district accommodates multifamily housing.

Commercial activity is served by the NC (Neighborhood Commercial) and GC (General Commercial) districts. The LI (Light Industrial) district provides for warehousing and light manufacturing.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Lakewood allows ADUs (Accessory Dwelling Units). Under Washington state law HB 1337 (2023), cities are required to allow ADUs, with up to 2 ADUs permitted per lot in most areas. This applies to cities planning under the Growth Management Act (which includes most urban Washington cities). Contact Community Development for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Lakewood generally requires obtaining the appropriate permits. The process typically involves:

  1. Zoning Verification — Confirm that your proposed use is permitted in the applicable zoning district
  2. Site Plan Review — For commercial and multi-family projects, submit a site plan for review
  3. Building Permit — Apply for a building permit with construction documents
  4. Inspections — Schedule required inspections during construction
  5. Certificate of Occupancy — Obtain final approval before occupying the structure

For projects that do not conform to existing zoning, property owners may need to seek a variance, special exception, or rezoning.

Key Considerations

Before starting any development project in Lakewood, property owners should:

  • Verify the zoning classification of their property
  • Review setback, height, and lot coverage requirements for their specific district
  • Check for any overlay districts or special regulations
  • Determine if the property is in a flood zone using FEMA's flood map service
  • Confirm whether HOA covenants or deed restrictions apply
  • Contact Community Development at (253) 983-7738 for pre-application guidance

Disclaimer: This guide provides general information about zoning in Lakewood and should not be relied upon as legal advice. Zoning codes are subject to change. Always verify current regulations with the City of Lakewood or the municipal code before making development decisions.

Regulatory Layers That Apply in Lakewood

Your property is subject to ALL of these regulatory layers. Each one can impose additional requirements beyond the others.

Federal

State — Washington

  • Building Code: WA State Building Code (WAC 51-50/51)
  • State ADU Override: Yes (WA HB 1337 (2023) requires cities to allow ADUs; 2 ADUs per lot in most areas)
View Washington zoning overview

County — Pierce County

    City / Municipal

    The city's zoning ordinance, building codes, and local permits form the primary layer of land-use regulation for your property.

    Overlay Districts

    No overlay districts identified.

    Private Restrictions

    • HOA / CC&Rs common: Yes
    • Check HOA CC&Rs and deed restrictions for additional requirements.

    Statewide Context (Washington)

    Local data for Lakewood is limited. The following state-level facts apply across Washington and are inherited by this page until city-specific details are verified.

    State Building Code
    WA State Building Code (based on 2021 IBC)
    State ADU Preemption
    Yes — state law overrides local rules
    Coastal Zone
    Yes
    Wildfire Zones
    Yes

    ADU Rules in Lakewood

    ADUs:Allowed(statewide context — not city-specific)

    State law (statewide context, not city-specific):

    Washington HB 1337 (2023, effective July 23, 2023) requires cities and counties planning under the Growth Management Act to allow at least two accessory dwelling units per lot in zones that permit single-family homes within urban growth areas. The law limits impact fees on ADUs, prohibits owner-occupancy requirements, and requires that ADUs of at least 1,000 sq ft be allowed. HB 1110 (2023) separately legalized middle housing (duplexes through sixplexes depending on city size).

    Source (Washington)

    For local size, setback, and parking specifics, contact the City of Lakewood Community Development.

    Permit Costs & Timelines

    Permit Costs & Timelines

    Specific permit fee schedules for Lakewood are available from the local planning department. Fees vary based on project type, scope, and valuation.

    Check Lakewood permit fees →

    Official Sources

    City-specific

    City of Lakewood Community Developmentcityoflakewood.usOfficial sourceLakewood Municipal Codelibrary.municode.comOfficial source