City of Bonney Lake

Use the City of Bonney Lake Public GIS Portal to verify:

• Whether the property is located within City limits
• Whether the property contains any critical areas (additional permitting may be required)
• Whether the property is located within the shoreline jurisdiction (additional permitting may be required)
• What water and sewer utilities serve the property
• Adjacent road classification and transportation facilities 

Please visit the Development Policies& Design Standards webpage for specific links to assist with sewer, stormwater, streets, and water design. For general information, see:

• Bonney Lake Municipal Code website
• Comprehensive Plan webpage

• Verify an Architect or Engineer License (Washington State DOL)
• Verify a State and City Business License (Washington State DOR)

• Hiring a Contractor (Washington State L&I)
• Verify a Contractor, Tradesperson or Business (Washington State L&I)
• Verify a State and City Business License (Washington State DOR)
• Verify Certified Erosion and Sediment Control Lead (CESCL) Certification Status (Washington State Department of Ecology)

Please visit the Development Policies & Design Standards webpage for specific links to assist with sewer, stormwater, streets, and water design.

For any project that requires new underground water lines serving on-site fire hydrants, fire department connections (FDCs), or fire riser rooms, the plans must clearly show the location of:

• Existing and proposed fire hydrants.
• Fire access lanes with a truck maneuvering diagram (access lanes shall have a minimum width of 20 feet and a minimum 28-foot inside turning radius).
• 13'6" minimum vertical clearance and a maximum 10% (grade) for review and approval.
• Fire roads/lanes, fire hydrants and other fire equipment shall have an approved pavement marking and/or signage to prevent them from being obstructed.

• Civil Development Permit Submittal Packet (.pdf)
• Civil Permit Application Form

Grade and fill activities are regulated under Chapter 15.20 BLMC.

If you are only proposing to clear a property, and will not be grading or excavating any earthen materials, a Tree Removal / Clearing Permit is required instead. See the Planning Permits webpage for additional information. 

The application below is for standalone review of grading or filling. If the grading or filling is part of a larger project, the information required can be included in your overall civil permit application or residential building permit application.

• Civil Development Permit Submittal Packet (.pdf)
• Civil Permit Application Form

• Chapter 13.14 BLMC: Wastewater Pre-Treatment Regulations
• Development Policies & Design Standards webpage (see "Sewer Standards" section)
• SS14 - Grease Interceptor (.pdf)

The application below is for standalone review of a grease interceptor. If a grease interceptor is proposed as part of a new commercial, multi-family, industrial, or other project, the information required can be included in your overall civil permit application.

• Civil Permit Application Form
• NOTE: Provide design calculations for the grease interceptor as part of your application.

New private retaining walls are prohibited in the City's right-of-way. Any retaining wall installed without permission is subject to removal at the adjacent property owner's expense and may be subject to civil penalties.

Helpful Links

• BLMC 18.22.020: Fences, Walls, and Hedges in Residential Zoning Districts
  • This section was updated under Ordinance 1745, effective January 1, 2026. For a copy of the updated language, see the final ordinance on the Washington State Auditor's website
• 2021 International Building Code Section 1807 (International Code Council)
• 2021 International Residential Code Section 404 (International Code Council)

The application below is for standalone review of a retaining wall. A separate permit application is required for each individual retaining wall. If a retaining wall is part of a larger project, the information required for retaining walls can be included in your overall civil permit application.

• Retaining Wall Permit Submittal Checklist (.pdf)
• Civil Permit Application Form

NOTE: Retaining walls that are part of a building or structure foundation should be submitted as part of that building permit application.

Helpful Links

• Chapter 13.12 BLMC: Sewerage System Regulations
• Chapter 13.14 BLMC: Wastewater Pre-Treatment Regulations
• Development Policies & Design Standards webpage (see "Sewer Standards" section)

The purpose of a Certificate of Sewer Availability is to:

• Confirm whether sanitary sewer service is available to the property
• Ensure there is adequate capacity in the sewer system to serve your specific project
• Determine if there are any improvements that need to be made to support your specific project
• Provide specific permit guidance on what sewer-related permits are needed for your project

Timing

The following items are required as part of a complete building permit application for a new building or major expansion of an existing structure in Bonney Lake:

• Your Certificate of Sewer Availability
• Septic Approval from Tacoma-Pierce County Health District (if applicable)
• Sewer Pre-Treatment Determination from the Sumner-Bonney Lake Pre-Treatment Program (if applicable)

For large or complex projects, sewer modeling may also be required in order to complete the initial design of your project.

Application Form

Use this application form for Certificate of Sewer Availability and Sewer Modeling requests.

• Utility Availability Request form
• NOTE: If you need a Certificate of Sewer Availability and any other type of utility availability (sewer modeling, certificate of water availability, instantaneous fire flow, or water modeling), you only need to complete this form once.

• Civil Permit Application Form, select "New Utility Connection"
• Civil Development Permit Submittal Packet (.pdf)
• NOTE: Include a completed Sewer Developer's Extension Agreement (DEA) as part of your submittal. A fillable version of the DEA is available in Section 800 - Sample Documents (2018) (.pdf) of the Development Policies and Public Works Design Standards

All applicable permits are required in order to complete your utility connection. Do not start work until all required permits are issued.

Civil Utility Connection Permit

This permit is required when a new physical connection to the sewer system is made at the sewer main.

• Civil Utility Permit Application form
• Civil Utility Connection Checklist (.pdf)
• Utility Connection Exhibit Example (.pdf)

Sewer Permit

This application is required for new sewer utility accounts or when System Development Charges (SDCs) are due.

• Sewer Permit Application form

Right-of-Way Permit

This application is required for work within the applicable jurisdiction's right-of-way.

• Complete the right-of-way permit application on this webpage
• NOTE: If the work is located outside the city limits (in Pierce County), the City will route your application for review to Pierce County. The applicant is solely responsible for all application fees. The permit team will provide you with payment instructions. 

Helpful Links

• Chapter 15.13 BLMC: Stormwater Management
• Chapter 15.14 BLMC: Stormwater Utility
• Pierce County Stormwater & Site Development Manual
• Development Policies & Design Standards webpage (see "Stormwater Standards" section)

Helpful Guides

• Step 1 - Site Design and Stormwater Management (.pdf)
• Step 2 - Site Suitability and Feasibility of On-Site Stormwater System Evaluation (.pdf)
• Step 3 - Infiltration Testing and Calculation (.pdf)
• Step 4 - Soils Report Guide and Form (.pdf)
• Pre-Calculated Infiltration Trench Guide (.pdf)
• Pre-Calculated Infiltration Trench Worksheet (.pdf)
• Soils Report Form (.pdf)
• Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) Abbreviated Plan Form (fillable .pdf)

• Construction Stormwater General Permit Notice of Intent (Washington State Department of Ecology)
• Industrial Stormwater General Permit Notice of Intent (Washington State Department of Ecology)
• Registration Requirements for Underground Injection Control (Washington State Department of Ecology)

The applications below are for standalone stormwater review. Stormwater review can be combined with a civil permit application or with a residential building permit application.

• Residential Stormwater Application Form
• Commercial, Multi-Family, Industrial, and Other Stormwater Application Form

A right-of-way permit is required for any work over, along, under, or across any public right-of-way, or any activity that disturbs or impedes vehicle, bicycle, or pedestrian traffic (BLMC 12.08.010).

Helpful Information

• Chapter 12.08 BLMC: Work Within the Public Right-of-Way
• Development Policies & Design Standards webpage (see "Street Standards" section)
• Standard Requirements and Conditions (.pdf)
• Street Restoration - $5,000 Bond Form (.pdf)
• Street Restoration - $10,000 Bond Form (.pdf)

Application Form

Use this form for regular and franchise right-of-way permit applications.

• Right-of-Way Permit Application form

A road approach permit is required for any new driveway that connects to a public right-of-way, or any changes of use that exceed the thresholds in BLMC 12.20.030.

Helpful Information

• Chapter 12.20 BLMC: Construction Permits for Private Road Approaches
• Development Policies & Design Standards webpage (see "Street Standards" section)
• Standard Requirements and Conditions (.pdf)
• Street Restoration - $5,000 Bond Form (.pdf)
• Street Restoration - $10,000 Bond Form (.pdf)

Application Form

• Road Approach Application form

A Franchise Agreement is required for any public or private utility to operate within the city's rights-of-way. This is a contract negotiated with City Council and is not a permit. To initiate negotiations for a Franchise Agreement:

• Submit a letter that includes the following:
  • Description of Proposed Installation: Please provide details on the infrastructure to be installed within the City’s right-of-way (ROW)
  • Services to Be Provided: Identify the services that will be delivered utilizing the proposed fiber network
  • Service Area:  Clearly define the geographic area within the City where services will be offered
• A $5,000 deposit in the form of a check, payable to the City of Bonney Lake
  • The applicant is responsible for reimbursing the City for staff time and legal expenses associated with with the preparation and review of the Franchise Agreement
  • If actual costs are less than the deposit, the remaining balance will be refunded
  • If actual costs exceed the deposit, the remaining amount must be paid in full prior to final execution of the agreement
  • The deposit check needs to be made payable to the City of Bonney Lake
• Any additional materials that would be useful for understanding and processing the franchise agreement request

Both the letter and deposit check should be submitted to the following address:

City of Bonney Lake
Attn: Public Service Director
21719 96th Street E
Buckley, WA 98321

This process is for a private property owner to acquire the adjacent public right-of-way. Street vacations are regulated under Chapter 12.40 BLMC.

To learn more about street vacations generally, please see the Municipal Research and Services Center Street and Road Vacation Procedures webpage.

Please contact the Permit Center at [email protected] for application instructions.

Helpful Links

• Chapter 13.04 BLMC: Water System Regulations and Charges
• Development Policies & Design Standards webpage (see "Water Standards" section)

The purpose of a Certificate of Water Availability is to:

• Confirm whether water service is available to the property
• Ensure there is adequate capacity in the water system to serve your specific project
• Determine if there are any improvements that need to be made to support your specific project
• Provide specific permit guidance on what water-related permits are needed for your project
• Provide the letter from the local water purveyor required under RCW 19.27.098(1)(a) for a building permit application

Timing

A valid Certificate of Water Availability is required as part of a complete building permit application for a new building or major expansion of an existing structure in Bonney Lake.

For large or complex projects, instantaneous fire flow or water modeling may also be required in order to complete the initial design of your project.

Application Form

Use this application form for Certificate of Water Availability, Instantaneous Fire Flow, and Water Modeling requests.

• Utility Availability Request form
• NOTE: If you need a Certificate of Water Availability and any other type of utility availability (certificate of sewer availability, sewer modeling, instantaneous fire flow, or water modeling), you only need to complete this form once.

• Civil Permit Application Form, select "New Utility Connection"
• Civil Development Permit Submittal Packet (.pdf)
• NOTE: Include a completed Water Developer's Extension Agreement (DEA) as part of your submittal. A fillable version of the DEA is available in Section 800 - Sample Documents (2018) (.pdf) of the Development Policies and Public Works Design Standards

All applicable permits are required in order to complete your utility connection. Do not start work until all required permits are issued.

Civil Utility Connection Permit

This permit is required when a new physical connection to the water system is made at the water main.

• Civil Utility Permit Application form
• Civil Utility Connection Checklist (.pdf)
• Utility Connection Exhibit Example (.pdf)

Water Permit

This application is required for new water utility accounts, for a new or upsized water meter, or when System Development Charges (SDCs) are due.

• Water Permit Application form

Right-of-Way Permit

This application is required for work within the applicable jurisdiction's right-of-way.

• In Bonney Lake:
  • Complete the right-of-way permit application on this webpage
• In Pierce County:
  • Complete the right-of-way permit application on this webpage
  • NOTE: If the work is located outside the city limits (in Pierce County), the City will route your application for review to Pierce County. The applicant is solely responsible for all application fees. The permit team will provide you with payment instructions. 
• In Auburn:
  • Submit your application directly to the City of Auburn. Application information can be found on the City of Auburn Permits, Licenses, and Inspections website

Type of Device Required

How to Apply

A Residential Backflow / Cross-Connection permit can be applied for and paid for online through the online permit portal.

These permits can be issued the same or next business day, if the contractor has their:

• Contractor's License from Washington State Labor & Industries
• Washington State Business License
• City of Bonney Lake Business License.

To apply, use the Online Permit Portal and select "Apply Now". You will need an account to apply.

Final Inspection and Approval

The backflow assembly must be inspected and tested by a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). The BAT must submit a copy of the results to:

1. [email protected]
2. [email protected]

Once installed, the device must be inspected annually by a BAT and the results submitted to SwiftComply - Submit Annual Backflow Test Results

Type of Device Required

How to Apply

• Plumbing Permit Application Form

Final Inspection and Approval

The backflow assembly must be inspected and tested by a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). The BAT must submit a copy of the results to:

1. [email protected]
2. [email protected]

Once installed, the device must be inspected annually by a BAT and the results submitted to SwiftComply - Submit Annual Backflow Test Results

Type of Device Required

How to Apply

A separate irrigation meter is required in addition to the permit for the backflow device.

• Water Permit Application Form
• Plumbing Permit Application Form

Final Inspection and Approval

The backflow assembly must be inspected and tested by a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). The BAT must submit a copy of the results to:

1. [email protected]
2. [email protected]

Once installed, the device must be inspected annually by a BAT and the results submitted to SwiftComply - Submit Annual Backflow Test Results

Type of Device Required

How to Apply

• Plumbing Permit Application Form

Final Inspection and Approval

The backflow assembly must be inspected and tested by a Certified Backflow Assembly Tester (BAT). The BAT must submit a copy of the results to:

1. [email protected]
2. [email protected]

Once installed, the device must be inspected annually by a BAT and the results submitted to SwiftComply - Submit Annual Backflow Test Results