Before the tear-off
When a Tacoma reroof needs a permit
Tacoma often skips a permit for a straight single-family or duplex reroof. The City's conditions are specific, so I check them before anyone starts.
When a single-family or duplex reroof is exempt
Reroofing of single-family or duplex residential buildings is exempt when the existing roof coverings are removed first, and all of these hold: (City of Tacoma)
- The new roofing material does not exceed 2.5 pounds per square foot, or, for a vegetated roof, it weighs the same as the previous roof and a vegetated roof was already approved through a building permit. (City of Tacoma)
- No changes are made to roof framing. (City of Tacoma)
- The building is not constructed with unreinforced masonry. (City of Tacoma)
What I ask the roofer
- Will the old covering come off before the new roof goes on?
- What does the new material weigh per square foot?
- Are you changing any framing, pitch or sheathing?
- If a permit is needed, who pulls it and is the fee in the price?
Next
See how to hire a roofer and what a fair roof repair quote looks like.
Sources
We read each source on October 18, 2026. Rules and prices change, so check the linked page before you rely on a number.
Written by the Tacoma Emergency Roofers team. We list businesses; we do not employ, bond or insure them. Spot a mistake? Use the claim page to tell us.