Construction & Remodeling in University Place, WA
Remodels, DADUs, and high-quality craftsmanship for University Place's established neighborhoods.
University Place sits on the Tacoma Narrows bluff with views that keep property values well above the Pierce County median. The housing stock here runs toward mid-century ramblers and split-levels — solid bones, good lot sizes, and homeowners who invest in their properties rather than leave them. That combination makes University Place one of the strongest DADU markets in the south Sound: large lots, high parent-home values, and neighbors who have already remodeled rather than moved.
Under HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.680), UP lots in the Urban Growth Area can support up to two accessory dwelling units without owner-occupancy requirements. A detached backyard cottage here pencils out well — the rental math and resale uplift both work. We've done bath and kitchen remodels throughout UP, and we're familiar with what the City's permit office expects.
Services we offer in University Place
Permits & zoning
Building in University Place
Permit authority in University Place is the City of University Place Community Development Department. All building permits — remodels, additions, new construction, and ADU/DADU projects — run through the City's permit office, not Pierce County PALS. Most University Place parcels are within city limits; the small number of unincorporated parcels along the edges would route to Pierce County PALS instead, but the large majority of UP addresses use City permits.
University Place is a GMA-planning jurisdiction, which means it is fully subject to Washington's HB 1337 (RCW 36.70A.680). Two ADUs per lot are allowed in the Urban Growth Area. The City cannot require owner-occupancy, cannot restrict ADU floor area below 1,000 sq ft, and must allow conversion of existing detached structures — garages, sheds — to ADU use even where they do not fully comply with current setback rules. Impact fees for ADUs are capped at 50% of the principal-unit rate. CC&Rs recorded after July 23, 2023 cannot prohibit ADUs; older CC&Rs still apply, so we'll check your title conditions before you commit to a DADU project.
University Place does not operate a historic district or design-review overlay that affects the residential areas where we typically work. DADU permit applications in University Place are typically issued in 4–8 weeks after a complete submittal. For Adult Family Home compliance work, University Place permits route through the same City Development Department under the standard DSHS-coordinated plan-review track.
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Free consultations across Tacoma, Lakewood, Puyallup, Gig Harbor and University Place. We respond within 1–2 business days.