Pierce County housing push lifts demand for demolition and site prep

Pierce County’s plan to boost housing production is drawing attention to an early step in redevelopment: demolition and site preparation. Franky’s Excavation says older structures, utilities and site conditions often have to be cleared before new homes can be built.

Why it matters: - Pierce County’s housing target is pushing more redevelopment work onto properties that already have structures in place. - Demolition and site preparation are becoming more important as the county tries to add 5,700 new housing units a year. - Faster site turnover can affect how quickly infill projects and replacement housing move from plan to construction.

What happened: - Pierce County’s current strategic plan calls for a 46% increase in housing production. - The county says it needs 5,700 new units each year. - Franky’s Excavation, based in Puyallup, Washington, highlighted demolition and site preparation as a key part of that development pipeline. - The company works in Pierce and King counties.

The details: - Pierce County estimates 13,000 to 20,000 fewer housing units were built over the past decade than were needed to meet demand. - The county’s 2026-2027 Strategic Plan includes efforts to increase housing production, shorten permit processing times and focus new housing around high-capacity transit areas. - Older homes, garages, sheds, mobile homes, damaged structures, unused concrete and foundations can stand in the way of new construction. - Franky’s Excavation owner David Frankov said demolition clears the site for the next step in redevelopment. - The company offers permit assistance, abatement inspections and on-site inspections before work begins. - Franky’s Excavation handles residential and commercial demolition, including home, garage, shed, barn, mobile home, pool, concrete, foundation and pavement removal. - Pierce County includes structure demolition among residential projects handled through its permitting system. - Site conditions can also trigger requirements tied to septic systems, wells, critical areas and other property concerns.

Between the lines: - The housing shortage is not only a construction issue. It is also a site-readiness issue. - Many future homes in Pierce County will likely come from infill, replacement or redevelopment instead of empty lots. - That raises the value of contractors that can handle both teardown and the grading, trenching, drainage and utility work that follow. - Franky’s Excavation says it provides both demolition and site preparation, which can shorten handoffs between project phases.

What’s next: - Pierce County’s push to increase housing production will likely keep pressure on permitting, demolition and site-prep timelines. - Property owners, developers and contractors working on built-out parcels will need to determine what must come down before new construction can go up. - Franky’s Excavation is seeking residential and commercial demolition, excavation, land clearing and construction site preparation work throughout Pierce County.

The bottom line: - Pierce County wants more homes, and that means more projects will start with clearing what is already on the land.