Tacoma Zoning Overview

Tacoma is the third-largest city in Washington with approximately 219,346 residents, located in Pierce County. The city manages land use and development through its zoning code, administered by Planning & Development Services. Tacoma's zoning divides the municipality into districts regulating permitted uses, building heights, lot sizes, setbacks, and density.

Tacoma 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

Tacoma's zoning code includes several residential districts. The R-1 district requires a minimum lot size of 7,500 square feet with a 35-foot height limit. The R-2 district allows 5,000 square foot minimum lots. The R-3 district permits two-family dwellings, and the R-4 district accommodates multi-family housing.

Commercial activity is served by the C-1 (General Commercial) and C-2 (Heavy Commercial) districts. Industrial uses are provided for in the M-1 (Light Industrial) and M-2 (Heavy Industrial) districts.

ADU (Accessory Dwelling Unit) Rules

Tacoma 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 is a state mandate that applies to all Washington cities. Contact Tacoma Planning & Development Services for current requirements including size limits, setbacks, and permitting procedures.

Development Process

Development in Tacoma 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 Tacoma, 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 Planning & Development Services at (253) 591-5030 for pre-application guidance

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