Animal Ordinances in Tacoma, WA

If you live in Tacoma or are thinking about moving there, animal ordinances are one of those things you probably won't think about until they affect you directly. Tacoma has 5 specific rules on the books covering different aspects of animal ordinances, and some of them might surprise you.

Wildlife Feeding

Feeding, molesting, or offering tobacco, drink, or other harmful substances to wildlife in a Tacoma park is banned unless the Metro Parks Director authorizes it.

Key details: Feeding wildlife: prohibited. Exception: Director-authorized only. Also banned: molesting/harassing wildlife. Scope: Metro Parks Tacoma parks.

Violating this section is a Class 1 civil infraction under the park code's general penalty provision, TMC § 8.27.250, not including statutory assessments.

Compared to other cities, Tacoma takes a harder line on wildlife feeding. The enforcement and penalty structure reflects that.

Beekeeping

Tacoma caps hives at four per lot under 10,000 square feet and requires a 75-foot setback from property lines unless hives sit behind a six-foot fence or hedge, per Chapter 5.24 of the Tacoma Municipal Code.

Key details: Hive limit: 4 hives on lots under 10,000 sq ft. Setback: 75 ft from property lines. Registration: State registration under RCW 15.60.030. Enforcement: Tacoma-Pierce County Health Dept..

Unregistered hives, colonies causing unprovoked stinging beyond 75 feet, or any nuisance colony can draw a misdemeanor citation, with fines starting at $100 for a first offense and rising to $1,000 or 90 days in jail.

Chickens & Livestock

Tacoma allows up to 6 adult poultry and 6 pigeons per parcel, bans roosters citywide, and requires coops to sit at least 12 feet from any neighboring residence, per TMC § 5.30.010.

Key details: Flock limit: 6 adult poultry + 6 pigeons/parcel. Roosters: Banned citywide (TMC § 17.02.041). Coop setback: 12 ft from any residence. Large coops: Building permit needed over 200 sq ft.

Exceeding the flock limit, keeping a rooster, or violating the 12-foot coop setback triggers a Notice of Violation and a $250 civil penalty for each uncorrected violation under TMC § 5.30.040.

Exotic Pets

Tacoma bans keeping lions, tigers, bears, wolves, venomous reptiles, and other dangerous wild animals anywhere zoned residential; outside residential zones, the City Manager can permit them under TMC § 5.23.025.

Key details: Residential zones: Banned outright. Other zones: City Manager permit possible. Named species: Lions, bears, wolves, cougars, more. Also covered: Any venomous reptile. First-offense fine: At least $100.

Keeping a prohibited wild or vicious animal is a misdemeanor: up to $1,000 and 90 days jail, with mandatory minimum fines of $100 for a first conviction rising to $1,000 for a third, per TMC § 5.23.030.

This is one of the stricter rules in Tacoma's municipal code. If you are unsure whether your situation complies, it is worth checking with the city before proceeding.

Dog Leash Laws

In Tacoma parks, dogs and cats must stay on a leash no longer than eight feet outside a designated off-leash area, per TMC § 8.27.120: the citywide running-at-large rule sits separately in Title 17.

Key details: Leash length: 8 feet maximum in parks. Off-leash: Only in posted off-leash areas. Water areas: Pets barred from ponds, fountains, spraygrounds. Penalty: Class 1 civil infraction.

An off-leash dog or cat outside a designated off-leash area is a class 1 civil infraction under § 8.27.120F, unless Title 17's citywide Animal Control Code imposes a different penalty.

The Bottom Line

Tacoma is tougher than many cities when it comes to animal ordinances. Out of the 5 rules covered here, 2 are rated strict. If you are a homeowner, renter, or business owner in Tacoma, take the time to understand these requirements before they become a problem. Most violations come with fines, and some repeat violations can escalate.

All of the above reflects Tacoma's municipal code as of our last review. If you need specifics on fines, exemptions, or filing requirements, the detailed ordinance pages linked above have the full breakdown.