What Puyallup Regulates: A Complete Ordinance Overview

Puyallup, Washington may not be the biggest city in the state, but it has its own set of local rules that residents need to follow. With 36 tracked ordinances across 14 categories, there is more here than you might expect.

Swimming Pools & Spas

Fencing Requirements: Puyallup adopts the Washington State Residential Code (IRC with WA amendments) per PMC Chapter 17.04, requiring barriers around residential pools/spas under IRC Appendix AG105/Section R326. PMC 20.25.020 separately requires a 6-foot enclosure with no openings greater than 4 inches and a self-closing gate around any pool 12 inches or deeper in multifamily (RM) zones..

Animal Ordinances

Dog Leash Laws: Puyallup regulates dogs under PMC Title 6 (Animals) and contracts animal control to Metro Animal Services, which handles enforcement, licensing, and impoundment for the city. Dogs must be under control off the owner's property, and dogs running at large are subject to impoundment.

Also covered: Exotic Pets (moderate), Beekeeping (permissive). See the full animal ordinances guide for Puyallup for details.

Short-Term Rentals

Occupancy Limits: Puyallup has no stand-alone short-term rental ordinance and instead regulates STR-style uses under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of PMC Title 20. In residential zones, a B&B inside the primary structure is limited to two lodging rooms; a B&B with more than two lodging rooms or in a detached accessory structure is capped at eight lodging rooms total, must keep meals to registered guests only, and may not host banquets, weddings, or conferences.

Also covered: Noise Rules (moderate), Parking Rules (moderate), Taxes & Fees (moderate). See the full short-term rentals guide for Puyallup for details.

Noise Ordinances

Aircraft Noise: Puyallup has no local aircraft noise ordinance. Thun Field (Pierce County Airport) generates some general aviation traffic near Puyallup.

Also covered: Quiet Hours (moderate), Construction Hours (moderate), Barking Dogs (moderate). See the full noise ordinances guide for Puyallup for details.

Parking Rules

Abandoned Vehicles: Abandoned vehicles on public streets or private property in Puyallup are subject to code enforcement action as a nuisance. Puyallup Code Compliance handles abandoned vehicle complaints..

Also covered: Street Parking Limits (moderate), Commercial Vehicle Restrictions (moderate), RV & Boat Parking (moderate). See the full parking rules guide for Puyallup for details.

Fire Regulations

Outdoor Burning: Outdoor burning of yard debris in Puyallup is prohibited within urban growth boundaries per Puget Sound Clean Air Agency rules. Recreational fires on private property are allowed with restrictions.

Also covered: Brush Clearance (moderate), Wildfire Zones (moderate), Fireworks (moderate). See the full fire regulations guide for Puyallup for details.

Tree Protection

Tree Removal Permits: Tree removal in Puyallup is governed by the Puyallup Municipal Code (PMC) tree regulations and City Engineering. Street trees require City of Puyallup approval.

Also covered: Heritage & Protected Trees (permissive). See the full tree protection guide for Puyallup for details.

Landscaping Rules

Native Plants: Puyallup has no native plant ordinance. Washington State requires control of noxious weeds listed by Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (RCW 17.10).

Also covered: Tree Removal & Heritage Trees (moderate), Water Restrictions (moderate). See the full landscaping rules guide for Puyallup for details.

Environmental Rules

Flood Zones: Puyallup is located on the Puyallup River floodplain and participates in FEMA's NFIP. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A/AE) require elevation certificates for new construction and substantial improvements.

Also covered: Stormwater Management (moderate). See the full environmental rules guide for Puyallup for details.

Cannabis Regulations

Home Cultivation: Home cannabis cultivation is NOT legal for recreational users in Washington State. Washington's I-502 (RCW 69.50) does not permit home cultivation for recreational use.

Rental Property Rules

Rent Control: Rent control is PREEMPTED by Washington State law. RCW 35.21.830 prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances.

Property Maintenance

Property Blight: Property maintenance and blight in Puyallup are addressed by Puyallup Code Enforcement under the Puyallup Municipal Code. The city's Code Enforcement Division handles complaints about deteriorated properties, junk vehicles, and nuisance conditions.

Accessory Structures

ADU Rules: Puyallup allows 2 ADUs per lot in all residential zones consistent with HB 1337 (2023). ADUs are limited to 1,000 sq ft of interior habitable area.

Also covered: Shed Rules (moderate), Garage Conversions (moderate). See the full accessory structures guide for Puyallup for details.

Fence Regulations

Height Limits: In Puyallup residential zones, front yard fences within 20 feet of the property line are limited to 3½ feet. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet.

What to Do With This Information

Think of this as a map of the regulatory landscape in Puyallup. For any rule that directly affects a decision you are making, click through to the full ordinance page for penalty details and exceptions, and confirm with the city if the stakes are high.