Tacoma, WA Building Safety: Lead Paint (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.02.870, Appendix J AJ301.2.1
- Materials named
- Asbestos and lead-based paint
- Applies to
- Repairs to single-family, duplex, townhouse buildings
- Enforcement
- Misdemeanor or civil infraction, TMC Ch. 1.82
Summary
Tacoma's building code bars using lead-based paint or asbestos when repairing an existing single-family, duplex, or townhouse structure, listing both as hazardous materials no longer permitted under the City's amended repair standards.
Hazardous materials no longer permitted, such as asbestos and lead-based paint, shall not be used. AJ301.2.2 Plumbing materials and supplies. The following plumbing materials and supplies shall not be used:
1. All-purpose solvent cement, unless listed for the specific application.
2. Flexible traps and tailpieces, unless listed for the specific application.
3. Solder having more than 0.2-percent lead in the repair of potable water systems. AJ301.3 Water closets. Where any water closet is replaced with a newly manufactured water closet, the replacement water closet shall comply with the requirements of the City of Tacoma Plumbing Code. AJ301.4 Electrical. This section deleted with a reference to comply with TMC Chapter 12.06A.
Section AJ401 Renovations AJ401.1 Definition. Renovations shall be defined as the change, strengthening or addition of load-bearing elements; or the refinishing, replacement, bracing, strengthening, upgrading or extensive repair of existing materials, elements, components, equipment or fixtures. Renovation does not involve reconfiguration of spaces. Interior and exterior painting are not considered refinishing for purposes of this definition and are not renovation. AJ401.2 Materials and methods. The work shall comply with the materials and methods requirements of this code. AJ401.3 Door and window dimensions.
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 2.02.870 adds IEBC Appendix J, "Requirements for Alterations to Existing Single Family, Duplex, and Townhouse Buildings and Structures," to the adopted building code. Under Appendix J's Repairs section (AJ301, covering patching, restoration, or minor replacement work done to keep a structure sound), AJ301.2.1 Hazardous Materials flatly prohibits using materials "no longer permitted," naming asbestos and lead-based paint specifically. The same section also bars specific plumbing materials, like high-lead solder, in repair work. The rule applies to the Repairs alteration class only, one of four (Repairs, Renovations, Alterations, Reconstruction) the appendix regulates for existing residential buildings.
Violations & Fines
Using banned materials violates TMC § 2.02.130 (adopted IBC Section 114): a misdemeanor or civil infraction, treated as strict liability, enforced by the Building Official under TMC Chapter 1.82, with unpaid penalties becoming a lien on the property.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I repaint an old house in Tacoma with lead paint?
What kind of work does Tacoma's lead-paint rule cover?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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