Environmental Rules in Puyallup, WA (2026)
4 verified environmental rules for Puyallup, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Stormwater Management
Every development, redevelopment, and construction project in Puyallup must follow the Washington Department of Ecology's Stormwater Manual and route runoff to its natural discharge point without harming downhill neighbors. Violators face a gross misdemeanor with up to a $5,000 fine.
Puyallup Stormwater Management Requirements
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code §§ 21.10.020(2), 21.10.050(3), 21.10.290(1)
The provisions of this chapter shall apply to all development, redevelopment and construction site activity that occurs within the incorporated area of the city of Puyallup. ... All surface and stormwater runoff from a property where any person seeks to construct new, or modify existing, drainage facilities must be discharged at the natural location so as not to be diverted onto, or away from, ...
Erosion Control
No one may clear, grade, or fill land in Puyallup without first obtaining a clearing, filling and grading permit and installing erosion controls that keep sediment on site. Slopes are capped at two-to-one and violators face civil infractions plus gross misdemeanor penalties for repeat offenses.
Puyallup Clearing, Filling & Grading Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code §§ 21.14.070(1), 21.14.310(1), (3)
Plan Required. ... No person shall initiate or engage in any land-disturbing activity without having obtained a permit as required by this chapter. All work must be performed in accordance with a sequence shown on the approved plan or a revised sequence approved by the city engineer. ... The maximum surface gradient on any artificially created slope shall be two feet of horizontal run to one fo...
Flood Zones
Puyallup requires a development permit before any construction, fill, or land change in a mapped area of special flood hazard along the Puyallup River valley. Violations are a gross misdemeanor carrying up to a $5,000 fine and a year in jail.
Puyallup Floodplain Development Permit Rules
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code § 21.07.040(1), (4)
Lands to Which This Chapter Applies. This chapter shall apply to all areas of special flood hazards within the jurisdiction of the city. ... Penalties for Noncompliance. No structure or land shall hereafter be constructed, located, extended, converted or altered without full compliance with the terms of this chapter and other applicable regulations. Violations of the provisions of this chapter ...
Flood Elevation Requirements
New and substantially improved homes in Puyallup's flood hazard areas must have the lowest floor built at least one foot above base flood elevation. Critical facilities must clear the base flood level by three feet or the 500-year flood height, whichever is higher.
Puyallup Base Flood Elevation & Freeboard Rule
Some RestrictionsPuyallup Municipal Code §§ 21.07.030, 21.07.060(2)(a)(i)
"Base flood elevation (BFE)" means the elevation to which floodwater is anticipated to rise during the base flood. ... "Freeboard" means a factor of safety usually expressed in feet above a flood level for purposes of floodplain management. ... Except in AO zones which are regulated under subsection (5) of this section, new construction and substantial improvement of any residential structure s...
Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Puyallup city rules.
Environmental Rules in Pierce County →