Accessory Structures in Tacoma, WA (2026)
9 verified accessory structures rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
ADU Rules
Tacoma allows two ADUs per lot in zoning districts that permit residential development. Both attached and detached ADUs (DADUs) are permitted. Living area is limited to 1,000 square feet. No parking is required for ADUs. Tacoma offers pre-approved DADU plans.
Tacoma ADU Rules & Accessory Dwelling Unit Regulations
Some RestrictionsADU Permits
Tacoma permits attached (AADU) and detached (DADU) accessory dwelling units ministerially under Tacoma Municipal Code 13.06.150. Washington HB 1337 (2023, codified at RCW 36.70A.681-696) requires Tacoma to allow up to two ADUs on every residential lot. Permits are issued by Planning and Development Services (PDS), and review is a Type I administrative process — no public hearing, no design review.
Tacoma ADU Permit Process
Few RestrictionsADU Impact Fees
Under RCW 36.70A.681(1)(g) (HB 1337), Tacoma may not charge impact fees on ADUs under 1,000 square feet, and impact fees on ADUs 1,000 sq ft and over are capped at 50% of the fee imposed on the primary dwelling. Standard PDS permit fees, TPU water/sewer capacity charges, and Pierce County school impact fees still apply where authorized.
Tacoma ADU Impact Fees
Few RestrictionsADU Owner Occupancy
Tacoma does not require owner-occupancy for ADUs. Washington HB 1337 (codified at RCW 36.70A.696) prohibits all Washington cities from imposing owner-occupancy on ADUs permitted on or after July 23, 2023. TMC 13.06.150 has been updated to remove any owner-occupancy condition. No deed restriction is required.
Tacoma ADU Owner Occupancy
Few RestrictionsADU Rental Restrictions
Tacoma allows long-term rental of ADUs without restriction. Short-term rentals (stays under 30 days) of ADUs require a Tacoma Business License and, where the property has both a main dwelling and an ADU, only one of the two units may be used as a short-term rental at any given time. RCW 36.70A.681 prohibits Tacoma from outright banning ADU rentals.
Tacoma ADU Rental Restrictions
Some RestrictionsShed Rules
Tacoma allows sheds and accessory structures on residential property. Small structures under 200 square feet generally do not require a building permit. Sheds must meet setback requirements and cannot be used for habitation.
Tacoma Shed Rules & Outbuilding Regulations
Few RestrictionsGarage Conversions
Tacoma permits garage conversions to living space including ADUs. Washington State's ADU laws (HB 1337) streamline conversions. Building permits are required. No replacement parking is needed when converting a garage to an ADU.
Tacoma Garage Conversion Rules & Requirements
Some RestrictionsCarport Rules
Tacoma treats carports as detached accessory structures under TMC Title 13.06 (Land Use Regulatory Code) and Title 2.02 (Building Code, adopting the 2018 IRC). A building permit is required for any new accessory structure 200 square feet or larger. Where vehicular access is not from an alley or side street, a garage or carport must be set back at least 5 feet behind the front facade of the house.
Carport Rules in Tacoma
Some RestrictionsTiny Homes
Tacoma is one of Washington's most tiny-home-friendly cities. Tiny houses on a permanent foundation 400 square feet or less are permitted under IRC Appendix Q, adopted statewide in Washington effective July 1, 2021, and applied in Tacoma through TMC 2.02. Tiny homes are most commonly permitted as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) under TMC 13.06.150, with the Home In Tacoma zoning package effective February 1, 2025 expanding allowed locations.
Tiny Home Rules in Tacoma
Few RestrictionsLooking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.
Accessory Structures in Pierce County →