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Code Violation Reporting in Tacoma, WA (2026)

2 verified code violation reporting rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

How to Report

Anyone can report a suspected building or property code violation to the City of Tacoma, no residency or ownership requirement, and the complaint can be filed verbally, in writing, or completely anonymously to trigger a Building Official inspection.

How To Report A Code Violation In Tacoma

Light Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 2.01.050.A.2

A complaint is filed with the City of Tacoma by any person. Complaints may be received either verbally or in writing, and may be anonymous. Where complaints have been filed by tenants, the tenant first must exhaust all remedies provided through the Washington State Landlord Tenant Act. B. Inspection and evaluation of buildings and property. During the initial inspection, the Building Officia...

Common Violations

Tacoma's Building Official scores rental and commercial properties against a 51-item point table, yard debris, mold, vermin, and failed heating or smoke alarms are common violations, and 50 or more points classifies the building 'Substandard,' a declared nuisance.

Tacoma's Most-Cited Rental Property Violations

Some Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 2.01.050, Table A

TABLE A SUBSTANDARD PROPERTY Item No. Violation Maximum Points EXTERIOR PROPERTY VIOLATIONS ... Garbage, junk, debris in yard ... INTERIOR VIOLATIONS ... Dampness, mold or mildew within the building ... Inadequate, inoperable, or deteriorated heating, mechanical, or elevator equipment ... Missing or inoperative smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms or fire extinguishers ... Infestations or Ve...

Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?

County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.

Code Violation Reporting in Pierce County