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Property Maintenance in Tacoma, WA (2026)

3 verified property maintenance rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.

Verified from official government sources

Property Blight

Tacoma declares any building scoring 50 or more violation points a public nuisance under its Minimum Building Code, triggering mandatory repair deadlines, civil penalties, and possible demolition.

Tacoma Substandard Building Nuisance Rule

Significant Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 2.01.050(C)(2)

“Substandard Building or Structures” means any building or structure, whether residential or commercial, with a minimum of 50 points based on violations as outlined in Table A. By definition, Substandard Buildings or Structures are fit for human occupancy. Substandard Buildings or Structures are hereby declared a nuisance under Chapter 8.30. 3. Derelict buildings or structures. a. “Dereli...

Vacant Lot Maintenance

Owners of undeveloped Tacoma parcels over one acre can satisfy the city's overgrown-vegetation nuisance rule by clearing only a 20-foot buffer along abutting improved property and rights-of-way instead of the whole lot.

Tacoma Vacant Lot Vegetation Rule

Light Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 8.30.040.C.2

Where a single parcel is undeveloped and over one acre in area, elimination of the fire hazard presented by vegetation may be accomplished by removing the vegetation from the area within 20 feet of abutting, improved properties or public rights-of-way. 3. Inappropriate disposal or accumulation of vegetation waste, including, but not limited to, grass clippings, cut brush, cut trees, cut weed...

Snow & Sidewalk Clearing

Tacoma property owners and occupants must clear snow and ice from the public sidewalk along their premises within 24 hours of it falling or forming, under TMC § 9.16.050.

Tacoma Sidewalk Snow and Ice Removal Deadline

Some Restrictions

Tacoma Municipal Code § 9.16.050

It shall be the duty of every person having charge or control of any premises located within the City of Tacoma to remove or cause to be removed from the public walks along the side or in front of the premises all snow or ice which may have formed or been deposited therein within 24 hours after the same has fallen or been formed, and shall also cause such snow or ice to be removed from the gutt...

Looking for Pierce County county-wide rules?

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

Property Maintenance in Pierce County