Public Health Rules in Tacoma, WA (2026)
5 verified public health rules for Tacoma, Washington, sourced directly from the municipal code and official government pages.
Verified from official government sources
Restaurant Grade Cards
Tacoma restaurants display color-coded inspection cards from Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department: green (excellent), blue (good), yellow (fair), or red (closed) based on routine food-safety inspection results.
Tacoma-Pierce County Restaurant Color Cards
Some RestrictionsRodent Control
Tacoma property owners must keep premises free of rat harborage, food sources, and breeding conditions. Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department investigates complaints and can order abatement under nuisance and code-enforcement authority.
Tacoma Rat and Rodent Nuisance Rules
Some RestrictionsBed-Bug Rules
Washington Residential Landlord-Tenant Act requires Tacoma landlords to maintain rental units free of insect infestations, including bed bugs, and to disclose recent infestation history before signing a lease under RCW 59.18.060.
Tacoma Bed Bug Landlord and Tenant Duties
Some RestrictionsSyringe Disposal
Tacoma residents can drop off used syringes free at Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department needle-exchange and approved pharmacy sites. State law bars disposing of sharps in household trash or curbside recycling.
Tacoma Sharps and Syringe Disposal
Few RestrictionsFood Handler Certification
Anyone handling unpackaged food in Tacoma restaurants must obtain a Washington Food Worker Card within 14 days of hire by passing the state online food-safety course administered through Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department.
Washington Food Worker Card Requirement
Some RestrictionsLooking for Pierce County county-wide rules?
County ordinances apply to unincorporated areas and may supplement Tacoma city rules.
Public Health Rules in Pierce County →