Tacoma, WA Code Violation Reporting: Common Violations (2026)
Key Facts
- Table size
- 51 scored violation items
- Substandard threshold
- 50+ points
- Top-weighted items
- Heating & smoke alarms: 50 pts
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.01.050, Table A
Summary
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.
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 Vermin
Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: rev 4946110; v22 updated 2026-07-28).
Full Breakdown
TMC § 2.01.050's Table A lists 51 specific 'Substandard Property' violations across exterior, exterior-building, and interior categories, each worth 5 to 50 points. Frequently cited items include garbage, junk, or debris in the yard (15 points), dampness, mold, or mildew inside the building (10 points), inadequate or deteriorated heating, mechanical, or elevator equipment (50 points), missing or inoperative smoke detectors, carbon monoxide alarms, or fire extinguishers (50 points), and infestations or vermin (25 points). A property scoring 25-49 points may get a 'non-standard' advisory letter; 50 or more classifies it 'Substandard,' declared a nuisance under TMC Chapter 8.30.
Violations & Fines
A Substandard classification triggers a written notice, a 21-day window to negotiate a repair schedule, and civil penalties starting at $250, escalating to $250 per day for continued noncompliance.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most common code violations Tacoma cites?
How many points make a Tacoma property 'Substandard'?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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