Tacoma, WA Code Violation Reporting: How to Report (2026)
Key Facts
- Who may report
- Any person
- Filing method
- Verbal, written, or anonymous
- Triggers
- Building Official inspection
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.01.050.A.2
Summary
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.
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 Official shall evaluate the property in accordance with Tables A, B, and C. Any violations noted will determine the classification of the building for purposes of enforcement. Groups of buildings on the same property may be processed under a single complaint process.
C. Classifications of buildings or structures.
1. Non-standard property. A building or structure which receives 25 to 49 violation points, as indicated on Table A, may be considered a “non-standard” property. The owner may be sent a letter describing the conditions and the appropriate actions for mitigating these conditions. The owner may be advised, in writing, that the property is in a declining state, and that if conditions worsen, more formal mitigating actions may be undertaken.
2.
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
Under TMC § 2.01.050.A, enforcement of Tacoma's Minimum Building and Structures Code begins either when City officials (the Building Official, a department director, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department, Police Chief, or Fire Chief) independently have reason to believe a violation exists, or when 'any person' files a complaint. Subsection A.2 specifically guarantees that complaints 'may be received either verbally or in writing, and may be anonymous,' so a reporter doesn't need to give a name or put anything in writing to get a property inspected.
Violations & Fines
Filing a complaint carries no obligation or exposure for the reporter; enforcement consequences, notices, repair schedules, civil penalties starting at $250, fall on the property owner if violations are confirmed.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to give my name to report a code violation in Tacoma?
What happens after I report a violation?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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