Parking Rules: Lakewood vs Tacoma
How do parking rules rules compare between Lakewood, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Tacoma has fewer restrictions than Lakewood.
Lakewood, WA
Pierce County
Lakewood Municipal Code 18A.40.090 requires that all off-street parking required for the primary residential use of an STR site be made available to guests, and STR applicants must disclose the number of off-street guest parking spaces provided. There is no STR-specific minimum on top of the residential standard in LMC Title 18A. Guests must use designated off-street spaces; on-street guest parking must follow the standard Lakewood vehicle code and Lakewood Police Department posted limits.
View full Lakewood rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
STR guests in Tacoma should use available off-street parking. Guest vehicles on the street must comply with city parking rules. Operators should provide parking instructions to minimize neighborhood impact.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Lakewood | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| - | - | |
| Off-Street | - | Driveway or designated areas preferred |
| Street | - | Must follow city parking rules |
| Operator Duty | - | Provide parking info to guests |
| STR-Specific | - | No special parking rules |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Lakewood FAQ
How many off-street parking spaces does a Lakewood STR need?
Lakewood does not set a separate STR minimum. The STR must provide and make available to guests whatever off-street parking is already required for the underlying dwelling under LMC Title 18A. The exact count is reported on the STR application.
Can guests park on the street at a Lakewood STR?
Only where on-street parking is otherwise allowed under the Lakewood Municipal Code. Guests must follow posted time limits and cannot block driveways, hydrants, mailboxes, or crosswalks. The STR's Good Neighbor Policy must direct guests to use designated off-street spaces first.
What happens if STR guests keep blocking the neighborhood?
Police-issued parking citations apply to the offending vehicle. Separately, repeated documented complaints at a licensed STR can be cited against the operator under LMC 18A.40.090 for failing to comply with the Good Neighbor Policy, and the city can suspend or decline to renew the STR permit.
Tacoma FAQ
Where should STR guests park in Tacoma?
In the property's driveway or off-street areas. Street parking must follow posted city regulations. Operators should include parking instructions for guests.
Can Tacoma STR guests park in a Residential Parking Zone?
Not without a permit. RPZ areas restrict parking to permitted residents, so operators in those zones must provide off-street parking.
Does Tacoma require dedicated STR parking spots?
No. There are no STR-specific parking mandates, but operators should plan enough off-street parking to avoid neighbor complaints.
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