Home Occupation Permits: Puyallup vs Tacoma
How do home occupation permits rules compare between Puyallup, WA and Tacoma, WA?
Puyallup and Tacoma have similar restriction levels.
Puyallup, WA
Pierce County
A basic home occupation in unincorporated Pierce County is allowed as an accessory use under PCC 18A.37.110 if only the resident performs it and one vehicle up to 18,000 pounds is used; larger cottage industries need an Administrative Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit.
View full Puyallup rules →Tacoma, WA
Pierce County
A basic home occupation in unincorporated Pierce County is allowed as an accessory use under PCC 18A.37.110 if only the resident performs it and one vehicle up to 18,000 pounds is used; larger cottage industries need an Administrative Use Permit or Conditional Use Permit.
View full Tacoma rules →Key Facts Comparison
| Fact | Puyallup | Tacoma |
|---|---|---|
| Basic permit | No land-use permit needed | No land-use permit needed |
| Who can work | Resident only (basic) | Resident only (basic) |
| Vehicle limit | One up to 18,000 lbs | One up to 18,000 lbs |
| Bigger use | AUP or CUP required | AUP or CUP required |
Highlighted rows indicate differences between cities.
Puyallup FAQ
Do I need a permit for a basic home occupation?
No discretionary land-use permit is required for a basic home occupation under PCC 18A.37.110 if only the resident works, it stays within the size cap, and one vehicle up to 18,000 pounds is used.
When do I need an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit?
When the activity becomes a Cottage Industry - adding non-resident employees, more area, or larger vehicles - PCC 18A.37.110 requires an Administrative Use Permit (Level I) or Conditional Use Permit (Level II).
Tacoma FAQ
Do I need a permit for a basic home occupation?
No discretionary land-use permit is required for a basic home occupation under PCC 18A.37.110 if only the resident works, it stays within the size cap, and one vehicle up to 18,000 pounds is used.
When do I need an Administrative or Conditional Use Permit?
When the activity becomes a Cottage Industry - adding non-resident employees, more area, or larger vehicles - PCC 18A.37.110 requires an Administrative Use Permit (Level I) or Conditional Use Permit (Level II).
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