Tacoma, WA Environmental Rules: Erosion Control (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.19.060.B
- SWPPP trigger
- 2,000 sf impervious or 7,000 sf disturbed
- ESC lead required
- Grading over 500 cubic yards
- Enforced by
- TMC Chapter 1.82 Uniform Enforcement Code
Summary
Tacoma requires a Construction SWPPP for projects adding 2,000 square feet of impervious surface or disturbing 7,000 square feet of land, plus a certified erosion-control lead above 500 cubic yards of grading.
Erosion and sediment control. The faces of cleared or graded slopes shall be prepared and maintained to control erosion. Such control shall consist of approved erosion and sediment control best engineering practices. Permanent protection for slopes shall be installed as soon as practicable and prior to calling for final approval.
2. Thresholds. A Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is required for all projects proposing to:
a. Add or replace 2,000 square feet or more of impervious surface; and/or
b. Disturb 7,000 square feet or more of land.
3. Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) lead. For all sites or projects requiring engineered grading in excess of 500 cubic yards, either a civil engineer or other person possessing an approved certificate for erosion and sediment control training shall be identified in the Construction SWPPP and shall be on-site or on-call at all times. Certification may be through the Washington State Department of Transportation/Associated General Contractors (WSDOT/AGC) Construction Site Erosion and Sediment Control Certification Program or any equivalent local or national certification and training program as approved by the Building Official.
4.
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 § 2.19.060.B governs erosion control and temporary surface water control for grading and site development in Tacoma. Cleared or graded slopes must be prepared and maintained using approved erosion and sediment control best engineering practices, with permanent slope protection installed before final approval. A Construction Stormwater Pollution Prevention Plan (SWPPP) is mandatory for any project adding or replacing 2,000 square feet or more of impervious surface, or disturbing 7,000 square feet or more of land. Sites with engineered grading over 500 cubic yards must name a civil engineer or a WSDOT/AGC-certified erosion-control lead in the SWPPP, on-site or on-call throughout construction, and discharges to the City sewer during construction require prior approval.
Violations & Fines
Grading and erosion-control violations fall under TMC Chapter 2.19's enforcement, administered per TMC Chapter 1.82 Uniform Enforcement Code and TMC § 2.02.130; final grading approval is withheld until all erosion control measures and required reports are complete.
Frequently Asked Questions
When does Tacoma require a stormwater pollution prevention plan?
Who can supervise erosion control on a Tacoma grading project?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Erosion Control in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle erosion control.