Tacoma enforces a Stormwater Management Manual under TMC 12.08, requiring runoff controls, treatment BMPs, and permits for any project disturbing 2,000 square feet or more.
Tacoma sits inside the Puyallup River and Commencement Bay watersheds, both regulated under the federal Clean Water Act and the state NPDES Phase I municipal permit. Projects creating or replacing 2,000 square feet of impervious surface, or disturbing 7,000 square feet of land, must submit a stormwater site plan. Larger projects need flow control and water quality treatment using approved BMPs. Tacoma reviews plans through Environmental Services and inspects construction. Discharges to the storm drain other than rain are prohibited and trigger Surface Water Management Code enforcement under TMC 12.08.
Illicit discharges and unpermitted construction trigger stop-work orders and civil penalties up to 10,000 dollars per day under TMC 12.08.
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma allows residential lawn ornaments and yard art without permits provided they do not exceed the 15-foot accessory-structure height limit in TMC 13.06 a...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma does not regulate residential inflatable holiday decorations by size or type. The Noise Code (TMC 8.122) applies to continuously running blower motors...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma has no ordinance restricting when residents may put up or take down holiday lights. The general Noise Ordinance at TMC 8.122 applies to any amplified ...
Tacoma, WA
Built-in outdoor kitchens in Tacoma require building permits from Planning and Development Services (PDS) when they include new electrical, plumbing, gas pip...
Tacoma, WA
Backyard wood and pellet smokers in Tacoma single-family yards are permitted but subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) Regulation I, Section 9.11, ...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma adopts the International Fire Code through TMC Title 3 (Fire Prevention) as Tacoma Fire Code. IFC Section 308.1.4 prohibits open-flame cooking devices...
Side-by-side rule comparisons with other cities in this county.
See how other cities in this county handle stormwater management.
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