Moving to Puyallup, WA?

Puyallup has no local aircraft noise ordinance. Thun Field (Pierce County Airport) generates some general aviation traffic near Puyallup. FAA regulations govern all civil aviation noise. JBLM military operations are federally exempt.

Puyallup regulates noise under PMC Chapter 6.16 (Noise Control), using Environmental Designation for Noise Abatement (EDNA) zones. Residential (Class A) zones have the strictest limits. Right-of-way construction is restricted between 10 PM and 7 AM. General quiet hours are 10 PM–7 AM.

Construction in the right-of-way in Puyallup is restricted from 10 PM to 7 AM under PMC 11.05. Emergency work is exempt. Private property construction should comply with general quiet hours (10 PM–7 AM) under PMC Chapter 6.16.

Puyallup prohibits frequent, repetitive, or continuous noise from animals in residential zones that unreasonably disturbs neighbors under PMC Chapter 6.16. Enforcement requires a complaint from an identified affected property owner, renter, or lessee.

Short-term rental guests in Puyallup must comply with Puyallup Municipal Code (PMC) Chapter 6.16 (Noise Control), which adopts by reference Chapter 70.107 RCW and WAC 173-58, 173-60, and 173-62. The state limits incorporated into PMC 6.16 set a 55 dBA daytime maximum and a 45 dBA nighttime maximum at the property line of a residential receiving zone (Class A EDNA), with nighttime defined as 10:00 p.m. to 7:00 a.m. PMC 6.16 also restricts plainly audible portable and motor-vehicle audio at 50 feet in residential zones. A violation is a civil infraction with a penalty of up to $250.

Puyallup has no stand-alone short-term rental ordinance and instead regulates STR-style uses under the bed-and-breakfast provisions of PMC Title 20. In residential zones, a B&B inside the primary structure is limited to two lodging rooms; a B&B with more than two lodging rooms or in a detached accessory structure is capped at eight lodging rooms total, must keep meals to registered guests only, and may not host banquets, weddings, or conferences. Operators must comply with state RCW 64.37 (24-hour contact, $1 million liability insurance, carbon-monoxide alarms) and pay the city lodging tax under RCW 67.28.

Puyallup has no stand-alone short-term rental ordinance, so STR parking is governed by the bed-and-breakfast standards in PMC Title 20 and the off-street parking standards in PMC Chapter 20.55. A B&B-style use with up to two lodging rooms within the primary residence requires no additional parking beyond the dwelling's two-space single-family minimum. A B&B with more than two lodging rooms or located in a detached accessory structure must provide one off-street space per guest bedroom over the initial two. Guests parking on the street must follow standard PMC Title 10 rules.

STR hosts in Puyallup must collect and remit Washington State lodging taxes under RCW 67.28. Combined sales tax rate includes WA State (6.5%) plus Pierce County and City of Puyallup sales taxes. Remittance is to the Washington Department of Revenue.

Puyallup does not appear to have a specific standalone STR registration ordinance as of 2024. Properties in Puyallup must comply with Washington State RCW 64.37 STR requirements. Operators should contact the City of Puyallup Planning Department to confirm any local licensing requirements.

Puyallup is in Pierce County, subject to Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) burn regulations and WA DNR fire safety. Puyallup's urban areas have limited WUI brush clearance requirements. During Stage 2 burn bans issued by PSCAA, all outdoor burning is prohibited.

Puyallup has limited wildfire-urban interface areas. While the city is primarily urban, eastern Pierce County has WUI zones. The greater risk near Puyallup is lahar flow from Mount Rainier via the Puyallup River valley. Washington DNR manages wildfire risk under RCW 76.04.

Outdoor burning of yard debris in Puyallup is prohibited within urban growth boundaries per Puget Sound Clean Air Agency rules. Recreational fires on private property are allowed with restrictions. Burn barrels are always illegal.

Consumer fireworks are allowed in Puyallup on July 4 only, from 9 AM to 11 PM, on private property with owner permission under PMC Chapter 16.20. Discharge is prohibited on public streets, sidewalks, and parks. Youth under 15 must be supervised. Fireworks that are illegal under state law are also illegal in Puyallup.

Recreational fire pits on private property in Puyallup are permitted consistent with PSCA recreational fire standards. Fires must use only charcoal or dried firewood, remain under 3 feet in diameter, be at least 25 feet from combustibles, and be attended at all times. Burn barrels are illegal.

Abandoned vehicles on public streets or private property in Puyallup are subject to code enforcement action as a nuisance. Puyallup Code Compliance handles abandoned vehicle complaints.

Puyallup street parking is governed by Washington State traffic law (RCW 46) and city traffic codes. Standard parking rules apply regarding curb distance, intersection clearance, and fire hydrant proximity. Long-term or abandoned vehicle parking is subject to code enforcement.

Commercial vehicle parking on residential streets in Puyallup is subject to city traffic and zoning regulations. Extended parking of commercial vehicles or trailers in residential zones may be prohibited.

RV parking and storage on residential property in Puyallup is subject to city zoning standards. Long-term RV habitation without approval is restricted. Street parking of oversized RVs is generally discouraged under city code.

In Puyallup residential zones, front yard fences within 20 feet of the property line are limited to 3½ feet. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6 feet. Open-wire, chain-link, or similar fences in front yards may be up to 5 feet. PMC Chapter 20.20 governs single-family zones.

Puyallup regulates dogs under PMC Title 6 (Animals) and contracts animal control to Metro Animal Services, which handles enforcement, licensing, and impoundment for the city. Dogs must be under control off the owner's property, and dogs running at large are subject to impoundment. Washington State law (RCW 16.08) governs dog bite liability and dangerous dog designation.

Puyallup follows Washington State exotic animal restrictions under WAC 220-450. No specific Puyallup exotic pet ordinance beyond state law was identified. WDFW permits are required for restricted species.

Beekeeping in Puyallup is permitted subject to Washington State Department of Agriculture registration requirements under RCW 15.60. No specific Puyallup beekeeping ordinance was identified beyond state requirements.

Puyallup has no native plant ordinance. Washington State requires control of noxious weeds listed by Pierce County Noxious Weed Control Board (RCW 17.10). Native plantings are encouraged as part of Puyallup's stormwater management programs but are not mandated.

Trees on private property in Puyallup generally do not require a removal permit unless in a Critical Area (wetlands, steep slopes, riparian areas). Tree removal in critical areas requires a critical areas permit under PMC Title 20. Contact Puyallup Planning for guidance.

Water restrictions in Puyallup are managed by the City of Puyallup Utilities Division and Washington DOE drought declarations under RCW 90.54. The city may impose seasonal watering restrictions. During declared drought emergencies, mandatory restrictions apply.

Puyallup adopts the Washington State Residential Code (IRC with WA amendments) per PMC Chapter 17.04, requiring barriers around residential pools/spas under IRC Appendix AG105/Section R326. PMC 20.25.020 separately requires a 6-foot enclosure with no openings greater than 4 inches and a self-closing gate around any pool 12 inches or deeper in multifamily (RM) zones.

Sheds and accessory structures in Puyallup require a building permit if over 200 sq ft or if including electrical or plumbing. Structures must meet zone setback requirements from property lines under PMC Title 20.

Puyallup allows 2 ADUs per lot in all residential zones consistent with HB 1337 (2023). ADUs are limited to 1,000 sq ft of interior habitable area. No owner-occupancy requirement. Detached ADUs must meet zoning setback standards. Building permits are required.

Garage conversions to habitable space in Puyallup require a building permit and must meet residential code standards. Conversion to an ADU is permitted under HB 1337 and PMC Title 20 provisions. Parking replacement requirements depend on zone.

Puyallup operates a stormwater utility and must comply with the Western Washington Phase II Municipal Stormwater Permit under Washington DOE. Development must comply with Puyallup stormwater standards and the Pierce County Stormwater Management Manual. The Puyallup River floodplain creates significant stormwater management requirements.

Puyallup is located on the Puyallup River floodplain and participates in FEMA's NFIP. Properties in FEMA-designated Special Flood Hazard Areas (Zone A/AE) require elevation certificates for new construction and substantial improvements. The 50% rule applies. The Puyallup River is subject to significant flood and lahar risk from Mount Rainier.

Home cannabis cultivation is NOT legal for recreational users in Washington State. Washington's I-502 (RCW 69.50) does not permit home cultivation for recreational use. Medical cannabis patients with a healthcare provider's authorization may grow up to 6 plants (or 15 as a designated provider) under RCW 69.51A.

Property maintenance and blight in Puyallup are addressed by Puyallup Code Enforcement under the Puyallup Municipal Code. The city's Code Enforcement Division handles complaints about deteriorated properties, junk vehicles, and nuisance conditions. Contact: 253-841-5503.

Rent control is PREEMPTED by Washington State law. RCW 35.21.830 prohibits cities and counties from enacting rent control ordinances. Puyallup may not impose rent control on private residential rental properties.

Tree removal in Puyallup is governed by the Puyallup Municipal Code (PMC) tree regulations and City Engineering. Street trees require City of Puyallup approval. Trees in critical areas (wetlands, steep slopes, riparian buffers) may require additional permits from the City.

Puyallup has no formal heritage tree program. Significant trees on public property are managed by City Engineering and Parks. No designated heritage tree ordinance exists — check with Puyallup Community Development for significant private trees near critical areas.