Before You Build in Tacoma, WA: Permit & Rule Checklist (2026)

Tacoma exempts fences 7 feet or less from building permits. Taller fences, fences with structural components, or fences in environmentally sensitive areas may require permits. Zoning compliance is required regardless.

Tacoma regulates fence heights by yard location. Front yard fences are typically limited to 4 feet. Side and rear yard fences may be up to 6–7 feet. Fences up to 7 feet are exempt from building permits.

Tacoma treats fence placement on private property as a civil matter and does not intervene in disputes between neighbors. Washington State's partition fence law (RCW 16.60) addresses shared boundary fences. Property surveys are recommended.

Swimming pool permits in Tacoma are issued by Planning and Development Services under TMC Title 2.02 (Building Code, adopting the 2018 IRC and IBC). Per IRC R105.2, prefabricated residential pools less than 24 inches deep are permit-exempt; in-ground and larger above-ground pools require a building permit. Pool barriers must comply with IRC Appendix AG, and barrier fences up to 7 feet are permit-exempt (above 7 feet require a separate permit).

Tacoma requires all residential swimming pools to be enclosed by a barrier at least 48 inches high under the adopted International Residential Code. Gates must be self-closing and self-latching. Washington State's residential building code applies.

Tacoma enforces pool safety requirements under the adopted building codes. Pools must have compliant drain covers, barriers, GFCI electrical protection, and pass inspections. Building permits are required for all pool construction.

Above-ground pools in Tacoma with water over 24 inches deep must meet barrier requirements. The pool wall may count as part of the barrier if the ladder is removable. Electrical connections must be GFCI protected.

Tacoma allows two ADUs per lot in zoning districts that permit residential development. Both attached and detached ADUs (DADUs) are permitted. Living area is limited to 1,000 square feet. No parking is required for ADUs. Tacoma offers pre-approved DADU plans.

Tacoma permits garage conversions to living space including ADUs. Washington State's ADU laws (HB 1337) streamline conversions. Building permits are required. No replacement parking is needed when converting a garage to an ADU.

Tacoma is one of Washington's most tiny-home-friendly cities. Tiny houses on a permanent foundation 400 square feet or less are permitted under IRC Appendix Q, adopted statewide in Washington effective July 1, 2021, and applied in Tacoma through TMC 2.02. Tiny homes are most commonly permitted as Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) under TMC 13.06.150, with the Home In Tacoma zoning package effective February 1, 2025 expanding allowed locations.

Tacoma treats carports as detached accessory structures under TMC Title 13.06 (Land Use Regulatory Code) and Title 2.02 (Building Code, adopting the 2018 IRC). A building permit is required for any new accessory structure 200 square feet or larger. Where vehicular access is not from an alley or side street, a garage or carport must be set back at least 5 feet behind the front facade of the house.

Tacoma allows sheds and accessory structures on residential property. Small structures under 200 square feet generally do not require a building permit. Sheds must meet setback requirements and cannot be used for habitation.

Tacoma allows recreational fire pits with restrictions. Fire pits must be in approved containers, at least 25 feet from structures, and attended at all times. Only clean, dry wood is permitted. Fires must be extinguished during PSCAA burn bans.

Open burning is prohibited in Tacoma under Puget Sound Clean Air Agency (PSCAA) regulations and city fire code. Recreational fires in approved containers are allowed with restrictions. Yard waste and debris burning is banned.

Tacoma requires property owners to maintain trees that overhang public sidewalks and streets. The city's Urban Forestry program manages street trees. Tacoma has strong tree protection policies aligned with Washington State's environmental priorities.

Tacoma Water provides service from the Green River watershed and generally has adequate supply. Mandatory watering restrictions may be imposed during drought but are not routinely in effect. The utility promotes voluntary conservation.

Tacoma regulates tree removal through its environmental and land use codes. Washington State has strong tree and stormwater protections. Development projects must account for significant trees and may require replacement plantings.