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.
Property owners are responsible for trimming trees on their property that encroach on public rights-of-way. Minimum clearance is typically 8 feet over sidewalks and 14 feet over streets. Tacoma's Urban Forestry division manages city-owned trees. Residents must obtain permission before trimming or removing city street trees. The city has a tree canopy goal and encourages preservation.
Failure to maintain clearance results in code enforcement notices. The city may trim at the owner's expense.
Other ordinances people look up for this city. Green dot = verified primary-source excerpt.
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...
See how Tacoma's tree trimming rules stack up against other locations.
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