Tacoma, WA Landscaping Rules: Water Restrictions (2026)
Water restrictions in Tacoma, WA, also called the watering schedule, outdoor irrigation rules, or drought ordinance, set which days and hours you can run sprinklers or irrigation.
Key Facts
- Governing section
- TMC § 2.06.120 / UPC 423.0
- Required feature
- Automatic clock plus leak-detecting flow sensor
- Rain sensor
- Must interrupt or reduce watering after rain
- Exemption
- Landscaped areas under 10,000 square feet
Summary
New automatic in-ground irrigation systems in Tacoma must include an automatic clock, leak-detecting flow sensors, backflow-protected valves, and a rain-sensing shutoff under TMC § 2.06.120's water conservation standard.
A new installation of an automatic in-ground irrigation system shall comply with the following:
1. An automatic clock.
2. Flow sensor and master valve capabilities able to detect leaks in zones.
3. Electronic valves with backflow protection devices for underground valves or with air vacuum breaker for above ground anti-siphon valves as approved by the local water utility.
4. Ability to sense rainfall. The component used to sense rainfall shall be exposed to weather and comply with either Item a or b:
a. Interrupt the circuit to the valve to stop the irrigation clock from watering after a rainfall event, or
b. Reduce irrigation timing based on the amount of rainfall or soil moisture sensors. Exception: The following landscaped areas are exempt:
1. Landscaped areas in locations where they do not receive natural precipitation.
2. Landscaped areas requiring irrigation for only one year of plant establishment before the irrigation system is decommissioned or removed. Areas where irrigation remains in place after 1 year shall meet the requirements of Section 423.0.
3. Plant nurseries.
4. Landscape areas less than 10,000 square feet.
5. Modification or expansions to existing irrigation systems. (Ord. 28155 Ex. A, 2013-06-11; Ord. 28363 Ex. A, 2016-06-14; Ord. 28957 Ex. A, 2024-03-05)
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 § 2.06.120 amends the Uniform Plumbing Code by adding Section 423.0, Water Conservation for Irrigation Systems, for the City of Tacoma. Any new automatic in-ground irrigation system must have an automatic clock; a flow sensor and master valve able to detect leaks by zone; electronic valves with backflow protection (or anti-siphon valves with air vacuum breakers) approved by the local water utility; and a rain-sensing component that either interrupts the watering cycle after rainfall or reduces irrigation timing based on rainfall or soil moisture. Exemptions cover non-irrigated landscapes, one-year plant-establishment systems later decommissioned, plant nurseries, landscaped areas under 10,000 square feet, and modifications to existing systems.
Violations & Fines
Section 423.0 is part of the adopted City of Tacoma Plumbing Code, so a noncompliant irrigation installation is subject to TMC § 2.02.130's misdemeanor/civil-infraction process and TMC Chapter 1.82 enforcement, the same as any other Plumbing Code violation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Tacoma require rain sensors on sprinkler systems?
Are small yards exempt from Tacoma's irrigation rule?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
How Tacoma compares: Cities with the Strictest Water Restrictions·Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington landscaping rules overview
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