Tacoma, WA Parking Rules: Driveway Rules (2026)
Key Facts
- Governing code
- TMC § 8.30.050(B)
- Max front-yard surface
- 60% of front yard area
- Allowed surfaces
- Concrete, asphalt, gravel, permeable pavers
- Vehicle cap
- 4 vehicles, or fewer per surface
- Inoperable vehicles
- Prohibited in front yard entirely
Summary
Tacoma requires front-yard vehicle parking on single-family lots to sit on a prepared all-weather surface like concrete, asphalt, or gravel, capped at 60% of the yard, under the city's nuisance code.
Vehicles parked in the front yard of single-family residential tax parcels...shall be limited to those tax parcels which have legal access from the public right-of-way. Parking of vehicles in front yards shall be on a properly prepared and contained all-weather surface, including, but not limited to, concrete, asphalt, gravel, approved permeable paving materials... The all-weather surface shall be limited to no more than 60 percent of the front yard area... Parking of stored or apparently inoperable vehicles in front yards is prohibited.
Full Breakdown
Tacoma's Public Nuisance Code caps front-yard vehicle parking on single-family residential parcels: cars must sit on a properly prepared all-weather surface, concrete, asphalt, gravel, or approved permeable paving under TMC Chapter 2.02, covering no more than 60% of the front yard, capped at four vehicles. Parking on bare lawn or dirt is not allowed, and stored or apparently inoperable vehicles cannot be parked in the front yard at all; those go in a screened rear yard. Violations are enforced by the Public Official under TMC § 8.30.050, with limited exceptions available by written application after a Notice of Violation.
Violations & Fines
Public Official enforcement under Chapter 8.30; violators get a Notice of Violation and Abatement order, with a 10-day window to request a hardship exception before required correction.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I park on the grass in my front yard in Tacoma?
How many cars can I park in my front yard?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
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Driveway Rules in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle driveway rules.