Tacoma, WA Property Maintenance: Property Blight (2026)
Key Facts
- Threshold
- 50+ points = Substandard nuisance
- Owner notice
- 21 days to negotiate repairs
- Penalty
- $250 civil fine per day
- Basis
- Ch. 8.30 nuisance declaration
Summary
Tacoma declares any building scoring 50 or more violation points a public nuisance under its Minimum Building Code, triggering mandatory repair deadlines, civil penalties, and possible demolition.
“Substandard Building or Structures” means any building or structure, whether residential or commercial, with a minimum of 50 points based on violations as outlined in Table A. By definition, Substandard Buildings or Structures are fit for human occupancy. Substandard Buildings or Structures are hereby declared a nuisance under Chapter 8.30.
3. Derelict buildings or structures.
a. “Derelict Buildings or Structures” means any building or structure, whether residential or commercial, which is not approved for human occupancy based on one or more of the violations outlined in Table B.
b. Derelict Buildings or Structures shall be posted “MUST NOT BE OCCUPIED.” See Subsection H, Posting of Buildings. Utility restraints may be placed on such buildings or structures. See Subsection I, Utility Restraints. Derelict Buildings which are posted shall not be occupied for any purpose until repaired. The Derelict Building shall only be authorized to be entered for preparing a repair plan and schedule to be submitted to the Neighborhood and Community Services Department for approval. Upon approval of the repair plan and schedule, the owner, or his or her representative, will be authorized to enter the building to effect repairs. No other entry or occupancy of the building shall be permitted unless approved by the Building Official.
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
A building or structure that racks up 50 or more points on Tacoma's Table A checklist is legally 'Substandard' and is declared a public nuisance under Chapter 8.30. The Building Official must notify the owner by mail, who then has 21 days to negotiate a repair schedule with the City. Missing that window triggers a $250-per-day civil penalty, and unpaid penalties over $500 let the City record a Certificate of Complaint against the property's title with the Pierce County Auditor. Buildings with more severe hazards can be reclassified 'Unfit' or 'Derelict,' posted MUST NOT BE OCCUPIED, and ultimately referred to the Hearing Examiner for a repair-or-demolish order.
Violations & Fines
Missed repair deadlines draw a $250-per-day civil penalty; escalation brings posting, utility restraint, a Hearing Examiner order, and possible court-ordered demolition.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes a Tacoma building legally 'Substandard'?
What happens if the owner ignores the notice?
Sources & Official References
Other rules in Tacoma
Compare Tacoma to another location·View the Washington property maintenance overview
See something wrong?
Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.
Property Blight in Nearby Cities
How other cities in this county handle property blight.