Tacoma encourages on-site or local responsible-party presence for short-term rentals so guest issues can be addressed quickly, though state law RCW 35.21.770 limits how strictly the city can mandate residency.
While Tacoma does not require an on-site host for every short-term rental, TMC 6B.130 requires a local contact who can respond to complaints within a short timeframe, typically within an hour of being reached. For operator-occupied listings, the host lives on the property; for non-operator-occupied units, hosts may designate a property manager or co-host as the responsible party. State preemption under RCW 35.21.770 prevents Tacoma from imposing a strict in-person residency requirement, but rapid-response contact obligations remain enforceable.
Failure to provide a responsive local contact can lead to complaints, escalation under TMC 6B.130, and potential registration suspension after repeat unresolved incidents.
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 host presence rule rules stack up against other locations.
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