Tacoma, WA Short-Term Rentals: Occupancy Limits (2026)

Occupancy. Maximum occupancy shall be dictated by the Minimum Building and Structures Code.

N. Permanent and temporary shelters.

1. General purpose. The purpose of this subsection is to ensure that shelter may be adequately provided on a temporary or ongoing basis for individuals or groups who are unhoused, to provide a predictable and efficient permitting process that does not impede community response to extreme weather events or other crises, and to provide reasonable standards for health, safety and general welfare for those seeking shelter as well as the surrounding community.

2. Permanent shelters.

a. General standards.

b. Site inspection. Prior to permit issuance, the applicant shall allow for an inspection by the appropriate Building Inspector and Fire Marshal to determine if the facility meets Building and Fire Code standards for the proposed use. The purpose of this inspection is not to ensure that a facility meets the applicable Code requirements or to force an applicant to bring a proposed facility up to applicable standards prior to application for a conditional use permit, but instead, is intended to ensure that the applicant, the City, and the public are aware of the building modifications, if any, that would be necessary to establish the use.

c. Operational plan. The provider shall submit an operational plan to the City that demonstrates the following: •