Tacoma plans growth through One Tacoma, the citywide comprehensive plan, plus subarea plans for downtown, Tideflats, South Tacoma, and other neighborhoods adopted under the Growth Management Act.
Washington requires Tacoma to maintain a comprehensive plan under RCW 36.70A, the Growth Management Act. One Tacoma is the current plan, periodically updated, that sets land use designations, housing targets, and capital priorities. Subarea plans add detail for specific areas such as the Downtown Regional Growth Center, the Tideflats Industrial Area, South Tacoma, and the Hilltop Neighborhood. The Tideflats Subarea Plan in particular limits new heavy industrial uses near the Port. The Tacoma 2025 strategic plan complements these by setting performance goals. Title 13 zoning code implements the plans through specific districts.
Development inconsistent with the comprehensive plan can be appealed to the Growth Management Hearings Board and may result in invalidation of the permit.
Tacoma, WA
Home In Tacoma Phase 2, adopted 2024, allows missing-middle housing citywide and concentrates higher density along future Sound Transit TLink corridors and e...
Tacoma, WA
Tacoma offers density and height bonuses under TMC 13.06A for projects providing affordable housing in mixed-use centers, allowing extra floors and reduced p...
See how Tacoma's specific plans overview rules stack up against other locations.
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