Project Archive
Information about projects completed within the past several years can be found below. Summaries and select documents are provided for each project.
Learn more about current project on the City Projects web page.
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Summary
Development of code amendments intended to prevent future development that would increase densities or promote largescale gatherings within the Accident Potential Zone (APZ), thus limiting the potential risk if a plane crash were to occur. The proposal is also intended to support the long-term viability of JBLM — a vital economic asset that contributes approximately $10 billion to the South Sound economy and provides tens of thousands of jobs for the region.
Outcome
Adoption of Ordinance No. 28592, amending various sections in Chapter 13.06 Zoning of Title 13 of the Municipal Code and adding a new section 13.06.585 entitled “Joint Base Lewis McChord Airport Overlay Compatibility Overlay District”, to establish a JBLM Airport Compatibility Overlay District corresponding with JBLM’s designated Accident Potential Zone II, with corresponding land use and development standards changes.
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Summary
This project adopted a range of affordable and infill housing code changes based on concepts initially recommended by the Affordable Housing Policy Advisory Group. Key changes include:
- Lot size flexibilities and Small Lot design standards
- Creation of a Residential Infill Pilot Program for certain housing types
- Creation of Affordable Housing Incentives and Bonuses, and Requirements for Residential Upzones
Outcome
On December 1, 2015, the City Council adopted Amended Ordinance Number 28336, approving amendments to the Tacoma Municipal Code.
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Summary
This project adopted code amendments allowing installation of new billboard faces in exchange for removing billboard faces, and modifying development standards concerning design, location, landscaping, dispersal, lighting, buffering, height, and alterations of billboards; and adopting permit requirements to establish maximum permissible billboard heights.
Outcome
On December 12, 2017, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28476, amending Chapter 13.06 of the Municipal Code to create a billboard exchange program.
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Summary
The Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park is a special project undertaken by the City of Tacoma, in close collaboration with the Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation.
It is a critical component of the community-led reconciliation process intended to commemorate the 1885 expulsion of Tacoma’s Chinese citizens led by the Mayor and community leaders of that time, to express Tacoma’s commitment to end racism and hatred, and to promote a peaceful, multicultural community.
The Tacoma Chinese Reconciliation Park is located at 1741 North Schuster Parkway, on the beautiful Ruston Way waterfront. The Master Site Plan for the park was first developed in 2001, and last updated in 2014.
Construction initially broke ground in August 2005 and has been carried out in phases, in accordance with the Master Site Plan. Phase I was completed in 2010, Phase II in 2012, and Phase III in 2016. Phase IV is currently unfunded, and could be broken into multiple phases depending on funding availability and construction needs.
Fuzhou Ting
A “Ting” is a Chinese pavilion. The Fuzhou Ting was donated by Fuzhou, China, one of Tacoma’s Sister Cities, in support of our Chinese reconciliation efforts. Construction began in September 2010 and was completed in summer of 2011. A grand opening and dedication ceremony was conducted on September 22, 2011.
Background
- Chinese Reconciliation Project Foundation Leading the efforts in reconciliation, education and fundraising
- The Tacoma Method How the entire Chinese populace was forced out of Tacoma in 1885
- Request for Reconciliation – August 22, 1991 and Mrs. David Murdoch’s initiation of the reconciliation process
- Resolution No. 32415 – November 30, 1993 The City Council acknowledged that the Chinese expulsion was a most reprehensible occurrence and began the park development process
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Summary
The Container Port Element specifically addressed and provided goals and policies relative to the Port Industrial Area. It established a policy framework that will ensure that local land use decisions consider the needs of container ports and ensure that container ports and freight corridors continue to function effectively alongside vibrant city waterfronts and adjacent areas.
By adding a new Container Port Element to the Comprehensive Plan, the City sought to:
- Define and protect the core areas of port and port-related industrial uses within the city.
- Provide reasonably efficient access to the core area through freight corridors within the city limits.
- Identify and resolve key land use conflicts along the edge of the core area, and minimize and mitigate, to the extent practicable, incompatible uses along the edge of the core area.
This work was mandated by a 2009 addition to the State Growth Management Act relating to land use and transportation planning for marine ports in Seattle and Tacoma and was accomplished in collaboration with the Port of Tacoma.
Outcome
On July 22, 2014, the City Council adopted the Container Port Element as a new element of the Comprehensive Plan, as part of the 2014 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.
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Summary
This project developed permanent regulations concerning correctional and detention facilities. The adopted regulations provide distinct definitions for “correctional facility” and “detention facility”; allow correctional and detention facilities only in M-1 zones that are in place as of January 1, 2018, with a conditional use permit; and as part of the conditional use, require a 2,500-foot notification and a pre-application meeting.
Outcome
On February 20, 2018, the City Council adopted Amended Ordinance No. 28491.
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Summary
In response to the acute housing need and concerns of displacement in the City, as well as level of community interest, City Council passed Resolution No. 39886 in December 2017 requesting the Planning Commission to modify Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 13.05.115 to increase the number of Detached Accessory Dwelling Units (DADUs) allowed and to review design standards and review processes for the entire Residential Infill Pilot Program.
Subsequent conversations with the Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee, as well the Planning Commission redirected efforts toward increasing capacity by allowing DADUs outright in single family zoning districts. This ended DADUs as a part of the Residential Infill Pilot Program and move DADUs into a comprehensive Accessory Dwelling Units (ADU) code that covers detached and attached types.
Outcome
On March 19, 2019, the City Council adopted Amended Ordinance No. 28756 enacting a package of changes to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) regulations.
On December 7, 2021, the City Council adopted Amended Ordinance No. 28793 including changes to the City’s Accessory Dwelling Unit rules addressing issues in the code that have posed challenges since the 2019 ADU Code updates were enacted.
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Summary
Adoption of permanent regulations concerning temporary shelters.
Outcome
On April 10, 2018, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28498.
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Summary
The intent of the Future Land Use Map Implementation Project is to implement the goals and policies of the One Tacoma Plan through appropriate area-wide rezones consistent with the Future Land Use Map (FLUM) and Land Use Designations (LUD). The project will also support the development of compact, complete and connected neighborhoods with a variety of housing choices in close proximity to schools, employment, parks, transit, and other amenities.
Outcome
On September 24, 2019, the City Council adopted the Future Land Use Map Implementation as part of the 2019 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan.
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Summary
Live/work and work/live units are types of mixed-use developments that eliminate the need to commute to work, provide affordable work and housing space, and support the creation of new businesses by expanding entrepreneurial opportunities. The Planning Commission and Planning & Development Services developed live/work and work/live code amendments in 2012 to promote these community goals, with a particular emphasis on the adaptive reuse of existing buildings in Downtown Tacoma and the City’s other Mixed-Use Centers.
Prior to their adoption in 2012, there were no specific land use code provisions for live/work and work/live development in Tacoma. The amendments provided a basic framework for where and how these uses would be allowed.
Outcome
On November 3, 2015, the City Council adopted the code amendments pertaining to live/work and work/live uses.
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Summary
The Open Space Corridors Project is one of the City’s initial steps to protect and enhance the City’s valuable open space lands and to position the City to achieve its vision. This project will be completed in phases, with the first phase consisting of updates to the City’s critical areas for Biodiversity Corridors. This step will make significant progress toward preventing further fragmentation of some of Tacoma’s most valuable natural assets.
Outcome
On June 26, 2018 the City Council adopted Substitute Amended Ordinance No. 28518, including changes to the Critical Areas Code establishing standards for Biodiversity Corridors/Areas as a subset of current standards for Fish and Wildlife Habitat Conservation Areas, to provide more protection for these areas.
On September 24, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28612, enacting a package of changes to implement Tacoma’s Shoreline Master Program Periodic Review updates. The package includes measures integrating the city’s Biodiversity Corridors/Areas code into Shoreline Districts.
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Summary
Consideration of amending the Tacoma Municipal Code, Section 13.06.565, relating to the zoning of marijuana uses, on an interim basis, by adding local definitions of “Playground” and “Recreation center or facility”, in order to protect Metro Parks Tacoma-owned playgrounds and recreation centers and facilities to the level intended by the state, but currently not covered by state definitions.
Outcome
On November 7, 2017, the City Council adopted the Marijuana Use Buffers Code Amendment.
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Summary
The intent of the Residential Infill Pilot Program (RIPP) is to promote innovative residential infill while ensuring that such infill demonstrates high quality building and site design that is responsive to and harmonious with neighborhood patterns and character.
The RIPP permits four different housing types: Two-Family, Small Multi-Family, Cottage, and Planned Infill. Development proposals require a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) application and approval. RIPP applications also require input from an Advisory Review Board, which provides advisory comments to the Director prior to the final decision.
Outcome
On October 20, 2020, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28695, establishing RIPP 2.0. On November 19, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28986 adopting the Home in Tacoma code amendments, which included repeal of RIPP (effective November 30, 2024).
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Summary
The City of Tacoma has policies that both encourage the densification of neighborhoods through a broadened range of residential infill options and also protect the character of single-family housing patterns. Relating to the city’s anticipated population growth, as well as regional environmental and economic pressures, this report frames the discussion, analysis and recommendations around two key objectives: increasing access to “missing middle” housing, and promoting context-sensitive development.
The information from this report helps establish a framework for guiding residential infill development in a manner that is sensitive to both neighborhood design and the diversifying needs of Tacoma’s current and future residents. The study of pattern areas is a tool that provides an analytical framework for guiding future work towards the incorporation of place-based needs and desires informed by the community. Recommendations identify actions that are both city-wide as well as pattern-specific, making a statement about the direction of growth and residential development as a means to frame the opportunities that exist in Tacoma.
This project is being done in concert with the 2015 update to support the Housing Element and other relevant chapters. The Housing Element is a mandatory requirement under the GMA and requires that cities plan for a variety of types of housing that provide attainable options for residents of all means.
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Outcome
On October 15, the City’s updated Shoreline Master Program takes effect. On October 1, 2013, the Department of Ecology issued Final Approval of the City of Tacoma Shoreline Master Program, accepting the City’s alternative intent statement for the S-6/7 Schuster Parkway Transition Shoreline District as proposed in Resolution 38734. The SMP takes effect 14 days from Ecology’s final action. The Tacoma City Council ratified the agreement with Ecology with the approval of Ordinance 28180.
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Summary
Following the adoption of interim Tideflats regulations in 2017 (Ordinance No. 28470), the City adopted non-interim regulations in 2022, as amended (Ordinance 28828).
Outcome
On August 30, 2022, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28828 amending Ordinance No. 28786, which replaced Ordinance No. 28470, Tideflats Interim Regulations.
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Summary
The Urban Design Studio is a long-term program with a focus on delivering urban design services to customers in the Planning and Development Services Department, to other City departments, and through external public and private partnerships. The initial phase of this project was focused on the development of a design review program known as Urban Design Project Review. This effort included development of design guidelines, new and revised design standards, municipal code amendments and administrative procedures.
Outcome
On May 7, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28966 establishing the Urban Design Project Review program and Urban Design Board.
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Annual Plan and Code Amendments
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Summary
Plan and Code amendments included those related to:
- FLUM amendment for Mor Furniture from a Low-Scale Residential land use designation to a General Commercial land use designation, and amending the Parks and Recreation Facilities Map to remove the subject site
- Use of electric fences – expand the allowed use of electric fences in association with outdoor storage in various zoning districts, with associated development standards
- Use of shipping containers – expanded use of shipping containers for temporary and accessory uses
- Delivery-only retail – definition and zoning of delivery-only retail business use and standards
- Commercial zoning design and development standards of projects utilizing the Multi-Family Tax Exemption (MFTE) program in neighborhood commercial areas
- Minor amendments to the Land Use Regulatory Code
Outcome
The City Council adopted the 2023 Amendment Package on August 15, 2023, based primarily on the Planning Commission’s recommendations, through the adoption of the following legislations:
- Amended Ordinance No. 28901 – Mor Furniture site FLUM amendment
- Substitute Ordinance No. 28902 – Use of electric fences
- Ordinance No. 28903 – Use of shipping containers
- Ordinance No. 28904 – Delivery-only retail business use and standards
- Ordinance No. 28905 – MFTE commercial zoning design and development standards
- Ordinance No. 28906 – Minor Plan and Code Amendments
The City Council’s reviews and deliberations of the 2023 Amendment, leading up to the adoption of these legislations, included a public hearing on June 27; study sessions on June 27, July 11, and August 8; regular meetings on August 8 and 15; as well as the Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Committee’s reviews on January 25 and March 8, 2023. To review the agendas for these Council meetings, please visit Council Calendar.
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Summary
Plan and Code amendments included those related to:
- South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) Code amendments work plan – approving the Work Plan for South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) Code Amendments; including requirements to conduct a public process to develop findings of fact and recommendations as to whether a moratorium on heavy industrial uses and storage of hazardous materials within the STGPD is warranted, and if so, to recommend the scope, applicability, and duration for the Council’s consideration.
- FLUM amendment for New Cold
- FLUM amendment for South Sound Christian Schools and Center Point Christian Fellowships
- Minor amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Regulatory Code
Outcome
The City Council adopted the 2022 Amendment Package on June 28, 2022, based primarily on the Planning Commission’s recommendations, through the adoption of the following legislations:
- Amended Substitute Resolution No. 40985 – South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) Code amendments work plan
- Amended Ordinance No. 28819 – “NewCold” FLUM amendment
- Ordinance No. 28820 – South Sound Christian Schools and Center Point Christian Fellowships FLUM amendment and ensuring preservation of the Garry Oaks onsite
- Ordinance No. 28821 – Minor Plan and Code Amendments
The City Council’s reviews and deliberations of the 2022 Amendment, leading up to the adoption of these legislations, included a public hearing on June 7, study sessions on June 7 and 14, regular meetings on June 14, 21 and 28, as well as the Infrastructure, Planning and Sustainability Committee’s reviews on March 9 and May 25, 2022. To review the agendas for these Council meetings, please visit Council Calendar.
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Summary
Plan and Code amendments included those related to:
- FLUM amendment for Heidelberg-Davis site
- View Sensitive Overlay District height limits of 20-ft for certain areas within the View Sensitive Overlay District except Node 4 and 5 lots in Node 2
- Minor amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Regulatory Code
Outcome
After conducting a public hearing on November 24, 2020, the City Council took into account public comments received and the Planning Commission’s recommendations and adopted the following 3 applications for the 2020 Annual Amendment to the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code (“2020 Amendment”) on December 8, 2020:
- Ordinance No. 28723 – Heidelberg-Davis Site FLUM
- Amended Ordinance No. 28724 – View Sensitive Overlay District
- Ordinance No. 28725 – Minor Plan and Code Amendments
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Summary
Plan and Code amendments included those related to:
- Future Land Use Map Implementation – This project will put into effect the land use designations through appropriate area-wide rezones to achieve consistency with the Future Land Use Map, and work to achieve the goals of the One Tacoma Plan.
- Manitou potential annexation area – This project involves the pre-annexation planning for the Manitou Potential Annexation Area located at the southwest corner of the City.
- Affordable Housing Strategy – This project will update the Housing Element to reflect the up-to-date policy recommendations of the Affordable Housing Action Strategy (AHAS).
- Historic preservation Code amendments – This project will seek to improve the effectiveness of the Historic Preservation Program through a series of code amendments, including: enhancement of demolition/cultural resources impact review within TMC 13.12.570; clarification of the nomination and designation process and review; and improvements to the Historic Conditional Use Permit.
- Shoreline Master Program Update – The State Shoreline Management Act requires local governments to periodically review their shoreline master programs and make any adjustments deemed necessary to reflect changing local circumstances, new information or improved data.
- Minor amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Regulatory Code – As part of the 2019 Amendment, this proposal would amend the Land Use Regulatory Code to keep information current, address inconsistencies, correct errors and clarify code language, in order to improve code administration efficiency and enhance customer service.
Outcome
The City Council adopted the 2019 Amendment on September 24, 2019, as recommended by the Planning Commission, with two modifications to the Future Land Use Map Implementation. The Council had reviewed the Commission’s recommendations at a study session on August 13, conducted a public hearing on August 20, conducted a hearing-debriefing study session on August 27, and conducted first readings of ordinances on September 17.
The 2019 Amendment was adopted with six ordinances, for the six respective applications, as posted below:
- Amended Ord 28608 – FLUM Implementation
- Ordinance No. 28609 – Manitou Potential Annexation Area
- Ordinance No. 28610 – Affordable Housing Action Strategy
- Ordinance No. 28611 – Historic Preservation Code Amendments
- Ordinance No. 28612 – Shoreline Master Program Update
- Ordinance No. 28613 – Minor Plan and Code Amendments
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Summary
Plan and Code amendments included those related to:
- Future Land Use Implementation – Phase 1
- Multifamily Design Standards
- Plan and Code cleanup
- Wireless facility code
- Short term rentals and bed-and-breakfasts
- Minor amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Regulatory Code
Outcome
The City Council passed Amended Ordinance No. 28376 on August 16, 2016, adopting the 2016 Annual Amendment, as recommended by the Planning Commission, with amendments.
The Council conducted a public hearing on July 19, 2016 on the 2016 Annual Amendment as recommended by the Planning Commission. Subsequently, on August 9, the Council conducted the first reading of ordinance for adoption, made some amendments to the ordinance by passing four motions, and set the ordinance as amended for the final reading on August 16.
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Summary
Plan and Code amendments included those related to:
- Comprehensive Plan Update – Amend the Comprehensive Plan pursuant to the Periodic Update requirements of the State Growth Management Act (RCW 36.70A.130)
- Mixed-Use Centers review – Review designated Mixed-Use Centers (MUCs) to determine their effectiveness in achieving the City’s intent and vision and inform the Comprehensive Plan Update
- Affordable housing regulations – Amend the Tacoma Municipal Code to implement a package of residential infill/affordable building proposals and affordable housing incentive, bonus, and inclusionary strategies which are part of a package of initiatives
- Minor amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Land Use Regulatory Code
- Narrowmoor Addition Conservation District – Designate a 129-acre portion of the “West Slope Neighborhood,” including portions of Narrowmoor Additions #1 – 4, as a Conservation Special Review District Overlay Zone
Outcome
On December 1, 2015, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28335, approving proposed amendments to the Comprehensive Plan and the Critical Areas Ordinance, and acknowledging receipt of the Mixed-Use Centers study report.
The Council also adopted Amended Ordinance No. 28336, approving proposed amendments to the Land Use Regulatory Code concerning affordable housing and infill development and code cleanups.
The Council, however, did not approve Ordinance No. 28340, concerning the proposed Narrowmoor Addition Conservation District.
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Annexations
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Summary
The Manitou Annexation Area was a 37-acre unincorporated Pierce County area located on the southwest corner of the city, near Lakewood Drive W. and 66th Street W. This small area is surrounded by the cities of Tacoma and University Place. As one of the unincorporated “islands” in Pierce County, annexation of the Manitou Area to the City of Tacoma was expected by the State Growth Management Act (GMA) and considered a high priority in regional, county and city planning policies.
The City of Tacoma and Pierce County finalized an agreement in late 2021 for the Manitou Area’s annexation to the City of Tacoma. On December 12, 2023, the Tacoma City Council set an annexation effective date of April 1, 2024. On that date residents, property owners, and businesses within the Manitou Area were welcomed as part of the City of Tacoma.
Outcome
On December 12, 2023, the Tacoma City Council passed Ordinance 28924 which set an effective date for the annexation of the Manitou area from unincorporated Pierce County to the City of Tacoma on April 1, 2024. (Ratified and reconfirmed on January 16, 2024, through Ordinance 28945). On April 1, 2024, the Manitou Area was officially annexed by the City of Tacoma.
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