Parking Code Update

The City is committed to a transparent and inclusive engagement process.

Additional briefings and community engagement opportunities will be added as the project progresses.

What is happening?

The City of Tacoma is updating its off-street parking regulations to comply with new Washington State laws and to ensure local parking rules align with Tacoma’s adopted plans and community goals. The update will review when and how much off-street parking the City can require for new development and redevelopment citywide.

Why is this happening?

In recent years, the Washington State Legislature adopted several new laws that significantly limit how cities can require off-street parking. These laws are intended to:

• Reduce housing and development costs
• Support increased housing production
• Encourage walking, biking, and transit use
• Reduce vehicle dependence, greenhouse gas emissions, and excessive pavement

Because Tacoma’s current parking code predates these laws, the City must update its regulations to comply with state requirements while supporting local goals for affordability, walkability, and compact growth.

Does this Parking Code Update affect street (on-street) parking?

No. This Parking Code Update focuses only on off-street parking for new development and redevelopment, such as parking located on private property, in lots, or in garages. It does not change how street parking is regulated.

On-street parking is managed by the City’s Public Works Department.
For more information about on-street parking, please visit On-Street Parking webpage.

What is being considered?

The Planning Commission and City Council are considering two options:

Option A: State Mandate Compliance (Minimum Update)
This option would update Tacoma’s parking code only to the extent needed to meet state law. This includes reducing or eliminating minimum parking requirements for specific uses such as:

• Affordable housing
• Senior housing
• Small housing/commercial units
• Childcare facilities
• Development near frequent transit
• Housing added inside existing buildings
• Change of use from nonresidential to residential or a change of use for a commercial use
• Certain commercial spaces
• Certain residential projects

Option B: Broader Citywide Parking Reform
This option would go beyond minimum state requirements and consider removing minimum parking requirements Citywide.

Who would be impacted?

The update may affect:

• Residents, including renters and homeowners
• Businesses and property owners
• Developers and builders
• Some zoning districts and uses are already exempt from minimum parking requirements and may see little or no change.

What is the timeline?

The project is expected to be adopted by October 2026. Key milestones include:

• Scoping & assessment: December 2025 – March 2026
• Code development: March – April 2026
• Draft code review & Planning Commission recommendation: April – July 2026
• City Council review & adoption: August – October 2026
• Public engagement December 2025- October 2026

What has already happened?

• The Parking Code Update was introduced to the Planning Commission in December 2025.
• Staff presented an overview of state mandates and potential scope options.
• The Planning Commission is currently providing direction on the scope of work and what additional analysis is needed.

What is already decided:

• Tacoma must update its parking code to comply with state law.
• ADA parking requirements will continue to apply.

What is not yet decided:

• Whether Tacoma will pursue only minimum compliance or broader parking reform
• The final structure and details of the updated parking requirements

What type of input are we looking for?

The City is looking for input on:

• How parking requirements affect housing affordability, businesses, and neighborhoods
• Experiences with parking availability and demand
• Potential benefits or concerns related to reducing or eliminating parking minimums
• Alternative strategies to manage parking demand, such as shared parking, permit programs, or better transit access

Public feedback will help inform both the scope of the update and specific code changes.

Are there costs/impacts?

There is no direct fee associated with the code update itself.

Potential impacts may include:

• Lower development costs by reducing required parking construction
• More flexibility in site design
• Changes in how parking is provided for new development
• Reduced paved areas, which can improve stormwater management, tree canopy, and urban design

Any broader impacts will be evaluated as part of the code development and public review process.

How can I share my input?

• Review project updates and materials as they are released
• Participate in surveys, virtual open houses, and public meetings
• Share your experiences and ideas about parking in Tacoma
• Provide comments during the public review period

Your input will help shape how Tacoma updates its parking regulations to meet state law and community needs.

What are some myths versus facts?

Myth: The City is banning parking.
Fact: The City is not proposing to ban parking. Parking would still be allowed for new development. The update focuses on whether the City should continue to require a minimum number of parking spaces, not whether parking can be built.

Myth: New buildings won’t provide any parking at all.
Fact: Removing minimum parking requirements does not mean parking won’t be provided. Many developments continue to include parking based on market demand, financing requirements, tenant needs, and site constraints. The change would give flexibility, not eliminate parking.

Myth: This means neighborhoods will be flooded with cars.
Fact: State law already limits how much parking cities can require, especially near transit and for certain housing/commercial units. The City can still use other tools, such as street design, curb management, and permit programs, to manage parking impacts where needed.

Myth: The City is doing this voluntarily.
Fact: Tacoma is required by state law to update its parking code. The key decision is how the City complies, whether through minimum compliance or a broader reform that aligns with adopted City plans and policies.

Myth: ADA parking requirements are going away.
Fact: ADA-accessible parking requirements are not going away. All options being considered would continue to require accessible parking consistent with federal and state law.

Myth: Parking requirements are the best way to prevent traffic and congestion.
Fact: Research and state legislative findings show that excessive parking requirements can increase development costs, encourage more driving, and reduce walkability. Parking supply alone does not manage traffic. Access to transit, walking, biking, and land use patterns also play a major role.

Myth: This only benefits developers.
Fact: Reducing mandatory parking can benefit residents and businesses by lowering housing costs, supporting smaller and more affordable projects, reducing unnecessary pavement, and allowing land to be used for housing, trees, or community space instead of empty parking stalls.