Stormwater Permits & Manuals

Whether you’re planning a sewer or stormwater connection, repair, or a special discharge, the City of Tacoma requires permits to ensure projects meet safety and environmental standards.

Permits not only help protect our community’s infrastructure but also play a key role in safeguarding our environment. Explore the requirements for each type of permit so your project complies with city guidelines. Here you can also learn more about the Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM) and the standards for stormwater management in Tacoma.

Contact

Stormwater Management

(253) 591-5588

Center for Urban Waters
326 East D Street
Tacoma, WA 98421

Stormwater Management Program Business Source Control Stormwater Site Plan Templates Preventing Water Pollution Sewer Backups & Flooding Business Inspections Pretreatment Program Make a Splash Grant Green Stormwater Infrastructure (GSI)

Permits

Permits not only help protect our community’s infrastructure but also play a key role in safeguarding our environment. Below you can explore the requirements for each type of permit, so your project complies with city guidelines. If you still have questions, please contact us.

Sewer Construction or Repair Permit

If you’re working on your own private plumbing or side sewer project, a City of Tacoma permit is required to ensure the work meets proper standards. City inspectors will verify that your project complies with all regulations. Visit the Wastewater Resources web page for more details on private side sewers and to access the Side Sewer Availability Manual.

Contractor Requirements

For pumping or side sewer work done in City rights-of-way, you must hire a licensed and bonded contractor certified to work in Tacoma. You can find contractors in local directories under “Sewer Contractors” or by visiting the Labor and Industries website.

Get your permit at:

Planning and Development Services
747 Market Street, Room 345, Third Floor
Tacoma, WA 98402

Hours: Monday to Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
Phone: (253) 591-5030
For more information, visit GeoHub.

Stormwater Construction or Repair Permit

If you work on your own private stormwater system that is connected to the City’s stormwater network, a City of Tacoma permit is required. This includes any private systems with stormwater facilities or connections involving the City curb. The permit ensures your system aligns with City standards.

Any stormwater work in the City right-of-way must be performed by a contractor licensed and bonded to work in the City of Tacoma. Look under “Sewer Contractors” in your local directory or visit the Labor and Industries website for more information about hiring a contractor.

Special Approved Discharges to Wastewater System

To discharge additional or short-term waste into the wastewater system, you’ll need a Special Approved Discharge Permit.

Applications and fees must be submitted at least 30 days before the requested discharge date. Fees vary based on the quantity and strength of the discharged wastewater, with an administrative fee of $200 – $650.

Note: Sampling may be required to ensure discharges meet water quality standards. Learn more about our efforts to reduce pollutants by checking out our stormwater pollution prevention tips.

For more information on Special Approved Discharge Permits, fees, and regulations, call (253) 591-5588.

Special Approved Discharges to Stormwater System

To discharge anything other than rainwater into the stormwater system, you’ll need a special discharge permit.

Applications and fees must be submitted at least 30 days before the requested discharge date. Fees vary and are calculated based on the treated water’s quantity and include:

$500 application fee (due at submission)
$300 annual administration fee (due by January 30 each discharge year)
$0.0013347 per gallon discharged

Sampling may be needed to confirm compliance with water quality standards, supporting efforts to keep our bays, lakes, and streams clean. Learn more about keeping our water clean.

For more information about stormwater discharge permits, fees, and regulations, call (253) 591-5588.

Stormwater Management Manual (SWMM)

The City of Tacoma Stormwater Management Manual outlines the minimum requirements and technical standards for stormwater management within Tacoma. Updated regularly, the manual aligns with the latest National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit, clarifies information, and incorporates updated policies.

Stormwater Management Manual (PDF) Stormwater Management Manual (Web Book)

Overview

The July 2021 SWMM is applicable to the following projects:

Applications submitted on or after July 1, 2021
Applications submitted before November 24, 2015, that have not started construction by July 1, 2021 (even if a construction permit has been approved and issued)
Applications submitted before July 1, 2021, that have not started construction by July 1, 2026

Full-Day Training Materials

Full-Day Recorded Training

Full-Day PowerPoint Only

Full-Day Stormwater Site Plan Example

Full-Day Soils Report Example

Half-Day Training Materials

Half-Day Recorded Training

Half-Day PowerPoint Only

Half-Day Stormwater Site Plan Example

Half-Day Operation and Maintenance Manual Example

ESD23-004 Change of Use

ESD23-004 - Change of Use (December 14, 2023)

ESD23-003 - BMP S117 - Dumpsters CORRECTED (August 30, 2023)

The following policy documents shall be used in conjunction with the SWMM.

Payment In Lieu of Construction Program

Greater than 90% capacity has been used in the Gravel Pit facility. Potential participation in the program is very limited. There are no immediate plans to add capacity to continue the Payment In-Lieu of Construction Program for Flow Control. Once capacity has been fully used, the program for flow control will cease until future projects can be funded and constructed. Once the project ceases, all projects will be required to install site-specific flow control facilities in order to meet MR#7 (if required). Potential projects cannot reserve limited capacity.

The City is currently in the design phase for a project that will alter the drainage basin for the Thea Foss Basin. This may affect which new development projects can participate in the program. Before completing an application for inclusion in the Thea Foss Program for a new development project contact us to ensure that the project can utilize the program.

Contact Mieke Hoppin at mhoppin@tacoma.gov to check on available capacity for your project.