Regulatory Compliance

Permit Compliance responds to situations regarding:

• Construction work done without a permit
• Landscaping or other work in protected environmental areas (called critical areas)
• Cutting, removing, or planting trees on the public right-of-way without a permit
• Trees that may present a hazard to the public right-of-way

If someone performs construction in Tacoma without a required permit, and the work is not exempt, Permit Compliance coordinates with the property owner to fix the issue. This usually means helping the property owner apply for a permit after the work has already started.

The Permit Compliance team includes a Master Arborist who is certified to perform tree risk assessments. Permit Compliance can only perform limited visual risk assessments of trees that may threaten the safety of the public right-of-way.

Code Compliance enforces the Noise Ordinance, Nuisance Code, and the Minimum Building and Structures Code.

Code Compliance responds to situations involving regularly occurring noises – for example, air handlers and other machinery. For in-progress noises related to disturbance of the peace, contact the Tacoma Police Department non-emergency line at (253) 287-4455. Noises related to animals (such as barking dogs) are enforced by Animal Control. Animal Control can be reached by phone at (253) 627-7387.

The Nuisance Code defines a nuisance as “omitting to perform a duty, or permitting an action or condition to occur” which affects the public health and welfare of a community. Some examples of nuisances are trash-covered premises, overgrown vegetation, and abandoned or discarded appliances. The Nuisance Code requires property owners to maintain their property at a certain minimum standard.

The Minimum Building and Structures Code governs structures that may be substandard or derelict.

The Tacoma Municipal Code establishes regulations governing construction, property maintenance, and use of the public right-of-way in the City of Tacoma. These regulations include things like permit requirements for building alterations and tree removal. Some examples of code violations are installing an HVAC unit without a permit, failing to keep landscaping from obstructing the sidewalk, or blocking a public right-of-way with a fence. Code violations must be resolved by the owner of the property where the violation has occurred.

Different provisions of the TMC are enforced by different City Departments. For example, illicit discharges into the storm sewer system are regulated by Environmental Compliance at the Environmental Services Department; business licenses are regulated by Tax & License at the Finance Department; and complaints regarding animals are handled by Animal Control at the Police Department.

Some issues are outside of City of Tacoma jurisdiction and require involvement from external agencies. For example, air pollution is regulated by the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency, and worker safety on job sites is regulated by Washington State L&I.

When the City receives a complaint, staff record the address, complaint description, and any photographs provided by the complainant. Then an Inspector reviews the case and checks for possible violations of City code.

If a violation can be seen from a public area (like a street or sidewalk), the City may take enforcement action. If no violation is visible, the case is closed. The City receives many complaints, so most responses to complainants are short and use standard wording to explain whether a violation was found.

Inspectors may not enter private property to investigate a complaint unless they are granted entry by an authorized person (like a property owner or lease-holder).

To file a complaint, visit https://tacoma.gov/services/tacoma-first-311-services/.

Please note that concerns regarding electrical construction should be directed to Tacoma Public Utilities. Complaints regarding asbestos or air quality should be directed to the Puget Sound Clean Air Agency.