The Planning and Development Service Department supports several different commissions, boards, and advisory groups.
Planning Commission
The Planning Commission develops and updates the Comprehensive Plan and its elements; formulates effective and efficient land use and development regulations and processes that implement the Comprehensive Plan; and reviews various planning issues, such as area-wide zoning reclassifications, moratoria, interim zoning, pre-annexation planning, historic district designation, urban design, and transportation and capital facilities programs.
The Urban Design Board is a dedicated citizen's group established by the Tacoma City Council to support our community's goals for a high-quality built environment. According to Tacoma Municipal Code Chapter 13.19, the Urban Design Board reviews Urban Design Project Review permits, advises on urban design-related matters, and supports design excellence citywide.Â
The Landmarks Preservation Commission oversees the establishment and regulation of landmarks, local historic districts, proposed name changes for public facilities, and certain property tax incentives. Additional information about the Commission is available through the City's Historic Preservation Department.
The Board of Building Appeals was established as a quasi-judicial board that reviews and approves the updating of the City's Building, Mechanical, Plumbing, Fire, Dangerous Building, Minimum Housing, Boiler, and Energy Codes.
The Tacoma Permit Advisory Group (TPAG), formerly the Tacoma Permit Advisory Task Force, began in December of 2017. The Tacoma City Council adopted Resolution No. 40967 to formally establish the TPAG in May 2022.
