Right-of-Way Design Manual
The Design Manual outlines the requirements and regulations for public infrastructure improvements within the City’s right-of-way (ROW) and is applicable to both City projects and private development within the ROW. These requirements may also apply to certain private development improvements on private property, for example, a private road.
Information on our Existing Right-of-Way Design ManualÂ
In October 2025 certain chapters of the City of Tacoma Right-of-Way Design Manual were updated. Information on when each chapter was last updated is provided below. Changes include new and revised content, and reorganization within some chapters.
The Design Manual was updated by City staff with input from the public. Public comments were taken on the draft document, and these comments were reviewed for additional changes that improved the function, content, and clarity of the manual.
Training on the updated Design Manual geared toward the development and engineering community and those involved with the design of projects both on private property and within the City right-of-way will be held at the end of 2025. Trainings will be made available to members of the public. If you are interested in being included in the training, please e-mail us at jhammes@tacoma.gov.
2025 City of Tacoma Right-of-Way Design Manual
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Chapter 1: Introduction and General Requirements (October 2025)
The City of Tacoma Right-of-Way Design Manual shall apply to the construction of all street and right-of-way (ROW) improvements including, stormwater and wastewater construction, street lighting, traffic signalization, landscaping, Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, and channelization. The Manual provides the minimum technical standards required to construct improvements within the City of Tacoma ROW. This Manual is designed to be used in conjunction with other local, state, and federal rules, regulations, and design guidance as applicable to a given project.
Chapter 2: Right-of-Way/Site Permitting and Local Improvement Districts (October 2025)
Focuses on the City permitting process that private developers must follow for constructing improvements in the city of Tacoma ROW. Local Improvement Districts (LID) provide an alternative to the permit process for work within the Right-of-Way.
Chapter 3: Site Development Permit and Right-of-Way Construction Plan Format (October 2025)
Provides the development engineer with guidance and minimum standards for the development of their construction plans. The engineer should also reference the City’s Site Development Permit and ROW Construction/Work Order Tip Sheets and Guidelines.
Chapter 4: Street Design (October 2025)
Outlines design criteria and guidelines on the geometric design elements that must be considered in the location and design of the various types of roadways, which includes all elements in the ROW.
Chapter 5: Illumination (2016/2018)
Discusses the applicable Tacoma Municipal Code regulations for street lighting.
Chapter 6: Traffic Signalization (2016/2018)
Addresses traffic control devices such as traffic signals and warning beacons. Their reliability and consistency in appearance and application are a vital part of maintaining a safe public ROW for all users.
Chapter 7: Channelization and Signing (2016/2018)
Contains general requirements and design guidance for channelization and signing of roadways and paved trails within the public ROW. This chapter supplements the guidance found in the latest edition of the MUTCD as adopted and amended by WAC 468-95.
Chapter 8: Pedestrian Facilities (2016/2018)
Provides accessibility criteria for the design of pedestrian facilities that meet applicable local, state, and federal standards. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and the ADA requires pedestrian facilities to be designed and constructed to be readily accessible to and usable by persons with disabilities.
Chapter 9: Tree and Vegetation Management (October 2025)
Establishes required procedures and standards for landscaping within the ROW per the 2025 update to Tacoma Municipal Code Title 9.
Chapter 10: Shared-Use Paths (2016/2018)
Provides guidance on how to achieve the appropriate separation, amenities, and design tools to ensure that the shared-use path is designed consistent with the context of its location and intended users. Shared-use paths are designed for both transportation and recreation purposes and are used by pedestrians, bicyclists, skaters, and other users.
Chapter 11: Stormwater and Wastewater Sewer Design (October 2025)
Provides design criteria for the construction of all publicly owned wastewater and stormwater conveyance systems. The design criteria in this chapter apply to all proposed improvements to the City wastewater and stormwater systems, as applicable.
Chapter 12: Water Plans (October 2025)
Addresses the initiation process for design and approval of water plans. It should be noted that submittal and approval of the water plans is a separate and distinct process from the ROW Construction/Work Order Permit process.
Chapter 13: Construction Related Permits and Easements (2016/2018)
Focuses on subjects that may have applicability to any proposed development within the City ROW, including easements, dedications, the State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA), and erosion and sediment control.
Reference Materials
Additional reference materials can be found at the end of the Design Manual.
General Special Provisions and Standard Plans
The City of Tacoma General Special Provisions (GSPs) and Standard Plans outline more technical details of construction within the ROW and City infrastructure. Please note that the GSPs and Standard Plans are subject to change, and additions may be made at any time. Refer to this website for the most current version of the City’s Standard Plans. Contact Public Works – Engineering Division for the most current version of the City’s GSPs.
Green Stormwater Infrastructure Typical Details
The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Typical Details have been developed for use by City staff and private developers. Refer to the Stormwater Management Manual for associated design criteria and sizing guidance.
Contact Mieke Hoppin, P.E. at (253) 502-2105 or by email for additional information about the details.
The Green Stormwater Infrastructure Typical Details and Figures can be found in the main Standard Plans page (see link above).