South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District
The South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District is an overlay zone designed to protect the aquifer by regulating the handling, storage, and disposal of hazardous materials within the area that recharges the aquifer. It also imposes additional restrictions on high-impact land uses that could further jeopardize the aquifer’s quality or quantity. These measures aim to safeguard public health, ensure a reliable water supply for future generations, and protect the city from the financial and environmental consequences of groundwater degradation.
Contact
Maryam Moeinian
Senior Planner
MMoeinian@tacoma.gov
Adam Nolan
Senior Planner
ANolan@tacoma.gov
South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) – Code Updates
The Planning Commission held a hybrid public hearing on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, to gather public feedback on the proposed STGPD code update. The proposed amendments include updates to Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) Title 13, specifically sections related to the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District and landscaping/tree canopy standards.
Details of the proposed changes are available in the public review document below:
Sign Up for Project Updates
Why we are updating the STGPD Code
The Growth Management Act (GMA) requires the designation and protection of “Critical Areas” to prevent harm to the community from natural hazards and to safeguard natural resources. There are five types of critical areas defined by the GMA:
- Wetlands
- Areas with a critical recharging effect on aquifers used for potable water
- Fish and wildlife habitat conservation areas
- Frequently flooded areas
- Geologically hazardous areas
The functions and values of the Critical Areas must be protected using the best available science (BAS). The Critical Areas Ordinances must be evaluated and revised as needed every ten years.
One such area is the STGPD, which is designated as a Critical Aquifer Recharge Area (CARA).
The City of Tacoma is currently reviewing and updating Tacoma Municipal Code (TMC) 13.06.070 (South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District) and 13.11.800 (Aquifer Recharge Areas). This review is part of state’s mandatory code evaluation and aligns with the work plan adopted by Substitute Resolution No. 40985, which was later updated by the Planning Commission on December 20, 2023.
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While the City is conducting the code review and update process, the current STGPD program is managed by the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (Health Department), which works in close collaboration with the City of Tacoma and Tacoma Water.
The Health Department regulates businesses and facilities that use or handle hazardous substances (product or waste) over 220 pounds (roughly 35 gallons) and/or have infiltration systems on site. Regulated facilities receive a permit and biennial site inspections from the Health Department. Compliance issues or complaints may trigger additional inspections. Whenever possible, inspections are meant to provide educational and technical assistance to businesses to achieve voluntary compliance.
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The City has partnered with the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department (Health Department) to conduct a Health Impact Assessment as part of the research and analysis for the code update process. HIAs serve as a tool to inform decision-makers and the public of the potentially significant impacts, both beneficial and harmful, of a proposed project, policy, or program. The Health Department completed the Health Impact Assessment, and the final recommendations will be presented at the May 7, 2025, Planning Commission meeting.
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The City of Tacoma has partnered with the HDR/Terraphase team to update Tacoma Water’s Integrated Resource Plan (IRP), which evaluates future water supply and demand in the context of climate change and regional growth. As part of this update, the City requested an assessment of existing groundwater protection and stormwater management codes to identify opportunities for strengthening the protection and sustainability of groundwater resources. This assessment focuses on the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District (STGPD) ordinance and related regulations. The technical memorandum summarizes the STGPD framework, its alignment with state groundwater regulations, identifies potential regulatory gaps and offers recommendations for improvements.
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In 2023, the City Council adopted a moratorium on underground storage tanks and metal recycling/auto wrecking facilities in the STGPD through Ordinance No. 28872. This moratorium was set to expire in March 2024 but was extended three times by Ordinance Nos. 28958, 28977, and 29020. The final extension was approved on February 25, 2025, extending the moratorium for an additional six-month period, which will now expire on September 20, 2025.
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Partners and Related Plans
Below is the list of different agencies and their roles in managing, monitoring, and implementing the STGPD program.
Agency Roles and Responsibilities Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department • Regulates and Inspects businesses with hazardous substances on site and infiltration systems meeting certain criteria Tacoma Water • Maintains wells that access the south Tacoma aquifer
• Conducts water quality testing and complianceTacoma Environmental Services • Administers Stormwater Management Program
• Inspects businesses for source control, pollution prevention, stormwater facilities and environmental compliance.Tacoma Planning and Development Services • Permit authority for land use, building code, site development, critical areas
• Maintains the STGPD regulations
• State Environmental Policy Act (SEPA) Lead AgencyTacoma Fire Department • Administers Fire Code pertaining to hazardous materials; emergency response The STGPD code review and update is being coordinated across multiple departments and agencies through their ongoing planning initiatives. The following is a summary of these initiatives:
- One Tacoma: Comprehensive Plan
Tacoma’s Comprehensive Plan is an important tool that establishes the City’s future vision and policy direction, as well as guiding growth and development over the next 25 years. The City of Tacoma is in the process of updating the Plan which is expected to be completed by June 2025. - Critical Areas Ordinances Update
The City’s Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance is being updated, which will assist us to prevent harm to the community from natural hazards and to protect natural resources including the aquifer recharge areas. - Tacoma Water Integrated Resource Plan
An Integrated Resource Plan (IRP) is comprised of an assessment of the future water needs and a plan to meet those future needs. It is “integrated” in that it looks at both demand side (conservation, water efficiency, etc.) resources as well as the more traditional supply side (new sources, maximizing existing sources, etc.) resources in making its recommendations on how best to meet future water energy needs for the Utility. - Tacoma Water Wellhead Protection Plan
The purpose of the wellhead protection program is to prevent contamination of groundwater used for drinking water, thus protecting the health of people using groundwater for drinking water. - Urban Watershed Protection Plan
The purpose of the Urban Watershed Protection Plan is to implement strategic stormwater management actions to protect our streams, lakes, wetlands, bays and Puget Sound from polluted runoff. The plan uses a data-based approach to prioritize the most effective stormwater actions and projects, at the most important locations, to build a more healthy and resilient Tacoma and a thriving Puget Sound while taking into account city planning priorities, partnership opportunities, neighborhood needs, critical habitat protection, and anticipated climate change impacts. The locations of these actions will be selected to provide more equitable stormwater services throughout Tacoma. - Stormwater Comprehensive Plan
The City of Tacoma (the City) is developing the City’s first ever Stormwater Comprehensive Plan (SWCP). The SWCP will describe how the City will manage, operate, and finance stormwater-related activities within Tacoma City Limits. The purpose of the SWCP is to guide how the City will address surface water and stormwater management needs and requirements, including program management, operation and maintenance (O&M), climate change, capital facilities, and financial elements, while also balancing rates and the financial resources available to the City.
- One Tacoma: Comprehensive Plan
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Links and materials are available for meetings under the “City Council and Planning Commission Meetings” accordion.
Planning Commission Assessment and Recommendations of the STNC application as part of 2022 Amendment to the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code (Mar. 2021–May 2022):
The Planning Commission assessed the STNC’s application, pursuant to TMC 13.02.070.E, and considered public comments received through a public scoping hearing in June 2021, and made a determination in July 2021 to move the application forward for technical analysis following a two-phased approach:
- Phase 1A: Work Plan (2022) – Creation of a work plan to occur during the 2022 Amendment cycle. The work plan may include review of allowed land uses, review of the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan, refinement of allowed uses and boundaries, and periodic update of the STGPD to ensure the regulations fulfill the intent of protecting the district. (Amended Substitute Resolution No. 40985, June 28, 2022)
- Phase 1B: STGPD Code Amendments (2022-2024) – Update TMC 13.06.070.D pertaining to STGPD, to be done in the future 2023 Amendment Cycle
- Phase 2: Creation of an Economic Green Zone (2022-2024) – Evaluate the establishment of an Economic Green Zone (EGZ) to attract green industry to the City’s manufacturing/industrial centers, considering the recently adopted 2030 Climate Action Plan and Climate Adaptation Strategy (Resolution No. 40878, November 30, 2021).
Upon completing technical analyses and factoring in public comments, the Planning Commission forwarded its recommendations on the 2022 Amendment Package to the City Council in May 2022. With respect to the STNC’s application, the Commission recommended that the City Council:
- Approve the Work Plan for STGPD Code Amendments;
- Consider the merits of a moratorium on future development projects, given that significant permit activity and development during the phased process could pre-empt the broader planning efforts.
City Council Consideration of Planning Commission Recommendations of STGPD Code Update Work Plan (Mar.-Jun. 2022):
On June 28, 2022, the City Council adopted Amended Substitute Resolution No. 40985, approving the Work Plan for the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Amendments, and directed the Planning Commission to conduct a public process to develop findings of fact and recommendations as to whether a moratorium on heavy industrial uses and storage of hazardous materials within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District is warranted, and if so, to recommend the scope, applicability, and duration for City Council consideration within 60 days of the effective date of this resolution.
Planning Commission Consideration of a Moratorium (Jul.–Aug. 2022)
The City Council’s initiation of the STGPD moratorium consideration was in response to public comments received by the Planning Commission and the City Council during the review and adoption processes for the 2022 Annual Amendment to the Comprehensive Plan. The Planning Commission conducted four meetings, on July 6, July 20, August 3, and August 17, 2022, in response to public comments regarding the moratorium. Planning and Development Services staff also conducted a community informational meeting on July 27, 2022. The Planning Commission completed its review and deliberations of the matter through a public process, and forwarded its Findings of Fact and Recommendations Report, along with a letter of recommendations, to the City Council for consideration on August 17, 2022.
A summary of this recommendation is included below:
- That the City Council consider enacting a targeted and specific moratorium on the establishment of the following uses:
- Metal recycling/auto wrecking facilities,
- Vehicle service and repair,
- Vehicle service and repair – industrial, and
- Underground storage tanks.
- The moratorium should additionally limit the expansion of existing facilities but allow for normal maintenance, repair, and replacement activities of existing uses.
- The duration of the moratorium should apply initially for a period of one year, to be resolved through the South Tacoma Groundwater Code update.
To review the full recommendation:
- Planning Commission Findings and Recommendations Report (August 17, 2022)
City Council Consideration of a Moratorium (Sept. 2022 – Feb. 2023)
In response, the City Council referred the recommendation to the IPS Committee for further consideration. Following that referral, the IPS Committee, on November 30, 2022, approved the following amendments to the Planning Commission proposal, and forwarded the amended moratorium proposal to the City Council:
- Use Categories: The IPS Committee did not find sufficient risk to groundwater resources from the establishment or expansion of vehicle service and repair or industrial vehicle service and repair uses to warrant a moratorium. Therefore, the moratorium should apply only to metal recycling/auto wrecking and underground storage tanks.
- Expansion of Existing Uses: The IPS Committee found that a moratorium that is too restrictive on the expansion of existing uses could have the counter effect of prohibiting improvements that provide environmental benefit or reduce the risks and impacts of existing uses. Therefore, the moratorium should allow for reasonable facility and site development that improves environmental outcomes while avoiding the introduction of new risks to the City’s groundwater resources.
On March 7, 2023, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28872, enacting a moratorium within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District as recommended by the IPS Committee. The moratorium in Ordinance No. 28872 became effective March 20, 2023, and were enacted for an initial period of up to one year, to expire on March 20, 2024.
City Council Consideration of a Moratorium Extension (Jan. 2024– Mar. 2024)
On March 5, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28958 extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD for a 6-month period, expiring on September 20, 2024.
City Council Consideration of a Moratorium Extension (Jul. 2024– Aug. 2024)
On August 27, 2024, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 28977 extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD for a 6-month period, expiring on March 20, 2025.
City Council Consideration of a Moratorium Extension (Jan. 2025– Feb. 2025)
On February 25, 2025, the City Council adopted Ordinance No. 29020 extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD for a 6-month period, expiring on September 20, 2025.
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March 2021 – May 2022: Planning Commission assessment and recommendations (and public process) of the “STEGZ application”
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links Planning Commission May 19, 2021 Assessment of “South Tacoma Economic Green Zone” amendment application, as part of 2022 Amendment to One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan and Land Use Regulatory Code
Planning Commission Packet (05-19-21)Planning Commission June 16, 2021 Public Scoping Hearing for 2022 Amendment
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (06-16-21)Planning Commission July 21, 2021 Review of Assessment Report, including Public Comments received on the application. Determination on applications to proceed with technical analysis. Scope of work determined with two-pronged approach adopted for “South Tacoma Economic Green Zone” application: 1. STGPD Code Amendments – Work Plan Development Implementation, and 2. Economic Green Zone Designation
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (07-21-21)Planning Commission October 6, 2021 Review status of the 2022 Annual Amendment applications
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (10-06-21)Community Informational Meeting December 9, 2021 Community Informational meeting on “South Tacoma Economic Green Zone”, including presentation by applicant, and Planning, Tacoma Water, TPCHD, and Environmental Services staff.
Video Recording – Community Informational Meeting (12-09-21)Planning Commission December 15, 2021 The Commission reviewed a draft staff report, including the proposed “Work Plan for the STGPD Code Amendments”
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (12-15-21)Planning Commission February 16, 2022 Review of the Draft Staff Analysis Report; Commission released “Work Plan for STGPD Code Amendments” for Public Review
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (02-16-22)Community Informational Meeting March 30, 2022 Informational Meeting conducted by Staff concerning upcoming public hearing for 2022 Amendment, including STNC application.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (02-16-22)
Audio Recording – Community Informational Meeting (03-30-22)Planning Commission April 6, 2022 Public Hearing on 2022 Amendment
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (04-06-22)Planning Commission April 20, 2022 Debriefing of Public Hearing on 2022 Amendment
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (04-20-22)Planning Commission May 4, 2022 2022 Amendment Planning Commission Recommendations Packet, approved by the Commission and forwarded to City Council
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (05-04-22)March 2022 – June 2022: City Council consideration and adoption of the Work Plan, as part of 2022 Amendment
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee March 9, 2022 Item 22-0305 – Briefing of the 2022 Amendment docket (still in Planning Commission process), including discussion on outlining the phases of the STGPD project.
IPS Committee Meeting Materials (03-09-22)
Item 22-0305City Council Meeting May 17, 2022 Resolution 40971 setting public hearing on the 2022 Amendment for June 7, 2022
City Council Meeting Materials (05-17-22)
Resolution No. 40971Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee May 25, 2022 Item 22-0571 – Review of the Planning Commission’s recommendations on the proposed amendments as part of the 2022 Amendment, including on the work plan for the STGPD and Economic Green Zone, and discussion of zoning in the STGPD as it relates to the applications.
IPS Committee Meeting Materials (05-25-22)
Item 22-0571City Council Study Session June 7, 2022 Item 22-0643 – Review of the 2022 Annual Amendment applications, including the work plan for the STGPD code amendments. Discussion occurred on the applications, including timelines for the STGPD and Economic Green Zone, noting options for interim regulations or a moratorium.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (06-07-22)
Item 22-0643City Council Meeting June 7, 2022 Item 22-0589 – Public Hearing on the 2022 Amendment
City Council Meeting Materials (06-07-22)
Item 22-0589City Council Study Session June 14, 2022 Item 22-0675 – Debrief of public comments received during the June 7, 2022 public hearing on the 2022 Annual Amendment. Discussion of various considerations of the amendments, including regarding critical area protection and mitigation, and the option to enact a moratorium in STGPD.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (06-14-22)
Item 22-0675City Council Meeting June 21, 2022 Resolution 40985 moving consideration of work plan for the STGPD amendment consideration to June 28, 2022 City Council meeting
City Council Meeting Materials (06-21-22)
Resolution No. 40985City Council Meeting June 28, 2022 Amended Substitute Resolution No. 40985 adopted by City Council to consider moratorium on high-impact uses and storage of hazardous materials in the STGPD. Initiated 60-day review timeline for Planning Commission to assess facts and findings to issue recommendations on if a targeted moratorium is necessary in STGPD. to add a statement that the Planning Commission
City Council Meeting Materials (06-28-22)
Resolution No. 40985July 2022 – August 2022: Planning Commission consideration of if moratorium recommendation is warranted
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links Planning Commission July 20, 2022 First meeting of Planning Commission consideration of STGPD moratorium. Presentations by PDS, Tacoma Water, Environmental Services, and TPCHD staff providing known information and background on STGPD existing conditions and regulations.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (07-20-22)Community Informational Meeting July 27, 2022 Staff-led community informational meeting to provide information and receive comments from the public. Planning Commission August 3, 2022 Second meeting, Planning Commission consideration of STGPD moratorium. Staff provided a summary of comments from the July 27, 2022 community informational, information about City’s permit processes and case studies within the STGPD, and other pertinent information. Tacoma Fire Department and Current Planning staff were in attendance to speak to the regulations that apply to heavy industrial uses and hazardous material storage within the Groundwater Protection District.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (08-03-22)Planning Commission August 17, 2022 Continue review of background information. Review, make appropriate modifications, and consider finalizing the draft Findings of Fact and Recommendations Report to be forwarded to City Council.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (08-17-22)September 2022 – February 2023: City Council Consideration of Moratorium
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links City Council Study Session September 20, 2022 Item 22-1029 – Presentation on Planning Commission recommendation that a one-year moratorium for the STGPD is warranted. Presentations were given by coordinating agencies and subject matter experts from Planning and Development Services, Environmental Services, Tacoma Water, and Tacoma Pierce County Health Department. Subject matter of presentations included history of the STGPD zoning overlay from 1988 to present, noting prohibited uses and other standards for storage, stormwater, infiltration, spill prevention, and inspections.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (09-20-22)
Item 22-1029Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee October 26, 2022 Item 22-1131 – Presentation of consideration of a moratorium in STGPD, including background on the STGPD, moratorium consideration process, agencies and subject matter experts involved, and Planning Commission process in developing Findings of Fact and Recommendations. Chris Karnes, Chair, Planning Commission provides review of Planning Commission recommendations.
IPS Committee Meeting Materials (10-26-22)
Item 22-1131Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee November 9, 2022 Item 22-1222 – Presentation of the proposed moratorium for the
STGPD, including an overview of the STPGD, City Council Direction, the Planning Commission’s recommendations, a potential schedule, and background work on the proposal.Chair Walker invited Andrea Reay, President and CEO, Tacoma-Pierce County Chamber of Commerce; Tim Smith, community member; Heidi Stephens, Member, South Tacoma Neighborhood Council; and Todd Ward, independent consultant and representative for owners, to join panel in considering moratorium for STGPD.
IPS Committee Meeting Materials (11-09-22)
Item 22-1222Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee November 30, 2022 Item 22-1295 – Presentation of the proposed moratorium
for the STGPD, including the Planning Commission’s recommendations, noting reasons for a moratorium, suggested duration, and the work plan; and the potential schedule.Discussion ensued regarding the PC’s recommendations; service and repair for both regular and industrial vehicles; current regulations; metal recycling and auto wrecking; building a canopy in the stormwater runoff areas; possible effects of implementing the moratorium; site improvements allowed under the
moratorium; underground storage tanks, noting maintenance, replacement, and improvements and upgrades allowed; and next steps.Motion moved and adopted to forward the Planning Commission’s recommendations regarding a moratorium on certain uses within the STGPD, not to include vehicle service and repair and industrial
vehicle service and repair, and to also consider language around potential replacements or improvements to underground tanks that will promote environmental protection, to the full City Council for consideration.
IPS Committee Meeting Materials (11-30-22)
Item 22-1295City Council Study Session January 10, 2023 Item 23-0027 – Presentation of the Infrastructure, Planning and
Sustainability Committee review process and recommendation pertaining to the consideration of enacting a moratorium in the STGPD.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (01-10-23)
Item 23-0027City Council Meeting January 10, 2023 Resolution 41115 setting public hearing date for consideration of STGPD moratorium for February 7, 2023.
City Council Meeting Materials (01-10-23)
Resolution No. 41115Community Informational Meeting February 2, 2023 Community informational meeting in advance of the February 7, 2023 public hearing regarding the STGPD moratorium. City Council Meeting February 7, 2023 Item 22-0038 – Public hearing held for the STGPD moratorium under consideration by the City Council.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-07-23)
Item 22-0038City Council Study Session February 14, 2023 Item 22-0149 – Debrief of the public hearing regarding consideration of a STGPD moratorium. Tacoma Water staff provided an overview of the management of the City’s water supply, ongoing work, and background on per- and polyfluoralkyl substances (PFAs).
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (02-14-23)
Item 22-0149City Council Meeting February 21, 2023 Ordinance No. 28872 was continued to the meeting of February 28, 2023.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-21-23)
Ordinance No. 28872City Council Meeting February 28, 2023 First reading of Ordinance 28872 to enact a moratorium on certain uses (new underground storage tanks and metal recycling/auto wrecking facilities) within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District, for an initial period of up to one year.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-28-23)
Ordinance No. 28872City Council Meeting March 7, 2023 Final reading of Ordinance 28872, enacting moratorium on certain uses (new underground storage tanks and metal
recycling/auto wrecking facilities) within the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District, for an initial period of up to one year.
City Council Meeting Materials (03-07-23)
Ordinance No. 28872March 2023 – December 2023: Updating of the Work Plan by the Planning Commission
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links Planning Commission June 21, 2023 Staff provided an update to the Commission on the overall scope of work, as amended following the adoption of the moratorium.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (06-21-23)Planning Commission October 4, 2023 Staff presented an initial comparison of critical aquifer recharge standards for Pierce County jurisdictions that have jurisdiction within the South Tacoma Aquifer with a focus Impervious Surface Standards, Landscaping Standards, and High Risk/High Impact Uses.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (10-04-23)Planning Commission December 20, 2023 Staff presented some approaches for Planning Commission review and consideration concerning options to update the Work Plan for the South Tacoma Ground Water Protection District Code Amendment outlining a more comprehensive approach that incorporates ongoing and upcoming initiatives led by Tacoma Water and Environmental Services relevant to the STGPD Code Update, as well as coordination with the One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan update that includes review and update to the City’s Critical Areas Preservation Ordinance, and the planned incorporation of a Health Impact Assessment process for the STGPD Code Update.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (12-20-23)January 2024 – March 2024: City Council extension of the moratorium
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links City Council Meeting January 30, 2024 City Council adopted Resolution 41350 setting Tuesday, February 20, 2024 as the date for a public hearing by the City Council on the consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (01-30-24)
Resolution No. 41350City Council Study Session February 13, 2024 Staff provided a presentation on the consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD, in preparation of upcoming public hearing.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (02-13-24)
Item 24-0143City Council Meeting February 20, 2024 Public hearing in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-20-24)
Item 24-0114City Council Study Session February 27, 2024 Staff provided a debrief for the February 20, 2024 public hearing in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (02-27-24)
Item 24-0192City Council Meeting February 27, 2024 First reading of Ordinance No. 28958 in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-27-24)
Ordinance No. 28958City Council Meeting March 5, 2024 Final reading of Ordinance No. 28958 extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD for 6-month period. July 2024 – August 2024: City Council extension of the moratorium
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links City Council Meeting July 23, 2024 City Council adopted Resolution 41484 setting Tuesday, August 13, 2024 as the date for a public hearing by the City Council on the consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (07-23-24)
Resolution No. 41484City Council Study Session August 13, 2024 Staff provided a presentation on the consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD, in preparation of upcoming public hearing.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (08-13-24)
Item 24-0143City Council Meeting August 13, 2024 Public hearing in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (08-13-24)
Item 24-0831City Council Study Session August 20, 2024 Staff provided a debrief for the August 20, 2024 public hearing in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (08-20-24)
Item 24-0916City Council Meeting August 20, 2024 First reading of Ordinance No. 28977 in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (08-20-24)
Ordinance No. 28977City Council Meeting August 27, 2024 Final reading of Ordinance No. 28977 extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD for 6-month period. City Council Meeting Materials (08-27-24)
Ordinance No. 28977August 2024 – Present: Code Update
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links Planning Commission August 7, 2024 Staff presented information on landscape and tree canopy review for the South Tacoma Manufacturing Industrial Center (STMIC) and the Tacoma Mall Regional Growth Center (RGC). Information shared included current city code and policies, benchmarking with other jurisdictions, and preliminary recommendations for Planning Commission consideration.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (08-07-24)City Council Meeting January 14, 2025 City Council adopted Resolution 41596 setting Tuesday, February 4, 2025 as the date for a public hearing by the City Council on the consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (01-14-25)
Resolution No. 41596Infrastructure, Planning, and Sustainability Committee January 22, 2025 Planning and Development Services and Tacoma Water will provide an update regarding the progress of the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Code Update.
IPS Committee Meeting Materials (1-22-2025)
Item 25-0028City Council Study Session February 4, 2025 Staff provided a presentation on the consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD, in preparation of upcoming public hearing.
City Council Study Session Meeting Materials (02-04-25)
Item 25-0101City Council Meeting February 4, 2025 Public hearing in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-04-25)
Item 25-0042City Council Meeting February 11, 2025 First reading of Ordinance No. 29020 in consideration for extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-11-25)
Ordinance No. 29020City Council Meeting February 25, 2025 Final reading of Ordinance No. 29020 extending an existing moratorium on certain high impact uses within the STGPD for 6-month period.
City Council Meeting Materials (02-25-25)
Ordinance No. 29020Planning Commission Meeting April 16, 2025 Staff provided a presentation that included review of the draft code updates before requesting that the Planning Commission release for public review and comment.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (04-16-25)Planning Commission Meeting May 7, 2025 The Planning Commission reviewed the findings and recommendations presented in the South Tacoma Groundwater Protection District Health Impact Assessment (HIA) and accept the HIA as part of the public record for the comment period.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (05-07-25)Community Informational Meeting May 15, 2025 Community informational meeting in advance of the May 21, 2025, public hearing. Planning Commission Meeting May 21, 2025 The Planning Commission held a public hearing on the STGPD Code Update. The proposed amendments include sections of TMC Title 13, specifically pertaining to sections of the code regarding the STGPD and landscaping/tree canopy-related code. The proposed amendments are detailed in the public review document.
Planning Commission Agenda Packet (05-21-25) -
Meeting Title Date Purpose of Meeting/Links Community Event January 25, 2024 Spotlight on South Tacoma Event Series: Community Conversation at STAR Center.
Event Handout
Event SummaryCommunity Event February 29, 2024 Spotlight on South Tacoma Event Series: Neighborhood Plan-A-Thon, as part of the South Tacoma Neighborhood Plan process.
Event AudioCommunity Event March 21, 2024 Spotlight on South Tacoma Event Series: Open House at STAR Center.
Event SummaryVirtual Visioning Workshop June 6, 2024 South Tacoma Visioning Workshop June 10, 2024 South End Visioning Workshop June 15, 2024 Central Tacoma Visioning Workshop June 20, 2024 Community Event February 20, 2025 One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting – STAR Center
Postcard NotificationCommunity Event February 24, 2025 One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting – Virtual Meeting
Postcard NotificationCommunity Event February 27, 2025 One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting – Wheelock Library
Postcard NotificationCommunity Event March 1, 2025 One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan Community Meeting – Eastside Community Center
Postcard Notification -
STGPD Next Steps and Tentative Schedule
Date Body Action April 16, 2025 Planning Commission Release of Draft STGPD Code for Public Review and Set Public Hearing May 7, 2025 Planning Commission HIA Recommendations May 15, 2025 Planning Commission Community Informational Meeting at STAR Center May 21, 2025 Planning Commission Public Hearing June 4, 2025 Planning Commission Public Hearing Debrief and Direction June 18, 2025 Planning Commission Planning Commission Recommendation July 1, 2025 City Council Resolution to Set Public Hearing August 5, 2025 City Council Study Session Public Hearing Preparation August 5, 2025 City Council Public Hearing August 12, 2025 City Council Public Hearing Debrief – Introduce Amendment August 19, 2025 City Council First Reading of Ordinance August 26, 2025 City Council Final Reading of Ordinance September 20, 2025 City Council STGPD Moratorium Expires