Thinking about buying in Tacoma and wondering how the new zoning rules could shape your plans? Home in Tacoma took effect on February 1, 2025 and it changes what can be built on most residential lots. If you want a place to settle or a property with rental potential, these updates may influence value, neighborhood feel, and your long‑term options. This guide breaks down what changed, how it could affect your search, and a simple checklist to evaluate any Tacoma property. Let’s dive in.
Home in Tacoma at a glance
Tacoma adopted a comprehensive zoning update known as Home in Tacoma Phase 2, which replaced much of the old single‑family zoning with three Urban Residential zones: UR‑1, UR‑2, and UR‑3. The package also updated design, parking, and tree standards. You can review the program overview and mapping tools on the city’s Home in Tacoma page for the latest details and resources such as tip sheets and the interactive zoning map. Visit the city’s Home in Tacoma program page.
New Urban Residential zones
UR‑1 allows the lowest intensity of the three, UR‑2 is midscale, and UR‑3 is the most intense of the three Urban Residential zones. Each zone includes different limits for density, floor area, and height. Use the city’s interactive map on the program page to confirm the zoning of any specific parcel.
More housing types allowed
The new code allows a broader mix of housing across most residential lots. Options include single‑unit houses, duplexes and houseplexes, rowhouses, courtyard housing, multiplexes, backyard buildings, and accessory dwelling units. For specifics on allowed types and site standards, see the city’s UR tip sheets. Review the UR‑1 tip sheet for examples and tables.
Parking and trees in brief
Parking minimums are reduced in many contexts, with special limits for middle housing near transit and no off‑street parking required for ADUs. The city also updated tree, landscaping, and amenity space standards and ties some development flexibilities to tree retention. For a snapshot of Tacoma’s reduced parking areas, see this summary. See the Parking Reform Network’s Tacoma overview.
What it means for you as a buyer
Planning to live in the home
You may see gradual change as some lots add ADUs, duplexes, or small multiplexes. Activity tends to concentrate closer to higher‑intensity zones and transit, and not every block will redevelop quickly. Check the zoning on your target home and nearby parcels so you understand likely future development patterns. Start with the city’s Home in Tacoma page and map.
House‑hacking or multi‑generational living
If you want space for extended family or rental income, the new rules help. You can generally build up to two ADUs on a legally established lot, subject to size and site limits. The city offers pre‑approved DADU plans, and ADUs do not require off‑street parking under the updated standards. Check the UR tip sheet for ADU size limits and standards.
Investing for the long term
The goal of Home in Tacoma is to enable more homes citywide over time. More supply can moderate price pressure, though the effects are gradual. Early local reporting shows an uptick in ADU permitting tied to the city’s pre‑approved plans and streamlined approach. Read KNKX coverage of Tacoma’s ADU momentum.
Resale and value drivers
Parcels that can lawfully add units may carry added development value, while buyers sensitive to added density will want to understand nearby zoning. Treat each property individually and confirm its specific rules, potential, and any constraints. Use the city’s UR tip sheets to verify density, setbacks, height, and allowed types.
Understanding UR zones with simple examples
Exact limits vary by parcel and zone, but the city’s tip sheets provide clear examples by lot size.
- UR‑1 base example: about 1 unit per 1,500 square feet. On a 6,000 square foot lot that can be roughly 4 units, with higher counts possible if a project qualifies for bonuses.
- UR‑2 base example: about 1 unit per 1,000 square feet. On a 6,000 square foot lot that can be roughly 6 units, with higher counts possible with bonuses.
- UR‑3 base example: about 1 unit per 750 square feet. On a 6,000 square foot lot that can be roughly 8 units, with higher counts possible with bonuses.
Floor area and height also step up from UR‑1 to UR‑3. For instance, UR‑3 allows a higher FAR and a base height up to 35 feet, with bonus tiers that can permit additional height or stories. Always confirm the exact table for your parcel before you rely on these examples. See the UR tip sheet for the governing tables.
Bonuses and affordability rules
The code includes two bonus tiers that can allow more density or floor area in exchange for public benefits. Common pathways include on‑site affordable units or retention of an existing building. If a project uses an affordability bonus, long‑term covenants must be recorded and can run for many years, with state guidance pointing to long minimum terms such as 50 years. Review Washington’s HB 1110 middle‑housing statute for affordability provisions.
Buyer due diligence checklist
- Confirm zoning for the property and nearby parcels using the city’s interactive map, and check for overlay districts such as historic, view‑sensitive, or critical areas. Start on the Home in Tacoma program page.
- Verify the exact standards that apply to your lot. Use UR tip sheets for density, setbacks, FAR, height, and housing types. For ADUs, review size limits and the city’s pre‑approved DADU resources. Use the UR tip sheet as your reference.
- Ask for records of prior permits and any recorded covenants or affordability restrictions. If a past bonus enabled extra units, a covenant could affect future sales and financing. See state law context on recorded covenants.
- Talk with Tacoma Planning and Development Services early if you plan to add units. Confirm likely permit steps, fees, and timelines and consider using a pre‑approved DADU plan. Find contacts and tools on the program page.
- Evaluate parking and access. Reduced minimums can change curb demand and driveway design. Check on‑street conditions and confirm requirements with staff. See a summary of Tacoma’s reduced parking areas.
- Keep an eye on updates. The city signaled follow‑up work on urban forestry and other refinements that could affect standards. Read regional reporting on tree canopy discussions.
What to expect in the near term
The City Council adopted the ordinance in November 2024, and the new standards took effect on February 1, 2025. Expect gradual change as permit applications and small infill projects work through the pipeline. Early activity may center on ADUs and smaller middle housing types as owners leverage pre‑approved plans and streamlined permitting. See KNKX’s reporting on early ADU outcomes.
Ready to explore Tacoma with a plan that fits your goals and the new rules? For clear guidance and a tailored property strategy, connect with Megan Milliken to get started.
FAQs
Can I add an ADU to a typical Tacoma lot under the new code?
- Yes. Up to two ADUs are generally allowed on a legally established lot, with a typical maximum size of about 1,000 square feet and no off‑street parking required, subject to site and design standards. Check the city’s UR tip sheet for details.
What do UR‑1, UR‑2, and UR‑3 mean for density and height?
- UR‑1 allows the lowest intensity, UR‑2 is midscale, and UR‑3 allows the most among Urban Residential zones, with higher density, FAR, and height as you move up the scale. See example tables in the UR tip sheet.
Will my street see large apartment buildings now?
- Not likely in most Urban Residential areas. The UR zones focus on middle housing types, while larger multifamily is more common near Centers and Corridors or higher‑intensity areas. Use the city’s interactive map to check your parcel.
How do the parking changes affect my block?
- Reduced minimums can increase reliance on curb parking, especially near transit, though it varies by block and project. Review on‑street conditions and city standards for your area. See a Tacoma parking overview.
What happens if a project uses an affordability bonus near my home?
- When a developer uses a bonus tied to affordable units, recorded covenants generally ensure long‑term affordability for those homes, which can affect resale and financing of those units. Review the state middle‑housing statute for covenant rules.
