October Advocacy update

In alignment with our mission to keep members informed on key planning and policy changes, TPCAR shares recent developments impacting Pierce County’s rural density planning and Tacoma’s business resilience efforts. These updates highlight important shifts in growth management strategies, with implications for land use and local business support.

Home In Tacoma Update:

Phase 2 of Home in Tacoma is focused on developing zoning standards and actions to support the implementation of housing growth in the City of Tacoma. Final recommendations sent to Council by the Planning Commission include establishing new urban residential (UR) zones to create middle housing options, including fee simple lots which would permit multiple units on a single lot to be sold as homeownership opportunities. On a typical 6,000-square-foot lot, the UR-1 zoning would permit up to 4 units as a baseline. The minimum lot size would be reduced to 2,500 square feet in UR-designated areas. Phase 2 will also implement design standards for development which focus on residential patterns to promote compatible growth and consistency in residential areas.

The City Council is deliberating on the proposed amendments and recommendations for Phase 2. A public hearing was held on September 24, 2024, allowing community members to provide input on the proposed changes. The ordinance is expected to receive a final reading on November 19, 2024, and be voted on by Tacoma City Council.

Pierce County Rural Density Program The Pierce County Comprehensive Plan, a 20-year framework guiding growth in unincorporated Pierce County, is currently under review. This review required every ten years by Washington’s Growth Management Act (GMA), addresses regional growth patterns and community needs. In the latest update cycle, three growth alternatives were considered: maintaining current policies, promoting growth in urban areas, and focusing on high-density development near transit.

One significant impact of the proposed changes involves the Rural Density Bonus Program. This program, which previously incentivized rural housing density in exchange for open space conservation, may be reduced under the high-density alternative. Proposed amendments by Councilmember Dave Morell seek to restore density incentives, supporting rural character preservation while allowing managed development. The amendment would reintroduce clustering options and open space preservation incentives, balancing growth with environmental sustainability.

Tacoma’s Proposed Business Safety and Resilience Program The Tacoma City Council is also considering a new initiative, spearheaded by Councilmembers Kiara Daniels and Olgy Diaz, to enhance business safety and resilience across the city. Expected to launch in mid-2025, this program would allocate a portion of business license fees toward infrastructure improvements and safety projects in business districts. Funding will scale from 1.5% of license fee revenue in 2025 to 6% by 2027, supporting neighborhood revitalization and safe environments for local businesses.

Through partnerships with the Chamber of Commerce and community groups, the program aims to bolster economic development, improve pedestrian spaces, and facilitate crime prevention. These efforts align with Tacoma’s broader Climate Action Plan and One Tacoma Comprehensive Plan, fostering a sustainable and resilient local economy.

Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department “stress tests” for septic systems 

In early August, after several conversations and additional feedback provided by Tacoma-Pierce County Association of REALTORS, the Tacoma-Pierce County Health Department decided to pause implementation of a septic stress test requirement which was originally effective as of July 15, 2024. 

This means that, for the time being, a stress test will not be required when submitting a home sale inspection application for a gravity septic system. 

This is a huge win for our membership and consumers as, even in the short 2-week window where the tests were required, there were examples of systems suffering total failure and costing sellers money and a home sale. As members consider the value of membership it’s important to remember that REALTOR® advocacy is most effective with an active and supportive membership base and that our relationships created with elected officials through our RPAC and advocacy programs are the most effective way to protect the interests of consumers and the real estate industry. 

Our Advocacy Team will continue to keep our membership updated on this issue as it evolves. 

The Pierce County and Tacoma updates reflect a commitment to structured growth, economic resilience, and environmental stewardship, providing REALTORS® and community members with essential information as they navigate these changes.