Tacoma City Council Enacts Home in Tacoma Phase 2 – Effective February 1, 2025
Tacoma is moving forward with its Home in Tacoma Phase 2 ordinance, a major update to zoning and building regulations aimed at increasing housing density and creating more opportunities for homeownership. As a REALTOR®, understanding these changes is essential to helping your clients navigate the evolving real estate landscape.
Key Zoning Changes
The new ordinance significantly revises Tacoma’s residential zoning, replacing traditional single-family zoning with “low-scale” and “mid-scale” residential zones that allow for a wider variety of housing types, including:
- Duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes
- Cottage housing developments
- Townhomes and small apartment buildings (in designated mid-scale areas)
- Accessory dwelling units (ADUs)
By allowing for more housing options in previously single-family zones, Home in Tacoma Phase 2 aims to increase supply and affordability while maintaining neighborhood character.
Building Design and Development Regulations
Along with zoning updates, the ordinance includes new design and development standards to ensure that additional housing blends well into existing neighborhoods. These standards include:
- Height and lot coverage limits tailored to each zone
- Setback and transition requirements to maintain privacy for existing homes
- Parking requirements that balance housing needs with neighborhood concerns
- Sustainability incentives to encourage green building practices
These updates aim to promote well-designed infill housing while preserving Tacoma’s unique community feel.
Impact on Homeownership and Housing Density
The goal of Home in Tacoma Phase 2 is to increase homeownership opportunities and create a more diverse housing market. By allowing for multiple units on a single lot and promoting smaller, more affordable housing types, this ordinance helps:
- Expand housing choices for first-time buyers and middle-income families
- Encourage development of fee-simple townhomes for ownership opportunities
- Support responsible growth in Tacoma’s urban core and transit corridors
What REALTORS® Should Expect
As Tacoma implements these zoning changes, REALTORS® should be prepared for:
- More interest in infill development opportunities
- Increased demand for newly zoned properties
- Greater need for understanding land use policies when advising client
Stay Engaged in the Conversation
As this policy is rolled out, the REALTOR® community has a role in advocating for responsible implementation—ensuring that changes support homeownership, affordability, and growth that benefits both buyers and sellers.
Additional Resources