The long-anticipated overhaul of Tacoma's residential zoning laws is finally kicking off, as city officials roll out the Home in Tacoma project starting tomorrow aiming to diversify housing options and tackle the affordability crisis head-on. As reported by the City of Tacoma, the plan is a response to extensive civic discussions and comes after the passage of Ordinance 28793 last November.
The heart of the strategy lies in the introduction of three new Urban Residential (UR) zones, these aren't just labels—they signal a fundamental shift in Tacoma's urban fabric as they will replace the city's current residential zoning map and allow for a more eclectic mix of housing such as houseplexes, backyard cottages, rowhouses, courtyard housing, and multiplexes.
These zones also come with reduced minimum parking requirements, a highlight that nods to a more environmentally and transportation-conscious future, and developers will need to adjust to new guidelines that prioritize tree preservation and offer more flexibility for subdividing lots, as per the city's official announcement.
